NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • PERSCO matches faces with spaces

    Before an air and space expeditionary force is deployed, AEF Center officials first source out requirements to major commands, which assign them to individual wings that fill them with Airmen.When that system has a hiccup, personnel support for contingency operations office Airmen at

  • Defense Department expands flu vaccine program

    Department of Defense officials are expanding the flu vaccination program to include people as young as age 50 and those in close contact with those at high risk of getting the flu, the Pentagon's top doctor said Dec. 22. The military medical system has enough flu vaccine on hand to expand the

  • Malmstrom Airman gives gift of life

    Although separated by thousands of miles, an Airman here and a special little girl have a common bond.First Lt. Janelle Rust, a 12th Missile Squadron missile officer, signed up for the Department of Defense Bone Marrow Donor Program while at Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.

  • Manpower creates spaces for faces

    As part of the air and space expeditionary force structure, nearly everyone will one day deploy, but who determines what deployment positions are needed?Deployed manpower specialists fill that vital need at bases worldwide. They help commanders determine what positions are needed, which can be

  • Air Force leaders send holiday message

    The following is a holiday message from Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper:“In this special holiday season we offer our sincere best wishes to you, our Air Force family -- our total force of active duty, Guard, Reserve and civilians, as

  • ‘Mothership’ retires

    NASA's B-52B Stratofortress "mothership" air-launch aircraft has retired after nearly 50 years of dropping advanced research vehicles.Officials at the Air Force Flight Test Center and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Dryden Flight Research Center here held a retirement ceremony

  • Santa on the Radar

    Preparations are under way at the North Pole for Santa’s annual launch, and North American Aerospace Defense Command controllers will be tracking him across the globe from Christmas Eve until he’s finished making his drops to all children of all ages.After Santa enters the air space over

  • Vandenberg activates interceptor missile

    Missile defense is likened to hitting a bullet with a bullet. Using that analogy, the Air Force now has a round in the chamber.Officials from the 30th Space Wing here and the Missile Defense Agency positioned the first ground-based interceptor missile in an underground launch facility here Dec. 10,

  • Ugandans get air power lesson

    The U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander addressed the first class of Ugandan Senior Command and Staff College attendees here Dec. 2 during the course’s air power week. As the guest lecturer, Gen. Robert H. “Doc” Foglesong talked about issues ranging from air and space power to leadership and how the

  • Air Force merging information technology offices

    The secretary of the Air Force announced Dec. 7 plans to consolidate three headquarters-level organizations under one commander. The offices of warfighting integration, the chief information officer and communications operations will be reorganized into the office of networks and warfighting

  • Golden retriever ‘finds’ girl to help

    Berkley has a new friend for life. The golden retriever service dog, “found” 7-year-old Jamie Rizzo when her family visited the Canine Assistants headquarters in Alpharetta, Ga.Since birth, the daughter of 1st Lt. Victor Rizzo, of the 3rd Space Operations Squadron here, has had developmental

  • Military families ride in Disney Christmas parade

    Three families of Airmen assigned to the 45th Space Wing here rode on a float Dec. 3 for the taping of the annual Walt Disney World Christmas Parade in Orlando. The families, along with one of a Sailor from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., were asked to represent military families and

  • Deadline extended for space, missile retraining applications

    The deadline for officers to apply for retraining into the space and missile career field has been extended to Jan. 3.The career field needs an additional 30-40 people. Interested officers must first contact their assignment team to determine if they can be released from their current career field.

  • Weekly Reader asks students to write president's address

    Weekly Reader magazine wants to know what its readers would say to the world on Jan. 20, the date President George W. Bush takes the oath of office and gives his second inaugural address.The school-based educational and news magazine posed that question to its more than 7 million readers for its

  • Now showing: Dec. 6 edition of AFTV News

    Two inspirational stories headline the latest edition of Air Force Television News. In the first, Staff Sgt. John Anderson profiles the story of Lt. Col. Andrew Lourake, a pilot whose flying career seemed doomed after his leg was amputated. Instead, through hard work and rehabilitation, Colonel

  • Fighter pilot film about teamwork, thrill of flight

    Civilians and Airmen alike can get breathtaking insight into parts of the Air Force they may not have seen before. The IMAX film "Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag," premiered Dec. 2 at the National Air and Space Museum here. Filmgoers got an inside look at one of the Air Force's largest training

  • Air Guard retraces first flight to South Pole

    Their route was the same, but the crew of Skier 94 did not expect any of the hat tossing and hurrahs that greeted Navy Rear Adm. Richard E. Byrd and his flight crew 75 years ago.That is the difference between being the first plane ever to reach the South Pole and the fourth plane of the day.The

  • Base chef performs culinary magic

    He is a magician of sorts. However, he waves a spatula instead of a wand and uses a frying pan instead of a top hat, along with a little culinary artistry to craft eggs, bacon, sausage and hash brown potatoes into cuisine for hungry dining facility patrons here. Francis L. Aragon, food service

  • Four-legged sentinels key to force protection

    Dogs are rarely permitted anywhere these days. Whether it is the grocery store or a crowded rock concert, dogs are often turned away at the door. However, at a forward-deployed location here, the dogs have free reign and an important job to do.From detecting explosives to searching buildings and

  • DOD to use 'forward-deployed active-layered defense' to protect country

    The Department of Defense's new strategy for helping protect the nation is to have a "forward-deployed active-layered defense," said the man who helped craft the plan.Paul McHale, assistant secretary of defense for homeland defense, said his agency "firmly believes" the nation's defense begins

  • AGE of excellence

    Empty closets and pantries are often considered signs of scarcity and tough times. But when Tech. Sgt. Timothy Haun opens the “hold bin,” a pantry that used to be full of manila envelopes and boxes, he sees mostly empty space, and he is happy about it.The manila envelopes and boxes contained pieces

  • Air Force leaders send Thanksgiving message

    The following is a Thanksgiving message from Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper:“Each year, Americans set aside the special day of ‘Thanksgiving’ to gather with family and friends to count their blessings. At the first Thanksgiving

  • F-35 ‘flies’ above central New York

    Perched atop a pedestal overlooking a rural valley in central New York sits the nation's air warrior of the future.Sophisticated antenna testing is under way on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter at the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Newport antenna research and measurement facility.The full-scale F-35

  • Pilot receives ball, honor from NFL football player

    Though they wear different uniforms and fight different battles, for a brief moment, an NFL football player and an Air Force pilot met eye to eye. Capt. Ryan Silver, a pilot with the 89th Flying Training Squadron at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, stood on the sidelines in Tampa, Fla., on Nov. 21 as

  • Airmen, bombers fueling the ‘Fury’

    More than 300 Airmen, Sailors and Marines from around the world began participating in Resultant Fury on Nov. 22. It is a three-day, $10 million demonstration, designed to showcase the first use of satellite guided J-Series weapons to sink multiple moving targets."We're matching up advanced weapons

  • Senator praises Air Force secretary

    A leading member of Congress praised Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche on the floor of the U.S. Senate on Nov. 19, just days after the secretary announced his resignation.Sen. James Inhofe paid tribute Secretary Roche’s service, specifically pointing to his efforts at revitalizing

  • NASA X-43A rockets to Mach 9.8 at Edwards

    After postponing the mission because of a problem with the X-43A hypersonic research aircraft, NASA officials said they could not have hoped for a better flight than the one they had here Nov. 16."It was a great mission," said Joel Sitz, X-43A project manager. "It was 90 seconds of terror, but once

  • Speckled Trout takes detour to aid deployed Airman

    “Airmen helping Airmen” is a statement that is made often in the ranks of the Air Force.High-ranking Air Force leaders and a C-135C Speckled Trout crew from here demonstrated it Nov. 11.The crew was preparing to leave Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, with Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche and

  • Space, missile career field seeking officers

    Air Force officials are looking for Airmen to consider retraining into the space and missile career field.The career field needs an additional 30 to 40 people, officials said. Interested officers must contact their assignment team to determine if they can be released from their current career

  • ROTC cadets use marathon to reinforce core values

    Nine Air Force ROTC cadets used the Marine Corps Marathon to help them become better leaders.The University of Notre Dame cadets from Air Force ROTC Detachment 225 traveled from Indiana to Arlington Va., recently to compete in the 29th Marine Corps Marathon.The detachment’s athletic goals are to

  • Airman achieves dream to fly 'into the wild blue yonder'

    The anticipation shines in his eyes. The smile on his face is genuine and easy. His demeanor exudes an infectious energy.Capt. Terry Tyree Jr. gets to fly today.It has taken him 14 years, three technical schools and a positive attitude to achieve his dream of becoming an Air Force pilot.He

  • Roche submits resignation

    Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche announced his resignation Nov. 16."I'm honored to have served the president, the secretary of defense and the terrific Airmen I've come to know and love in the past few years as the secretary of the Air Force,” he said. “I've served with talented

  • Airman recalls convoy duty in Iraq

    Staff Sgt. Amelia Solomon did not spend her summer backpacking through Europe or sunbathing on the beaches of Cornwall with her 3-year-old daughter. Instead, she spent her summer in the dry, blistering heat of Iraq, wondering how many improvised explosive devices might be hidden on the trail in

  • Space assets critical to winning war on terrorism

    Space-based assets are proving critical to winning the war on terrorism, according to the commander of Air Force Space Command.“You cannot go to war and win without space,” Gen. Lance W. Lord said during a live appearance on “Fox and Friends” here Nov. 11.The command comprises about 40,000 space

  • Airman sets sights on shooting championship

    You are in the bathtub. You hear a sound. Suddenly you jump up and run to the nightstand. There you grab your pistol and immediately begin firing. Does this sound like a scene out of a crime drama, or a night at home gone very wrong? No. It is just another day at the range for Maj. Roger

  • Three children give to peers at local hospitals

    As a child, it is not very difficult deciding where your money goes: toys, toys, and if there is a little left over, toys. For three children here, the decision was a little more difficult.Riley and Sydney Beris and Elizabeth Horejsi are the “Three Amigos,” a charity organization that has pet sat,

  • Air Force’s future ‘invented’ at research lab

    It still may be a little too soon for Star Trek’s “beam me up, Scotty” technology, but Air Force scientists and engineers are trying to narrow the gap between science fiction and science fact.The Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, recently published the results

  • Airman takes co-pilot's stick during in-flight emergency

    Like most passengers on a commercial airlines flight, Lt. Col. Scott Neumann probably expected a long, uneventful flight from Dulles International Airport in Washington to Los Angeles.Boy, was he wrong.The deputy commander for the 412th Operations Group at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., had just

  • Reserve volunteers to see longer overseas tour lengths

    The leader of Air Force Reserve Command said Airmen volunteering for duty are leading his command’s ability to support the war effort; however, changes to the amount of time people will be asked to be overseas are on the horizon.Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley, chief of the Air Force Reserve and AFRC

  • GPS satellite blasts off from Cape Canaveral

    A Delta II launch vehicle carried a Global Positioning System satellite nearly 11,000 miles above Earth from here Nov. 6.The satellite replaces one of 24 in the constellation that experts call the most accurate navigation aid ever for U.S. warfighters. The constellation provides continuous, precise

  • Air Force’s top leaders visit Southwest Asia

    The Air Force’s top civilian, officer and enlisted leaders visited more than 5,000 Airmen at this forward-deployed location Nov. 4 as they kicked off their swing through Southwest Asia.Sporting the Air Force’s new proposed utility uniform, Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche, Chief of

  • Panel discusses people, command and control, IT

    A panel of senior officers discussed the importance of people, strong command and control, and information technology innovations during the Airlift/Tanker Association convention here Oct. 30.The panel consisted of Gen. John W. Handy, commander of U.S. Transportation Command and Air Mobility

  • General Jumper discusses transformation

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper addressed thousands of troops as the final keynote speaker at the Airlift/Tanker Association Symposium here Oct. 30.The general spoke on how far the Air Force has evolved in recent years and what he sees for the future.“We, as Airmen, face what can only

  • CMSAF addresses top issues

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray addressed hundreds of troops attending the 2004 Airlift/Tanker Association Symposium on Oct. 29, an event he has been unable to attend in years past.Chief Murray gave his insight on three main topics he said he feels are the backbone of the

  • AFIT honors 2004 distinguished alumni

    The Air Force Institute of Technology honored two 2004 distinguished alumni here Oct. 29. Retired Maj. Gen. Robert R. Rankine and Dr. Edward T. Curran were selected for their pioneering roles in science, engineering and education.“The title of ‘distinguished alumnus’ is the highest honor that AFIT

  • Air Force musicians join AEF rotations

    Air Force bandsmen rarely play to boisterous crowds of 2,000 people dancing, singing and stage-diving, but at one deployed location in Southwest Asia, that is what happened. The show was among several in the Middle East as part of the Air Force Band of Mid-America’s tour during its first air and

  • Guardsmen making K-2 connections

    The C-130 Hercules aircrew from Saint Joseph, Mo., was told the night before that its mission tasking, called a frag (fragmentary order), was to fly supplies from Karshi-Khanabad Air Base, Uzbekistan, known as K-2, to Fire Base Salerno, Afghanistan.It was going to be a quick offload for the Missouri

  • British team shoots to top at Defender Challenge 2004

    An eight-person British team took home the top award at the worldwide security forces competition Defender Challenge 2004 held here Oct. 22 to 28.The Royal Air Force Regiment took first in the grueling fitness challenge event and third in the Sadler Cup tactical exercise. These wins earned them the

  • General Myers praises troops, addresses concerns

    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers addressed this year’s Airlift/Tanker Association convention here Oct. 29 with one main goal in mind.“I wanted to look you in the eye and tell you how important you are to this great country of ours. You are our future,” he said.

  • AEF Center commander explains longer cycle

    The effect of the expanded air and space expeditionary force tour lengths on troop morale was addressed here by the general in charge of the deployment schedule.Brig. Gen. Steven Hoog, AEF Center commander, explained how the recent extension to four-month deployments is working out.“Airmen have

  • Airmen recall Swiss internment

    Confinement did not stop some servicemembers from doing their duty during World War II, and now a little distance did not keep them from rekindling old memories.Thirty one former Army Air Force servicemembers, here for the Swiss Internees Association reunion Oct. 14, all have a different story. But

  • Where there is a will to vote, there is a way

    Floating around the Earth 230 miles up, NASA Astronaut Leroy Chiao is not too far from the polls to stand up and be counted on Election Day.From the International Space Station, Mr. Chiao will cast his vote in the Nov. 2 national election. Mr Chiao said he is passionate about his civic duty and

  • Two deployed Airmen celebrate Ramadan

    For most Airmen, deploying on the current air and space expeditionary force rotation means spending the holidays far from family and home. But for two Airmen with the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing here, it means getting closer to their religious roots.Though a general order prohibits Airmen from

  • Last Peacekeeper class graduates

    The era of the Peacekeeper intercontinental ballistic missile is coming to a close as the last class of Peacekeeper operators graduated here Oct. 15. There will be no more Peacekeepers after September 2005.Gen. Lance W. Lord, commander of Air Force Space Command, presided over the graduation. The

  • Officials activate National Security Space Institute

    Air Force Space Command officials stood up a space education and training organization here recently that they said will provide the foundation to creating a new generation of space professionals. The National Security Space Institute will be the Department of Defense's single focal point for space

  • Active-duty, reservists combine forces in Afghan sky

    In the Afghanistan sky, the 81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron has a “rainbow” effect. Air Force Reserve and active-duty pilots have teamed together for an air and space expeditionary force deployment here to protect U.S. and coalition people from attackers whose aim is to disrupt the national

  • LOEs now mandatory for some deployed commanders

    With the continuing emergence of increased expeditionary mission requirements, Air Force officials are implementing a policy that will complement officer evaluations by ensuring performance in key leadership positions at deployed locations is documented.Beginning with the current air and space

  • AEF Battlelab becomes Air Warfare Battlelab

    The Air Expeditionary Force Battlelab, which stood up here in July 1997, recently became the Air Warfare Battlelab. The change reflects the 2003 realignment under the Air Warfare Center at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., and better matches operational and testing functions. The battlelab focuses on

  • C-141 schoolhouse closes at Wright-Pat

    Air Force Reserve Command officials shut down the C-141 Starlifter schoolhouse here Oct. 14.A ceremony marked the closing of the school, officially called the C-141 Formal Training Unit. It was managed by the 445th Airlift Wing. Use of the facility, the only one of its kind in the Air Force, ended

  • Name change heralds new era at AF museum

    A dramatic era of change and growth continues to unfold at the Air Force's national museum with the institution launching a formal name change.Officials announced the name change from the U.S. Air Force Museum to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force during a ceremony Oct. 14. "The Air Force

  • Student Civil Air Patrol program takes flight

    While some middle-school students spend their free time playing video games or watching television, a recently chartered organization here is giving future Airmen the opportunity to experience crossing into the blue as Civil Air Patrol cadets.Unlike ROTC, the cadets’ involvement is not graded as a

  • Postal agency sets overseas holiday mailing dates, policies

    The dates for mailing items to and from overseas locations in time for the holidays are fast approaching, and officials at the Military Postal Service Agency here have suggestions for ensuring packages and letters arrive on time. "If packages are mailed earlier, it may be possible to use

  • Helmet upgrades enhance air power

    F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots here can now look, lock and launch on an enemy target in the blink of an eye. Because split seconds can mean the difference between life or death for a pilot in combat, the 52nd Fighter Wing here adopted an advanced approach to high-tech man-machine interaction with the

  • Services serves up thousands of feasts

    The days of the chow hall are gone. They have been replaced by a new trend, which sets the Air Force apart from other branches of the military; friendly customer service and out-of-this world food, even while deployed.But for the people at a forward-deployed services squadron, making the food taste

  • Now showing: Oct. 11 edition of AFTV News

    The continuing Air Force role in Operation Enduring Freedom highlights the latest edition of Air Force Television News. Tech. Sgt. Joy Josephson explains the resupply mission by Air National Guard C-130 Hercules units operating from Uzbekistan. Another aspect of the service’s contribution to peace

  • Edwards system monitors SpaceShipOne during flights

    As SpaceShipOne rocketed over the Mojave Desert on Oct. 4 to claim the famed Ansari X Prize, a team of engineers here collected data about the spacecraft’s trajectory thanks to the spaceport arrival and departure safety system.In a partnership between the California Space Authority and the Air Force

  • Officials unveil new space badge

    Air Force Space Command officials unveiled a new space badge at the Strategic Space 2004 Convention in Omaha, Neb., on Oct. 7. The new badge replaces the current space and missile functional badge worn by space and missile operations professionals, said Gen. Lance W. Lord, AFSPC commander. It is

  • Myers: Changing military culture key to transformation

    The most important area for transformation is the space "between our warfighters' ears," said the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.During an interview, Gen. Richard B. Myers addressed the need for servicemembers and Department of Defense civilians to transform the way they think. He said DOD

  • Air Force astronaut dies

    Retired Col. Gordon Cooper, the NASA astronaut who piloted the sixth and last flight of the Mercury program and later commanded Gemini 5, died Oct. 4 at his home in Ventura, Calif. He was 77 years old. The youngest of the original seven Mercury astronauts, Colonel Cooper's flight in his Faith 7

  • New chief scientist eyes, ears for AF leaders

    Operationalizing space is the top goal of the Air Force’s new chief scientist.“As the Air Force’s chief scientist, I am the technical eyes and ears for the chief of staff of the Air Force and the secretary of the Air Force, advising and alerting them to key issues,” said Dr. Mark J. Lewis, the

  • Memphis Belle to find new home at AF Museum

    Air Force officials announced plans Oct. 4 to relocate the World War II B-17 "Memphis Belle" to the Air Force museum near Dayton, Ohio.No date has been set, but officials said they expect the move to occur before the end of the year in conjunction with activities planned to observe the 60th

  • Airmen brace for new fitness test

    The Air Force chief of staff fired a shot across the bow in July 2003 that got the attention of Airmen everywhere.Gen. John P. Jumper forewarned that a new fit-to-fight program would replace the cycle ergometry test and encouraged everyone to get ready. Staff Sgt. Kurt Hartmann did not, and he paid

  • Missile crewmember deploys with refuelers

    Most Air Force missile crewmembers spend the majority of their time in an underground launch control center monitoring intercontinental ballistic missiles. But one missileer experienced deployed life in the flying world.First Lt. Joe Page, a missile combat crew commander from Minot Air Force Base,

  • ‘Eyes of the North’ steady as AF moves mission to Guard

    Defending the homeland is one of the key missions of the Air National Guard, and Oct. 1, the Alaska Air National Guard will officially assume operations of the Air Force’s regional air operation center here. The center’s mission is to provide ready teams to operate and maintain North American

  • Research lab experts test joined-wing demonstrator

    Researchers here flew a 7 percent scaled Joined-Wing Technology Demonstrator for the first time Sept. 22, putting the future of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft design through its initial paces.Air Force Research Laboratory experts designed and are developing the SensorCraft

  • Academy town hall meeting reaches worldwide audience

    The Air Force’s three top leaders opened a town hall meeting here Sept. 27 by speaking about the service’s force size and its future in space.Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper explained the current force management is “not a cut” but designed to reshape the force. “It is getting us down to where

  • Tennessee Guard moves, prepares for C-5s

    Air Force officials signed a land-exchange agreement with the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority on Sept. 20 allowing the Tennessee Air National Guard’s 164th Airlift Wing more space to convert from C-141B Starlifters to C-5 Galaxys.Fred Kuhn, deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for

  • Now showing: Sept. 27 edition of AFTV News

    The latest edition of Air Force Television News focuses on the conflict in Afghanistan. Tech. Sgts. Pachari Lutke and Joy Josephson spent a week in the Kyrgyz Republic, reporting on the Air Force mission in this former Soviet territory and how Airmen there are supporting Operation Enduring

  • White House breakfast honors American Indian servicemembers

    President Bush took honored those to whom the newest Smithsonian Institution museum is dedicated Sept. 23.He praised the contributions of American Indians, both military and civilian, from Sacagawea's presence with Lewis and Clark to the Code Talkers of World War II."The National Museum of the

  • Number of officers receiving command pay reduced

    Command Responsibility Pay now received by some field-grade officers in command positions will end in October.In a Sight Picture titled, “Recognizing the Responsibility of Command,” Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper announced the Air Force would reduce the number of command positions that

  • Air Force issues ‘stop movement’ for Patrick, Cape Canaveral

    Air Force officials have issued a “stop-movement’ order for people permanently moving to or transiting Patrick Air Force Base or Cape Canaveral Air Station, Fla., based on the probability that Hurricane Jeanne will affect the area.This order also effects any duty location serviced by either base's

  • Leaders outline space-cadre strategy

    Earlier this summer, Undersecretary of the Air Force Peter B. Teets and Gen. Lance W. Lord, commander of Air Force Space Command, outlined for Congress their strategy to develop the professional space cadre the nation needs to acquire and operate future space systems. One of the first things they

  • Partnership brings space to classroom

    More than 300 students and teachers boarded yellow buses for a field trip like no other. No, they did not visit the zoo or any of the local tourist attractions; they ventured all the way to space -- well, Air Force Space Command headquarters here.The students were invited as part of the “Space in

  • Duke Field aids relief efforts after hurricanes

    Duke Field picked up a new mission after Hurricane Ivan passed through northwest Florida with 140-mph winds and deadly tornadoes that caused billions of dollars of damage and at least 18 U.S. deaths.Duke Field became a logistical staging area for 40 people from the Federal Emergency Management

  • Airmen run missile-alert facilities

    For the last 40 years, the great plains of North Dakota have been housing the 91st Space Wing’s intercontinental ballistic missiles. The missile-alert facilities are manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week.There are security forces who protect and operators who run the nation’s greatest deterrence

  • Dental technician becomes U.S. citizen

    American citizenship for many people comes with birth in this country, while others choose it later on in life. For one Airman here, the teenage dream of American citizenship started by leaving the country of his birth, was realized Sept. 16 in a federal courtroom ceremony where he took the oath of

  • Airmen remain in control of their futures

    In spite of the Air Force’s force-shaping measures, Airmen are learning they remain in control of their futures, even in over-manned career fields.There are choices for those whose re-enlistments are coming up soon: retrain, join the Guard or Reserve, join the Army with “Operation Blue to Green” or

  • Air Force announces team-excellence awards

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper announced the five teams selected for 2004 Chief of Staff Team Excellence Awards during a ceremony Sept 14.Fifteen teams were nominated for the awards, which recognize outstanding team performance and promote systematic process improvement. The awards

  • Air Force teams take two simulation awards

    Two Air Force teams are recipients of Department of Defense Modeling and Simulation Awards.The Air Force winners are:Acquisition -- Simulation and Analysis Facility Joint Unmanned Combat Air System Simulation Team from the advanced computational analysis directorate at Wright-Patterson Air Force

  • Military growth anticipated in Guam

    With President Bush dubbing the 21st century "the Pacific century," Guam is expected to become increasingly important to U.S. military operations, officials here told visiting civilian leaders Sept. 17.Both Andersen Air Force Base in the north and Naval Base Guam in the south anticipate big growth

  • Minot officer dies after fall

    A lieutenant colonel here died Sept. 18 at about 12:30 p.m. from injuries sustained in a fall earlier in the day.Lt. Col. David Patterson, 5th Maintenance Group deputy commander, fell from an obstacle at the base’s confidence course while participating in a team-building exercise.The colonel arrived

  • Jumper: Terror threat greater than any other

    The threat of terrorism is greater than any threat this nation has ever faced, said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper. And he said he believes today's Airmen are up to the challenge.The threat of terrorism is "greater than Nazism, greater than communism," General Jumper said. "This

  • AETC commander gives education update

    Right number, right skills, right training and right quality.That is the bottom line, said Gen. Donald G. Cook, commander of Air Education and Training Command, when he gave his stakeholders’ report at the Air Force Association’s 2004 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition on Sept.

  • Military astronaut trainees excited, ready

    When Maj. James Dutton Jr. returns from his first space mission, he hopes to bring back a U.S. flag -- but not just any U.S. flag.He is to focus on the one planted on the moon 35 years ago by astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. At least, that is the request Major Dutton's oldest son, J.P.,

  • War on terror testing, reinforcing Air Force concepts

    The war on terrorism is teaching Air Force leaders important lessons and validating others, said Air Force Secretary Dr. James G. Roche.It is emphasizing the success of the air and space expeditionary force, the importance of joint operations and the critical contribution of the Guard and Reserve in

  • Leaders, compelling mission keep AF strength high

    Air Force leaders are struggling with a problem. The service has 20,000 more people than it is authorized. And as its leaders work to pare the numbers by 16,000 by the end of fiscal 2005, Airmen and would-be Airmen are standing in line to enlist or re-enlist."It's a fascinating problem for us,"

  • Bombers rotations continue on Guam

    Demonstrating once again that bomber forces can be sustained in the Pacific, about 250 Airmen deployed Sept. 10 to 12 from Louisiana to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, as part of a 120-day air and space expeditionary force rotation.The 20th Expeditionary Bomber Squadron is the third of four existing

  • Secretary, chief send Air Force birthday message

    The following is an Air Force birthday message from Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper:“Happy birthday to the Airmen of the world’s greatest air and space force! Our 57 years of history may be short, but they are packed with astounding

  • Jamming incident underscores lessons about space

    When anti-coalition forces in Iraq used jammers last year to thwart Global Positioning System precision-guided munitions in that theater, it represented a new but not unexpected challenge for the U.S. military: The first time an adversary challenged its dominance in space.Air Force Secretary Dr.

  • Creative Airmen shape tomorrow’s Air Force today

    The initiative and innovations of Airmen today will shape the Air Force of tomorrow, said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper on Sept. 15 at the Air Force Association’s 2004 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here.“The theme of this symposium is people, and throughout the