July 24 airpower summary: Predators stop insurgents

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 24, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer performed shows of force over

July 23 airpower summary: Strike Eagles provide keen overwatch

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb

Air Force Marathon continues to add new race elements

In response to runners' requests, Air Force Marathon race officials here have adjusted awards categories for this year's half-marathon race so they are in five-year age increments, rather than 10.The change is part of a growing list of new elements for this year's Air Force 60th Anniversary event,

Planners keep Rodeo 2007 aircraft flying

On a gray Pacific Northwest morning in the middle of July, McChord Air Force Base resembled a European airfield at the height of the Berlin Airlift. While the operations tempo for McChord AFB has been high for the last several years, the influx of aircraft here for the 2007 Air Mobility Command

Airmen save the day for Turkish Rodeo team

When the Turkish C-130 airplane broke down just before the 2007 Air Mobility Command Rodeo competition began, American Airmen banded together to make the impossible happen. When all was said and done, a maintenance job that normally takes weeks was performed in five days, all in the spirit of Rodeo

Training leads to improved capabilities at Red Flag-Alaska

A combat, search and rescue team saved two aircrew members who were downed in hostile territory as part of a complex, multinational training scenario July 19 at Red Flag-Alaska, an air combat exercise over the Pacific Alaska Range Complex. Red Flag-Alaska includes sophisticated CSAR training to

Airmen prep battlefield dropping 120,000 leaflets

Airmen of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing dropped 120,000 leaflets over the Helmand Province in Afghanistan July 22 to help prevent civilian casualties while prepping the battlefield for future operations. The nine-member crew of the 746th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, all based out of Dyess Air

New tinted windows 'shades' light on tower

Air traffic controllers here now have a clearer view of commercial and military operations, thanks to the installation of new glass and lighting in the control tower. Base engineers accomplished the final inspection and accepted the work July 23 on more than $41,000 in upgrades. Previously, Kyrgyz

WWII vet awarded Distinguished Flying Cross

Retired Col. Vincent Fonke, who ended his 30-year career here, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross July 20 for actions he took during World War II while a bomber pilot assigned to the Army Air Corps 91st Bomb Group, 324th Squadron.The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded for heroism or

Reserve, active duty units partner for 'win-win' training

On board the C-130 Hercules, as the "patient" struggled to breathe, the medical technicians and flight nurses from the 43rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron gave their best efforts to save his life. In addition to having respiratory problems, he had suffered bilateral burns on the eyes. As his

'Incredibles' respond to injuries at a moment's notice

A 379th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron Critical Care Air Transport Team responded to two Soldiers who were critically injured by a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. The team that responded is known as the "Incredibles." The "Incredibles" are the first team from Lackland Air

Pilot crusades for safer skies

One man's personal mission to help improve flight safety is making headway through the aviation community. Lt. Col. Ned Linch, 12th Air Force chief of flight safety, is an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot with more than 4,000 hours in the cockpit of the F-16, experimental aircraft and airliners. He is

July 22 airpower summary: C-5s share the load

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped general-purpose

Ceremonies mark official start for Air Mobility Rodeo 2007

The head of Air Mobility Command welcomed more than 2,500 competitors and observers from the U.S. and 34 other countries July 22 to the largest Air Mobility Rodeo in history. "The fact that we had so many allies and friends that came to join us in this great competition, I can't tell you what that

July 21 airpower summary: C-17s key to airlift operations

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in operations July 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II conducted shows of force with

July 20 airpower summary: F-16s quell insurgent activity

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds and

English a common denominator at Red Flag-Alaska

Speaking in English is the common denominator for all players at Red Flag-Alaska, but for those whose native tongue is not English, this proves to be a challenge. Non-English speaking pilots quickly become task-saturated as they process a large amount of information in a different language. More

'Living Legends' offer Airmen historical perspective

The three-part "Living Legends" series concluded at the Pentagon Conference Center July 19. The "Living Legends" series included three seminars featuring panels of past and present Air Force leaders who discussed advancements in air power from World War II to the present day war on terrorism. The

Art exhibit draws crowd to Air Force heritage

A collection of art illustrating Air Force heritage since before the service's beginning through today's expeditionary operations was the spotlight for local military, civic and business leaders during a gathering July 18 in honor of the Air Force's 60th Anniversary. The exhibit, titled "Heritage to

International teams build relationships at AMC Rodeo

A record-breaking international presence here marks this year's Air Mobility Command Rodeo, under way now through July 27. The last of nine international teams touched down here July 17, with observers from 25 additional countries arriving by the end of the week.In total, 296 international guests

July 19 airpower summary: A-10s pack mighty punch

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a show of force with

Air tactics evolve to achieve effects for war on terrorism

Achieving airpower objectives more effectively is what more than 200 of the most proficient expeditionary Airmen gathered recently to discuss at the quarterly Weapons and Tactics Conference in Bahrain in July. The Weapons and Tactics Conference is a venue for Air Force weapons officers along with

Yokota Airmen aid Japan after earthquake

Airmen from the 374th Airlift Wing flew a C-130 Hercules with 10,000 pounds of water and 100 air-conditioning units to Niigata Prefecture July 18 from here to support victims of an earthquake that shook the northwest side of Japan July 16. The C-130 assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron left with

July 18 airpower summary: KC-135s refuel coalition aircraft

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs conducted shows of force with

Tankers keep aircraft in the fight at Red Flag-Alaska

Tankers are patrolling the Last Frontier ready to provide in-flight refueling to aircraft in need to keep fighter aircraft participating in Red Flag-Alaska focused on fighting. Red Flag-Alaska is a multinational exercise from July 12 through 27 that provides realistic combat training in a safe and

Air Force museum wins heritage award

The National Museum of the United States Air Force recently was awarded the 2007 Air Force Heritage Award by the USAF History and Museums Program for its exhibit, "Return with Honor: American Prisoners of War in Southeast Asia." The exhibit, which opened in May 2006, features reproductions of three

July 17 airpower summary: Maintainers keep fleet flying

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s,

Agency helps expedite C-130 sale to Norway

A quick turnaround by Air Force Security Assistance Center officials and other Air Force Materiel Command Foreign Military Sales organizations helped strengthen the tactical airlift capability of the Norwegian air force by arranging for the sale of four C-130J Hercules aircraft. The $516 million

Air Force 60th anniversary recognized at air tattoo

Capt. Andy Gilbert and his fellow Airmen in the 494th Fighter Squadron from RAF Lakenheath enjoyed a change of pace from their usual mission. Captain Gilbert, an F-15E Strike Eagle weapons system officer, took part in the Royal International Air Tattoo held here July 14 and 15.  The air tattoo,

July 16 airpower summary: B-1s support coalition operations

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped guided bomb unit-12s

Japanese forces arrive for Red Flag-Alaska

Airmen from the Land of the Rising Sun arrived in the Land of the Midnight Sun July 11 in preparation for the Red Flag-Alaska air combat training exercise. After a seven-hour flight across the Pacific Ocean, six Japanese F-15s from Hyakuri Air Base near Tokyo and a U.S. KC-10 Extender carrying 21

Excercise tests Reserve C-130 unit's re-supply capabilities

Airmen in the Air Force Reserve Command's 911th Airlift Wing here conducted Exercise Bold Effort July 14 to hone their transport and re-supply skills vital during a time of war.The exercise began when eight C-130s departed the airfield here and headed for Rickenbacker International Airport

Maintaining aircraft at Red Flag-Alaska 2007

July 15 airpower summary: Transports aid in med evac

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II conducted a show of force

Latest 'Today's Air Force' addresses modernization

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights Air Force initiatives to modernize the force through the introduction of new aircraft and the retirement of designated older models like the F-117 Nighthawk, the world's first stealth aircraft. And learn how Hollywood producers work to maintain a

Letter to Airmen focuses on energy consumption

In the latest Letter to Airmen, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne discusses how the Air Force is using technology to reduce its energy consumption. "We are also working innovatively on the supply side, whether it is putting the largest solar panel field to work out at Nellis (Air Force

Afghan military leader visits Randolph

The top air boss for the Afghanistan military visited Randolph Air Force Base July 9 as part of a tour to see how the U.S. Air Force can be an example for his country's efforts in creating a proficient training model and establishing an independent air force.  Maj. Gen. Mohammad Dawran, the Afghan

July 14 airpower summary: C-130s provide key airlift support

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducted a show of force

Air Force F-16 crashes in Iraq

An Air Force F-16 deployed to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing crashed on base during takeoff at 4:55 p.m. July 15. The pilot of the single-seat aircraft ejected safely and was transported to the Air Force Theater Hospital for evaluation. The aircraft was flying on a combat mission in support of

Kadena recovers from Typhoon Man-Yi

After more than 24 hours in the highest typhoon condition and with winds gusting up to 105 mph, Kadena Air Base is recovering from Typhoon Man-Yi. The base entered the highest typhoon condition July 12 with the expectation the typhoon would hit the island sometime July 13. The typhoon hit the base

July 13 airpower summary: C-17s provide airlift support

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s

Air Force chief of staff initiates MQ-1 Predator plus-up

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley is accelerating delivery of the Defense Department's December 2009 goal of 21 daily MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle combat air patrols, or CAPs, by one year.At the chief of staff's request, Air Force officials coordinated deployment actions with

Airmen support Afghan presidential mission

A Phoenix Raven security team with the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia provided security for a C-17 Globemaster III and its crew July 11during an Afghan presidential support mission at a remote airstrip here. Staff Sgt. Mike Kincaid and Airman 1st Class Joseph Celata made up the

Air Guard opens new combat training runway

It's a 3,500-foot-long stretch of cement with a few hundred feet added on, just in case. That's not much space on which to safely land a heavily loaded, half-million pound cargo plane, but officials here say it's the perfect runway for Mississippi Air National Guard pilots to train on. Mississippi

July 12 airpower summary: C-130s provide vital airlift support

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-31s

Defense Logistics Agency helps keep A-10s flying

Defense Logistics Agency members and the Defense Supply Center Richmond responded to a fast suspense request from Air Force officials for critical A-10 Thunderbolt II wing fittings to help keep the planes operational. The A-10's mission is to attack armored vehicles and tanks, as well as to provide

Airmen hold munitions exercise at Kunsan

Airmen from across the Air Force are participating in the annual Combat Ammunition Production Exercise July 10 through 13 here. CAPEX is a three-day non-rated exercise that provides Pacific Air Forces and Air Combat Command units with training in mass-munitions assembly in support of aircraft sortie

Kadena prepares for typhoon

Kadena Air Base members are bracing for Typhoon Man-Yi as its current path will pass over Okinawa, base weather officials said. With the advance notification, base units have started typhoon preparation for Okinawa's first typhoon this year. Right now it should hit the island sometime the morning of

Mobility team answers call for critically injured Soldiers

Airmen of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing turned a typical transport mission into a lifesaving effort for a critically injured Soldier where time was of the essence and there was no room for error. Airmen from across the area of responsibility -- a C-17 Globemaster III aircrew, two KC-135

July 11 airpower summary: Predator strikes insurgents

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 11, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs hit a compound and insurgents

Fairchild Airmen train for Rodeo 2007

Airmen who will represent Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., at the bi-annual Air Mobility Command Rodeo 2007 teamed up with their counterparts from McChord AFB, Wash., for four days of training recently at the Grant County International Airport here. This year's "Rodeo," the name given to the major

Airmen lead multinational effort for Iraqi bombing victims

Airmen from the 506th Air Expeditionary Group here coordinated and carried out a multinational effort to receive and airlift 21 injured Iraqi civilians for treatment in Turkey July 8. The civilians, ethnic Iraqi Turkmen, were victims of the July 7 market bombing in Tuz Khurmato, Iraq, which

July 10 Airpower Summary: Tankers fuel the fight

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops during operations July 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles released a guided bomb unit-38 and cannon

Manas fuels team gets high praise

When the 40 Airmen from the 376th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron's Fuels Management Flight pulled back on the huge 4,000 pound fuel bladder to put it in to place on July 9, they were actually leaning forward. For the second time in just over two weeks, the fuels Airmen replaced one of

July 9 airpower summary: Bombers provide show of force

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 9, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle released guided bomb unit-12s

July 8 airpower summary: Predators provide wary eye

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan troops during operations July 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs strafed enemy positions in

July 7 airpower summary: Compass Call directs electronic warfare

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 7, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided overwatch for

July 6 airpower summary: Strike Eagles counter anti-coalition forces

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds, released a

Controllers call in air strike to disrupt enemy

Situated in a dusty Army headquarters tent at this forward operating base south of Baghdad, a team of joint tactical air control party Airmen orchestrated the destruction of an explosives-laden roadway recently, stopping the flow of ordnance and weapons into Iraq's capital. By calling in the air

Expeditionary Wing celebrates Independence Day

Just a few miles off the Persian Gulf, the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing bustled with more than 8,000 servicemembers hard at work, but also taking the time to honor America's independence.For a moment, expeditionary Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and civilians felt like they were back home, where

Enlisted Heritage Research Institute honors WWII gunner

The director of the Enlisted Heritage Research Institute here described July 3 as a grand day because Enlisted Heritage Hall museum officials had inducted retired Master Sgt. James Traylor into its ranks.He joins the many enlisted members the museum honors who have made major contributions to the

Two Space & Missile Pioneers selected for 2007

Air Force Space Command officials have announced the 2007 Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers are retired Gen. Lew Allen Jr. and retired Maj. Gen. Joe H. Engle. They will be honored at an award ceremony and a hall of fame induction luncheon here Aug. 8. General Allen, a former Air Force chief of

July 5 airpower summary: Tankers fuel coalition airpower

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 5, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a French Mirage 2000 dropped guided bomb unit -12s on enemy

Airmen join forces for Talisman Saber

More than 270 Airmen here deployed to Australia to conduct the field training exercise portion of Talisman Saber 2007.  The exercise ran from June 18-26 and was followed by combined training with the Royal Australian Air Force. During the exercise, 37 Airmen from the Maj. Richard Bong Air and

Training mission results in real-life rescue

A series of coincidences and an alert helicopter crew from Air Force Reserve Command's 920th Rescue Wing here saved the life of a 66-year-old Florida man. Several miles off of the coast of Florida's Daytona Beach, Lt. Col. Paul Nevius and his crew were piloting an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter back to

Hill reservists say goodbye to last of F-16s

The last of the 419th Fighter Wing's F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft left here June 28, signifying an end of an era and a beginning of another for the unit. The pilots and maintainers from the Air Force Reserve Command wing will now team up with Hill's active-duty 388th FW to carry out a joint flying

July 4 airpower summary: B-1Bs provide bomber overwatch

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs strafed enemy forces hiding in

July 3 airpower summary: A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provide close-air support

Coalition airpower supported Coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations July 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs strafed enemies

July 2 airpower summary: C-17s provide needed supplies

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer successfully showed force over a

North Dakota ANG unit flies first unmanned mission

Members of the 119th Wing flew its first unmanned aircraft system mission as an MQ-1 Predator flew July 2 from Fargo. Airmen of the North Dakota Air National Guard squadron is flying the Predator after converting in January to new missions of unmanned aircraft and the C-21 cargo aircraft.The

Airmen honor 30 years of AWACS

The 552nd Air Control Wing here celebrated the 30th anniversary of the E-3 Sentry, also known as the Airborne Warning and Control System, or AWACS, June 29 through July 1, with 552nd commanders and Airmen, past and present, coming from around the globe to share their stories. "The AWACS heritage is

Fairchild rescue flight saves woman

A four-man crew from the 36th Rescue Flight here saved a 19-year-old woman June 30 after she was bucked off of a mule in rough terrain near Sherman Pass, Wash.After receiving a 3 p.m. call for search and rescue support from Air Force Rescue Coordination Center officials from Langley Air Force Base,

'Transformers' put Airmen, aircraft on big screen

More than 300 Airmen and numerous aircraft will be seen around the world in the latest DreamWorks/Paramount Pictures film, "Transformers" being released to theaters July 4.The movie combines the use of live action with computer-generated imagery to enhance the story as Airmen served as extras in the

Materiel Command on track to deliver more F-22s

With F-22 Raptor deliveries consistently on or ahead of schedule, Air Force officials received authorization from Congress to pursue multi-year agreements for Lots 7, 8 and 9, with the potential for cost savings in the hundreds of millions of dollars. The contracts with Lockheed Martin and Pratt &

Summer 2007 Airman magazine now available

Coalition forces fighting terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan can't get enough of the Air Force's unmanned aircraft, the MQ-1 Predator. The persistent Predator gives commanders an unparalleled, bird's-eye view of the battlefield. And the real-time intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance

C-21 makes final flight at Yokota

After more than 62,000 mishap-free flying hours and 21 years of service, Yokota Air Base's C-21 transport jet ended its service here as base officials held a ceremony honoring the final departure of the C-21 June 29. The base's four C-21s with the 459th Airlift Squadron have been replaced by three

July 1 airpower summary: C-130 airlift keeps mission going

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 1, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs conducted shows of force over

Airmen prepare base for lasting presence

Several projects in various stages of completion at this Southwest Asian base will give Airmen an enduring presence and help them accomplish their mission supporting the war on terrorism. Members of the 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron and 379th Air Expeditionary Wing force protection

June 30 airpower summary: F-16s provide close air support

Coalition airpower supported Coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped a guided bomb unit

Three-time ace, former cadet commandant, buried at academy

Retired Brig. Gen. Robin Olds was buried June 30 at the U.S. Air Force Academy cemetery after funeral services in the cadet Protestant chapel.  A 14-aircraft aerial review included four F-4 Phantoms flying a missing man formation.The legendary fighter pilot died June 14 from congestive heart

June 29 airpower summary: Bombs on target

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations June 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier hit a mortar attack

Air Force, Navy join forces for combat training

More than 200 Airmen and 16 F-15 Eagles from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., completed two weeks of joint training operations with the Navy June 29 at Naval Air Station Key West. The Airmen from the 60th Fighter Squadron participated in the dissimilar air combat training, or DACT, exercise with Naval

Health officials visit returning troops

Lt. Gen. James G. Roudebush, Air Force surgeon general, and Dr. S. Ward Casscells, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, visited wounded troops returning from overseas to Andrews June 26. Dr. Casscells was given a brief tour of Malcolm Grow Medical Center's Aeromedical Staging Flight by

Wounded NCO's will to fly remains undaunted

An Andrews Air Force Base Airman remains committed to the Air Force and his love of flying even after being shot down over Iraq and nearly losing an eye. Life was good for Tech Sgt. Christian MacKenzie for nearly 10 years as he served in his dream job as a special operations flight engineer aboard

June 28 airpower summary: C-17s sustain operations

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 28, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s

C-130 maintainers 'cowboy up' for Rodeo

Although no one is wearing a Stetson hat and there isn't a steer in sight, the journey to the 2007 Air Mobility Command Rodeo promises to be a wild one as 10 Ramstein Air Base aircraft maintainers prepare to saddle up on a Hercules. Like an ornery old bull sitting in the chute waiting to be ridden,

Bush nominates Mullen, Cartwright to top military posts

President Bush nominated Navy Adm. Michael Mullen to serve as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Marine Corps Gen. James E. Cartwright as his vice chairman, June 28.Speaking in the White House Roosevelt Room, President Bush called the two men "experienced military officers who are

June 27 airpower summary: Stratotankers extend Global Reach, Global Power

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed a show of

June 26 airpower summary: Fighters provide close-air support

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles searched locations over

Former Falcon to join All-America Hall of Fame

A 1993 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy will be inducted into the College Sports Information Directors of America Academic All-America Hall of Fame at the 20th annual induction banquet July 1 in San Diego.Maj. Lance Pilch is the sixth academy graduate to be inducted into the Hall of Fame,

Buddy Wing Program improves communication at Kunsan

Airmen of both the 35th Fighter Squadron from Kunsan Air Base and the South Korean 155th Fighter Squadron from Junwon AB are teaming up for a Buddy Wing Program exercise June 27 to 29 here. The purpose of the Buddy Wing Program is to exchange ideas, introduce tactics and improve interoperability

Thunderbirds begin European goodwill tour

Michael Patterson, a 64-year-old cattle farmer, was born and raised in Ballinlough, a county just outside Galway, Ireland. He's never flown in any aircraft, let alone one that streaks across the sky at 500 miles per hour. Yet as he watched the Air Force Thunderbirds perform over his native country

A-10s get digital makeover

Air Force officials are making significant changes to A-10 Thunderbolt IIs as part of the "Precision Engagement" upgrade, which changes the aircraft designation from the A-10A to the A-10C. "It's the largest upgrade the A-10 has ever had by far," said Maj. Drew English, the program manager for A-10C

C-130 upgrades geared to save Air Force $250M

The latest modifications for the Air Force's tactical workhorse, the C-130 Hercules are set to debut with the installation of an improved landing gear, carbon brakes and a new anti-skid system. A team of engineers and specialists from the 463rd Airlift Group here, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, and

Predators reach quarter-million flight hours

Airmen from the 11th Reconnaissance Squadron flew an MQ-1 Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle past the 250,000 flying hour milestone marking the historic milestone with a ceremony June 22 at Creech Air Force Base. "This historic achievement in the evolution of air and space power underlines the United

June 25 airpower summary: Tankers bring fuel to fight

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fireed 30mm cannon rounds on

Hickam crew prepares for AMC Rodeo

Airmen around the world are preparing for the 2007 Air Mobility Command Rodeo scheduled for July, including Hickam Air Force Base members.This will be the first competition for Hickam AFB 's C-17 Globemaster III crew, which will sport a total force team consisting of members of the active duty 535th

12th Air Force hosts Blue Flag

More than 900 U.S. and coalition forces from around the globe began battling a new enemy June 18:  the fictitious "Califon," an aggressive nation bent on controlling the mineral fields located on the island of "Pacifica." The scenario is part of exercise Blue Flag 07-2, an operational-level exercise

Couriers' missions deliver defense

A two-person team secures a pallet of classified test equipment aboard a small military aircraft at Defense Courier Station Honolulu. Meanwhile, another two-person team leaves DCS San Diego via surface transportation, escorting classified material to a local customer. As these deliveries are being

Aeromedical evacuation teams ready to help anytime

Bagram Air Base aeromedical evacuation teams bring the hospital to the wounded supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. The 455th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight has four, three-person teams consisting of a nurse and two medical technicians, with one team ready to go at a moment's