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U.S. Air Force News

  • 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

  • Chief Pfingston loses fight with cancer

    Former Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Gary R. Pfingston died of cancer June 23 in San Antonio. "Today the Air Force mourns the loss of a great enlisted leader," said Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley. "Gary's life was a shining example of service to our nation and we

  • June 24 airpower summary: Surveillance supports operations

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 24, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an F-15E Strike Eagle dropped guided bomb unit-38s and

  • Airmen train Iraqis on fuel delivery

    Airmen from the 447th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuels Flight are training Iraqis here to fuel up their own C-130 Hercules aircraft without dependence on the Air Force. The training plan is broken down into a "crawl, walk run" process, said Master Sgt. Scott Addington, 447th ELRS

  • June 23 airpower summary: Recon aircraft capture big picture

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II fired 30mm cannon

  • June 22 airpower summary: A-10s provide support for ground forces

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

  • AFCEE builds new C-17 hangar at Hickam

    Officials at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, are making room for eight C-17 Globemaster IIIs with the construction of various facilities, including a new corrosion control hangar to paint and wash the aircraft and another facility to perform maintenance functions. The Air Force Center for Engineering

  • Rescue flight crews provide help from above

    On a moonless night, the glow from a red and green instrument panel illuminates the faces of the crew of Blade 79er, a UH-1N Huey flying a night-vector mission over the tree-covered mountains of northern Washington. Suddenly, the radio crackles."Rescue, Rescue, Rescue ... Phaser 1-2 calling in

  • Maintenance crews prep fighters at Cope North

    Maintenance Airmen from Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., know how to pack a punch as they are deployed to Andersen AFB and currently participating in Exercise Cope North with Japan Air Self Defense Force members.The Cannon AFB Airmen load 2,000-pound bombs onto multimillion dollar aircraft as part of

  • June 21 airpower summary: Keeping fighters in the fight

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s

  • Fuel upgrades improve Lajes Field mission

    Congress recently approved an $18 million project to upgrade and expand the fuel hydrant system at Lajes Field that will greatly enhance the base's mission to refuel aircraft flying across the Atlantic Ocean. Over the years, the existing fuel system began to show signs of age and use, but instead of

  • KC-135, C-17 crews rendezvous for refuel readiness

    A KC-135 aircrew from the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base, Japan flew to Hawaii to meet up with Hickam Air Force Base's C-17 Globemaster III crew to practice in-flight refueling procedures. Kadena AB's crews don't get many opportunities to work with cargo aircraft like the C-17. At home they work

  • NATO celebrates 25th anniversary of E-3's arrival

    Nearly 130,000 German, Dutch and Belgian citizens flooded the tarmac on Geilenkirchen NATO Air Base June 16 and 17 to celebrate the successful legacy of a multinationally operated airplane that began flying out of the northern German community in February 1982. The event boasted a multicultural

  • June 20 airpower summary: B-1B takes out targets

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops troops in Afghanistan during operations June 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer released guided bomb

  • Predator draws attention at Paris Air Show

    Within the United States aircraft coral at the 47th International Paris Air Show, the MQ-1 Predator stands out from the rest. The Predator is the only unmanned Department of Defense aircraft showcased with its entire maintenance crew at the air show in France. "Where does the pilot sit?" asked an

  • ACC commander to retire this fall

    Air Force officials announced June 20 that the commander of Air Combat Command will retire from the Air Force this fall. The president has nominated Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. John D. W. Corley to the Senate to succeed Gen. Ronald E. Keys as the ACC commander. General Keys assumed command of

  • Secretary discusses alternative fuel initiative

    With more than 140 aircraft appearing at the Le Bourget Airport for the 47th International Paris Air Show, the future of jet fuel and rising cost of oil jet fuel were among the topics of keen interest. A press conference held by the Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and the Administrator

  • Air Force supports International Paris Air Show

    Hundreds of flight enthusiasts flooded the Le Bourget Airport to attend the opening of the 47th International Paris Air Show. This year's air show, boasting more than 2,000 exhibits from 42 countries, opened to trade visitors June 18 and the general public can visit from June 22-24. With planes all

  • USAFE fighter squadron deploys to Kunsan

    Airmen of the 555th Fighter Squadron from Aviano Air Base, Italy, reunited with the 8th Fighter Wing June 19 here after being away for years during the squadron's deployment to Kunsan AB. The 555th FS has lineage to Kunsan AB dating back to 1966 when the 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron moved to Ubon

  • 'Rescue Dawn' tells true story of Vietnam POW rescue

    It was a movie premiere like few others. As the credits rolled down the screen here June 19, a Vietnam veteran in the audience -- not the Hollywood star with some 40 credits to his name -- got the louder applause and the standing ovation. Retired Air Force Col. Eugene Deatrick, 82, slowly ambled to

  • June 19 airpower summary: Tankers sustain air operations

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-39s

  • Air Guard retires last F-16A in service

    The last operational F-16A Fighting Falcon flew its final mission here June 15, taking off from the Air National Guard base for indefinite storage at the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. The 162nd Fighter Wing, having flown the A and B models since

  • Barksdale bombers to fly in Koa Lightning

    Four B-52 Stratofortress aircraft and aircrew from the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron deployed here from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., are scheduled to fly to Hawaii and back this week to participate in the latest Koa Lightning exercise. The B-52s will fly more than 18 hours and 6,880 nautical

  • Kunsan Airmen pay tribute to triple ace fighter pilot

    Members of the 8th Fighter Wing, known as the "Wolf Pack," honored Brig. Gen. Robin Olds, who passed away June 14, during a commemoration event June 19. General Olds, former commander of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing and also known as the first "Wolf," was a triple ace fighter pilot who shot down 16

  • Air Force's small business programs open doors for veterans

    When this a small business manufacturer received its aerospace quality standard certification late last year, the company had no idea how far that accomplishment would take them. The training M2 Global received from the Air Force's Manufacturing Technical Assistance Production Program opened doors

  • Japanese commend Airman for volunteer efforts

    The Japanese government recently recognized a 730rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron officer in charge for his community volunteer efforts and charitable ways at a ceremony at the Meiji-Jingu Shrine in Yoyogi Park, Tokyo. During the 57th Annual Spring Zenkokai Commendation Ceremony, Capt. Chad Oba was

  • June 18 airpower summary: Strike Eagles watch over troops

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped guided bomb

  • Pilots' missions relocate for Spangdahlem's runway repair

    Spangdahlem Air Base's runway closed June 15 and is scheduled to remain closed for repairs until mid-July. Although the 52nd Fighter Wing will cease flying operations from Spangdahlem, the pilots and crews from the 22nd, 23rd and 81st Fighter Squadrons will deploy to other locations and continue to

  • National Air and Space Museum family day wows visitors

    More than 17,000 people got an up close and personal look at several civilian and military aircraft during the "Reach for the Sky" family day at the National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center here June 16. The event paid tribute to the Air Force's 60th Anniversary celebration, and featured a

  • Kadena NCO court-martialed for child porn

    A non-commissioned officer recently received nine months confinement, reduction in rank to airman basic and a bad conduct discharge for possessing and displaying child pornography here. Staff Sergeant Jason M. Hooks, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, pleaded guilty to the charges before a military

  • June 17 airpower summary: Fighting Falcon provides show of force

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

  • Fallen Bakers Creek servicemembers honored

    On June 14, 1943, a B-17 Flying Fortress converted to carry passengers took off from Mackay, Queensland, Australia, carrying 40 servicemembers on leave back to the war in the Pacific Theater. Soon after takeoff, the plane crashed, killing all but one. That story was held secret until just a few

  • 23 nations join forces to evaluate warfighting needs

    Assessing technologies to determine their potential for meeting critical warfighting needs is the aim of operators during interoperability trials at the Coalition Warrior Interoperability Demonstration taking place here through June 21. An annual event, CWID is sponsored by the chairman of the Joint

  • June 16 airpower summary: C-17s deliver power, reach

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations June 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II conducted a show

  • U.S. Air Force pilot killed in Iraq identified

    The Department of Defense identified June 16 the Airman who was killed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.Maj. Kevin Sonnenberg was the pilot of the F-16 Fighting Falcon who crashed about 50 miles north of Baghdad shortly after takeoff June 14. Major Sonnenberg, assigned to the 112th Fighter

  • June 15 airpower summary: Strike Eagles strike enemy positions

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

  • U.S. Air Force pilot killed

    A U.S. Air Force pilot was killed June 14 when his F-16 crashed approximately 35 miles north of Baghdad during takeoff for a close-air support mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Shortly after the aircraft was reported missing, a joint effort by coalition air and ground forces responded

  • Expeditionary wing memorializes fallen Airman

    Co-workers and friends honored a fallen Reservist Airman's life and military service during a memorial ceremony here June 16. Lt. Col. Glade L. Felix, the 379th Expeditionary Medical Group physical therapist, died of apparent natural causes here June 11. Colonel Felix, 52, stationed at the 622nd

  • Red Flag-Alaska wraps up

    The second Red Flag-Alaska exercise of the year ended June 15 after two weeks of intense, air-combat training over Alaska's mountain ranges. "I think this was a great exercise," said Col. William Wignall, the Air Expeditionary Wing commander for the exercise. "The tactical problems presented by the

  • New C-17 checklist reduces redundancies

    A team here has developed a way to shorten C-17 Globemaster III preflight time by one hour and 30 minutes by reducing redundancies and eliminating overlap during the aircraft preflight procedures. The plan is to implement checklist changes at all Air Force bases flying the C-17s, which include C-17

  • F-2 makes live bomb debut during exercise

    "Hands-on" took on real meaning for members of the Japan Air Self Defense Force as F-2 support fighter pilots dropped the first live weapons from the fighter here June 13 as part of Exercise Cope North. As there is no live range in Japan, the F-2 pilots used this opportunity to practice with live

  • Legendary fighter pilot Robin Olds dies

    Legendary fighter pilot, retired Brig. Gen. Robin Olds, died June 14 from congestive heart failure one month short of his 85th birthday.General Olds, rated a triple ace for having shot down a total of 16 enemy aircraft during World War II and the Vietnam War, served his country in assignments to

  • Air Force F-16 crashes in Iraq

    An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon deployed to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing crashed in Iraq at 12:27 a.m. June 15. There was one crewmember on board.The aircraft was flying on a close-air-support mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The cause of the accident is under

  • June 14 airpower summary: A-10s deliver massive firepower

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided shows of force,

  • Course prepares mobility team leaders

    Of the 57 in-residence and online courses offered at the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center's Mobility Operations School, one course targets future leaders in mobility command and control. The Mobility Air Forces Mobile Command and Control Leadership Course, offered four times a year with 16

  • Army Air Force P-47 recovered in the Netherlands

    Though the Air Force is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, U.S. Air Forces in Europe is marking 65 years of service. One reason for this seemingly strange discrepancy was recently found deep in the muddy farmlands of the southwest Netherlands. Dutch workmen from the district water board

  • C-27J Spartan named as Joint Cargo Aircraft

    The U. S. Army announced a $2.04 billion contract award June 13 to L-3 Communications Integrated Systems for their C-27J Spartan to be the Joint Cargo Aircraft. This JCA program is a combined Air Force and Army effort to have an airframe that will meet warfighter needs for intratheater airlift.

  • 'Golden Medic' integrates Army, Air Force medical teams

    Leaders of the joint Army and Air Force medical exercise here stressed the importance of the services working together. "Golden Medic 2007 is an extraordinary opportunity for all services - active, Guard and Reserve, in addition to our coalition partners," said Col. Mike Dankosky, Air Force Reserve

  • June 13 airpower summary: Tankers add fuel to fight

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducted a successful show

  • Air Force, academia to partner in Air Force Marathon

    Leaders from the Air Force and Wright State University gathered at a press conference here June 13 to discuss their new Air Force Marathon partnership and other details of the September race. Standing on the flight line of the 445th Airlift Wing in front of a massive C-5 Galaxy -- the featured

  • Air Mobility Command reaches 'R and R' milestone

    An ATA Airlines L-1011 touched down on the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport tarmac at 8:50 a.m. June 12, bringing home the 500,000th passenger since the U.S. Central Command's Rest and Recuperation Leave Program and Air Mobility Command's R and R flight operations began in 2003. Maj. Gen.

  • June 12 airpower summary: Strike Eagles strike fear

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducted a successful show

  • Precision airdrops deliver directly to battlefield

    Water, food and ammunition are only useful if they make it to the people who need them. Fortunately for battlefield Airmen, Soldiers and Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan these supplies are flown in using the Joint Precision Airdrop System. C-17 Globemaster IIIs at the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing are

  • Airmen receive first AF Combat Action Medals

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley awarded six Airmen the Air Force Combat Action Medal during a ceremony June 12 at the Air Force Memorial. These Airmen were the first in the Air Force to receive the new medal.Recipients of the award were Maj. Steven A. Raspet, Capt. Allison K. Black,

  • Academy announces 1st six athlete hall of famers

    The Air Force Academy has announced the inaugural class for induction into the Air Force Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. The six inductees -- Alonzo Babers, Bob Beckel, John Clune, Chad Hennings, Michelle Johnson and Brock Strom -- will be inducted Oct. 19 in Colorado Springs. The six inductees

  • Modernizing an old design a challenge for medal makers

    The designer of the Air Force Combat Action Medal said it was a challenge giving the medal a World War I feel but at the same time modernizing it. Graphic designer Susan Gamble used artwork from photos of Brig. Gen. William "Billy" Mitchell's aircraft to inspire the design of the medal, which was

  • June 11 airpower summary: Airlifters key to troop resupply

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 11, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-12s

  • Airmen train for worst-case scenarios at Red Flag

    When a pilot gets shot down in combat, it takes more than luck to bring him or her back home, which is why Red Flag-Alaska exercises prepare Airmen for any situation. "(These exercises are going to) give some of our aircraft commanders and the people who are flying an idea of what to expect if a

  • Elmendorf celebrates C-17 arrival

    Elmendorf officially received its first C-17 Globemaster III airlifter June 11 during a ceremony here. The C-17, "Spirit of Denali," was delivered by Alaska's Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell. "The C-17 is an exceptional aircraft and what a smooth ride," said the lieutenant governor. "This is a great day for

  • Aircraft incident at Eielson Air Force Base

    An F-15 Eagle and an F-16 Fighting Falcon were involved in a midair collision over the Pacific Alaska Range Complex at 11:23 a.m. June 11. Both aircraft were participating in a training mission. The F-15, assigned to Langley Air Force Base, Va., crashed in a rural area. The pilot ejected safely and

  • F-22 Raptor team garners Collier Trophy

    The National Aeronautic Association presented its Robert J. Collier Trophy to the Lockheed Martin Corporation for their role in the development of the Air Force's F-22 Raptor. The Air Force was part of the team awarded the honor, one of the nation's most prestigious prizes for aeronautical and space

  • Air Force Week California concludes with air show

    Amid tumble dives and barrel rolls, vintage aircraft and modern fighters, the California Capital Air Show concluded Air Force Week here June 9 and 10. The event, which took place at Mather Airport, the site of former Mather Air Force Base, drew more than 50,000 people and offered a variety of

  • Airmen, Iraqi air traffic controllers work together

    Standing 200 feet above Baghdad International Airport in a weathered control tower, Air Force air traffic controllers are busy directing aircraft while their Iraqi counterparts get certified through intensive formal training and hands-on experience. It's a job that is extremely challenging, yet

  • June 10 airpower summary: Tankers extend fighters' reach

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during the following operations June 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier dropped general

  • Airman dies at Southwest Asia wing

    An Airman assigned to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing died June 11. The cause of death is being investigated. More details will be released as they become available. The name of the Airman is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The 379th AEW is comprised of 8,000 Airmen from the

  • 'FOX and Friends' shines spotlight on Wright-Patterson AFB

    Television viewers who watched the FOX News Network's "FOX and Friends" morning program June 8 gained insight into the diverse mission of Air Force Materiel Command and the Air Force. With a C-5 Galaxy serving as his backdrop, "FOX and Friends" co-anchor Brian Kilmeade broadcast multiple live

  • June 9 airpower summary: B-1B Lancer flies close-air-support missions

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations June 9, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb

  • Pilot in Doolittle Raid dies

    Col. Jack Ahren Sims was among the first pilots to fly in the Doolittle Tokyo Raid on April 18, 1942 -- the first United States aerial invasion of Japan during World War II. Colonel Sims died June 9 in Naples, Fla. He was 88. "He did a great service to this country," said friend and biographer Al

  • June 8 airpower summary: Recon aircraft support warfighters

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s on

  • Air Force recognizes 2006 environmental award winners

    Seven active bases, one Guard wing and one individual were chosen for the Gen. Thomas D. White Environmental Awards for 2006 June 7 at the Pentagon. The Air Force also won four of eight Department of Defense environmental awards. "The Air Force has a long track record of taking care of the

  • Air Force units promo August Air Force Week event

    Air National Guard, active-duty and Reserve units from across New England teamed up June 6 to demonstrate and highlight aerial refueling as a way to kick off a summer-long celebration of 60 years of Air Force history.   The celebration promotes Air Force Week New England which will take place in

  • First Air Force Combat Action Medals to be presented

    The Air Force chief of staff is scheduled to present the first Air Force Combat Action Medals to six Airmen during an 8 a.m. ceremony June 12 at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va. Gen. T. Michael Moseley will award the new medals to recognize Air Force members who were engaged in air or ground

  • June 7 airpower summary: Airlifters move cargo, troops

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 7, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted a show of force

  • Allies team up for joint exercise at Kunsan

    Members of the 8th Fighter Wing and the Republic of Korea air force have teamed up for a joint training exercise June 8 at Kunsan Air Base. Two South Korean F-16s from the 111th Fighter Squadron, two F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 35th Fighter Squadron, Airmen of the 35th Aircraft Maintenance Unit

  • Marines play along in Red Flag

    Marine Corps aircrews from the Yuma, Arizona-based 513th Marine Attack Squadron traded their desert landscape for Alaska's "last frontier" and found themselves players in a whole new game at this year's Red Flag-Alaska June 4. Joining fellow pilots from the U.S. and several allied nations, Marine

  • Saving servicemembers' lives one flight at a time

    Some might say doctors don't make house calls anymore, but that's exactly what the Airmen of the 455th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, do on a daily basis. They bring the hospital to the wounded. A typical aeromedical evacuation, or AE, crew turns

  • Misawa squadrons swap out Iraqi mission

    Two F-16 Fighting Falcons flying thousands of feet in the air track a pair of vehicles full of known al-Qaida insurgents on the ground. The vehicles stop at a location free of collateral damage, and command officials make a decision. The F-16s drop precision-guided munitions and destroy the

  • June 6 airpower summary: F-16s provide overwatch in Iraq

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles made multiple strafing passes,

  • F-16 pilot receives Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy

    Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. John D. W. Corley presented the Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy, one of the service's top safety awards, to a fighter pilot during a ceremony June 5 in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes.  Assisting in the presentation was Koren Kolligian, nephew of the trophy's

  • June 5 airpower summary: Transports sustain operations

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 5, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles watched over advancing

  • Tanker Task Force keeps Red Flag flying

    KC-135 Stratotankers, aircrews and maintainers are providing air refueling support to aircraft from Alaska's Eielson and Elmendorf Air Force Bases to ensure Red Flag-Alaska meets its training goals. More than 1,400 military members from the United States, Singapore and Australia are in Alaska to

  • June 4 airpower summary: A-10s are CAS masters

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier dropped enhanced Paveway II