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U.S. Air Force News

  • Exercise brings Australian, U.S. forces together

    Australian and American forces came together at Hickam Air Force Base and executed part one of Exercise Talisman Saber 2007 the end of May. The two-part exercise, directed by the U.S. Pacific Command and executed every two years, is designed to maintain and strengthen the working relationship

  • May 28 airpower summary: Airlift reduces need for convoys

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 28, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier fired rockets at enemy

  • Airmen in Baghdad keep convoys off the road

    The first thing arriving and outgoing cargo aircrews are likely to see on the Baghdad flightline is the aerial port team doing push-ups behind their aircraft. "The aircrews usually laugh when they open the back ramp and see us," said Capt. Andrew Stewart, the 447th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness

  • Changes on horizon for Air Force pilots

    The Air Force recently announced there are changes forthcoming in aircrew management. A new process called Transformational Aircrew Management Initiatives for the 21st Century, or TAMI-21, is intended to account for force structure changes that have caused imbalances in pilot inventory distribution

  • May 27 airpower summary: Strike Eagles provide close-air-support missions

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations May 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fired cannon

  • Airmen deliver strategic aid to Lebanese military

    C-17 Globemaster III crews of the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron delivered bullets to Beirut as part of a short notice ammunition re-supply tasking in support of the Lebanese military. The 816th EAS, a tenant unit of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing based out of Southwest Asia, was given the

  • May 26 airpower summary: Transports strengthen coalition forces

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations May 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer released a guided bomb

  • May 25 airpower summary: F-16 supports coalition exchange

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations May 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer released guided bomb unit-31s

  • May 24 airpower summary: Tankers fuel fleet

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

  • C-17 employs 'screamer' in combat airdrop

    A C-17 Globemaster III deployed to Southwest Asia conducted the first C-17 combat airdrop May 24 using the Joint Precision Airdrop System with a screamer. Screamers are steerable GPS-guided container delivery system bundles. The mission was also unique because it conducted airdrops in two locations

  • May 23 airpower summary: Predators leverage capabilities

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and A-10 Thunderbolt

  • Total force unit controls sky over combat theater

    Seventy Airmen, Soldiers and guardsmen of the 71st Expeditionary Air Control Squadron operate the Control and Reporting Center here and watch the sky for theater ballistic missiles or other aerial threats every second of every day. Led by the Hawaii Air National Guard's 154th Air Control Squadron

  • Refractive surgery program policy changes

    Air Force officials have changed the policy to allow people applying for aviation and aviation-related jobs to have had LASIK surgery. The change became effective May 21. The change also removes the altitude and high-performance aircraft restrictions for people who have had LASIK. The decision to

  • Yokota hosts Pacific Global Air Mobility Seminar

    U.S. Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force and Japan Air Self Defense Force personnel gathered at Yokota Air Base May 17 and 18 to discuss the roles of air mobility and mission capabilities the countries provide to the Pacific region. The Pacific Global Air Mobility Seminar is an office of the

  • Bombers rotate at Andersen

    Airmen from the 2nd Bomb Wing's 20th Bomb Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., arrive here May 26 to begin a four-month deployment. The Louisiana-based aircraft, aircrew, support and maintenance members will replace their fellow Barksdale Airmen from the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, who

  • Maintainers increase combat capability of B-1

    Airmen at the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing proved just how crucial it is to be trained and work efficiently while responding to a "catastrophic" hydraulic system failure during a B-1 Lancer combat mission. The aircrew had to perform an emergency gear extension upon returning to base due to the

  • May 22 airpower: Transports vital to resupply

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s on a

  • Lajes Airmen can stop a speeding plane

    Military planes flying across the Atlantic come to Lajes Field to refuel and recuperate, but if a fighter aircraft can't stop due to brake or engine failures, Lajes Field Airmen are standing by with barrier arresters to stop the plane safely. Base civil engineer Airmen have to be ready for anything

  • PACAF command chief speaks about road ahead

    The Pacific Air Forces top enlisted adviser visited Elmendorf Air Force Base May 15 to 17 and spoke to Airmen about what it will take to succeed in the Air Force. Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Bishop, the PACAF command chief master sergeant, returned to Elmendorf AFB for the second time in six months to

  • Two from Robins earn Bronze Star Medals

    Two people assigned here were recognized for their combat heroism and meritorious service during presentations May 14.Master Sgt. Gary Chelette and Bryan Braud received Bronze Star Medals for their actions in Iraq. Sergeant Chelette, a C-130 Hercules crew chief with the 653rd Combat Logistics

  • Top intel officer gets firsthand look at downrange operations

    The deputy chief of staff for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance recently visited the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing to talk to intelligence Airmen and ISR squadron members about the importance of their mission and to learn about new processes in the area of responsibility. Lt. Gen. David

  • CSAF's Scope highlights air dominance with F-22, F-35

    The CSAF's Scope focuses on current topics the Air Force chief of staff feels are of special importance to today's Airmen. Among Gen. T. Michael Moseley's top issues this month is the Air Force's air dominance in the future. Two key parts of the Air Force's future success in air dominance focuses on

  • Attack controllers help ensure air strike accuracy

    The days of carpet bombing are over. In today's military it's about surgical strikes and preventing unnecessary collateral damage. Training to make this happen at Misawa Air Base is the team of pilots and joint terminal attack controllers, called JTACs, before they deploy to fight the war on

  • May 21 airpower summary: F-15Es strike insurgent compound

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, in Afghanistan in the following operations May 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped GBU-38

  • Kyrgyz government leaders experience Manas mission

    Airmen here gave a base tour and KC-135 Stratotanker orientation flight for 10 Kyrgyz Republic government officials May 19 here. Members of the Kyrgyz government representing the offices of presidential administration, prime minister, ministry of defense, ministry of foreign affairs, ministry of

  • May 20 airpower summary: Maintainers keep force flying

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb

  • Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

    This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the warrior ethos and how Air Force leaders are giving Airmen a new sense of pride as warriors, starting at basic training. Also featured is a compelling story on how children of deployed parents cope by bonding together with other children

  • Vietnam visit strengthens military ties

    The U.S. Pacific Command deputy commander met with military and civilian leaders in Vietnam recently, looking for opportunities to build upon a small yet developing relationship and to identify possible future military engagement activities. Lt. Gen. Daniel P. Leaf led a military delegation that

  • ACC leader: Air Force must balance resources, look ahead

    The Air Force's increased operations tempo is putting a strain on aircraft and Airmen, said the Air Combat Command commander at a conference at Offutt Air Force Base. Gen. Ronald E. Keys, addressing 150 ACC leaders gathered at Offutt AFB, said increased flying hours on aging airframes are a

  • May 19 airpower: Tankers provide key air bridge

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations May 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Navy F/A-18C Hornets dropped guided bomb unit-38s on

  • May 18 airpower: JTACs direct aircraft against insurgents

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations May 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Navy F/A-18 Hornets attacked two targets near Asadabad

  • Airmen support NORAD exercise

    Airmen from the 201st Airlift Squadron are participating May 21 to 22 in an exercise testing the North American Aerospace Defense Command's intercept and identification capabilities. NORAD and its geographical component, the Continental United States NORAD Region, will conduct Exercise Falcon Virgo

  • Week In Photos features Airmen around the globe

    The "Week In Photos" Web feature provides visitors with photos highlighting Air Force missions around the world. Among this week's photos are: In Africa, Staff Sgt. Myla Baker and Senior Airman Jacob Buckley give school supplies to teachers and students at the Gisimba orphanage in Kigali, Rwanda.

  • Air Force One featured on new stamp

    The U.S. Postal Service unveiled two stamps featuring military aircraft at the Joint Service Open House at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., May 18.Air Force One, the president's Boeing 747 jetliner, appears on the $4.60 priority mail stamp, while Marine One, the presidential helicopter, is shown on the

  • May 17 airpower summary: Lancers provide overwatch

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb unit-38

  • Iraqi air force capabilities continue to increase

    The capabilities of the Iraqi air force continue to grow as they performed their first double patient transfer May 8 here. Two months the Iraqi air force conducted its first aeromedical transfer, a policeman transported from the American 28th Combat Support Hospital to an Iraqi treatment facility,

  • May 16 airpower summary: Fueling the mission

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds

  • Northern Command exercise concludes

    After nearly 10 days of mock terrorist attacks, drug runners and train collisions, the Alaska Shield/Northern Edge 2007 exercise came to a close May 15. The exercise, part of U.S. Northern Command's nationwide Ardent Sentry/Northern Edge 2007, improved coordination between the Department of Defense

  • All for one - NATO aircraft monitor America's skies

    Nine years ago, Mike left his hometown of Lincoln, Neb., and joined the Air Force to see the world. And see the world he did. As an airborne warning and control system pilot in NATO, he's been to places that friends and family can only read about in travel magazines. In fact, he was participating in

  • Airman's Roll Call focuses on Combat Action Medal

    In the spirit of cultivating warrior ethos in all Airmen, Air Force officials created the Air Force Combat Action Medal, which recognizes Airmen who have engaged the enemy. Through an evolution of Air Force warfighting roles, more Airmen are finding themselves involved in combat actions. Some Airmen

  • May 15 airpower summary: ISR critical to mission success

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

  • New hangar optimizes aircraft painters' capabilities

    A new facility designed around the need to house a C-5 Galaxy for paint application and removal officially opened May 9 here . The aircraft corrosion control hangar optimizes the paint removal and application process for the C-5 and the C-17 Globemaster III and increases the level of safety for the

  • Structural maintainers embrace joint-service environment

    As servicemembers fight the war on terrorism, joint operations between the Army and Air Force are happening in many facets, including some unexpected ones. Airmen from the 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance shop and metals tech shop have pitched in to help the

  • Special ops pilot chosen for academy airmanship award

    A special operations instructor pilot and a 1993 U.S. Air Force Academy graduate was named the recipient for the 2007 Col. James Jabara Award for Airmanship May 11.Maj. Mark Visconi received the award after he flew 106 combat sorties and logged 136 combat hours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom

  • CCAF graduates largest class

    Airmen around the world improve their education every day because of the Community College of the Air Force. Recently, the CCAF graduated it largest class ever at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. More than 120 Airmen from the base earned their degrees during the spring 2007 graduation. Marking the

  • AFSO 21 changes improve C-17 availability at McChord

    Airmen here are using Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century to come up with more efficient ways to use available C-17 Globemaster IIIs for training missions during the week. By shortening the turn time of each aircraft from three hours and 15 minutes to two hours and using an engine

  • May 14 airpower summary: Airmen deliver supplies, people

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Royal Air Force GR-9 Harriers dropped 540 pound

  • AF releases draft amendment for new helicopter proposals

    Air Force officials here announced May 14 the release of a draft amendment to the combat search and rescue replacement vehicle request for proposal."We're releasing this draft RFP amendment to foster open communications with our partners in industry, the Department of Defense and Congress as we

  • Air traffic controllers manage safe, efficient operation

    A team of Airmen observe the diversity of air power used in the war on terrorism from the highest vantage point on base: the air traffic control tower. Forward-deployed U.S. armed forces and coalition partners depend on every flight that takes off from and lands at the air base run by the Airmen of

  • May 13 airpower: B-1B targets insurgents

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped multiple guided bomb

  • Flight information management initiative saves time, money

    Air Mobility Battlelab members successfully completed an initiative named the Comprehensive Combat Flight Information Management System at the Rockwell Collins International, Inc.'s aviation laboratory in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The CCFIMS initiative combines commercial and government systems to prove

  • Army aids in aerial evac during North Pole exercise

    Two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crews teamed with Airmen and civilian emergency responders May 10 to evacuate simulated victims of a terrorist attack as part of Alaska Shield/ Northern Edge 2007. Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation regiment's "Flying Dragons" based at Fort Wainwright,

  • Joint team helps save 2-year-old boy in Pacific

    When Airmen from the 13th Air Force's Theater Patient Movement Requirements Center here received a request in early May from a Saipan pediatrician requesting critical assistance for a 2-year-old suffering from pneumonia with subsequent organ system failure, unit members understood time was critical

  • NORAD celebrates 49th birthday

    North American Aerospace Defense Command officials celebrated its 49th anniversary May 12 with cake and reflected on the importance of its mission."Today we celebrate 49 years of tradition and of history of defending both the nations of the United States and Canada," said Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr.,

  • Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

    In this week's edition of "Today's Air Force" see how Airmen are in the fight against terrorism, filling Army "In-Lieu-Of" requirements, and how these Airmen warriors are helping meet the immediate demands of the surge in Iraq. Also, when people think of the Air Force they think of aircraft and

  • Teen becomes 'Pilot for a Day' at Fairchild

    It isn't every day a 13-year-old boy gets to pilot a KC-135 Stratotanker destined from Washington for Hawaii, but one teen flew the mission May 3 as Fairchild Air Force Airmen helped one local youth become a Pilot for a Day. Dylan Nickerson experienced a day in the life of a pilot with the

  • May 11-12 airpower: F-15Es hit insurgent compound

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations May 11 and 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer executed shows of

  • Raptors return from historical deployment

    The first overseas deployment of America's newest fighter aircraft ended when the stealthy planes arrived here May 11.The first wave of F-22 Raptors from the 27th Fighter Squadron returned from Kadena Air Base, Japan, as part of a three-month air and space expeditionary force deployment where the

  • Airmen mIssing In action from WWII identified

    The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced May 11 that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors. First Lt. Archibald Kelly, U.S. Army Air Forces, of

  • Predators ready to aid Missouri flood victims

    MQ-1 Predators are on standby to launch and help with search, rescue and recovery efforts over the areas of Missouri devastated by floods. Four of the unmanned aerial vehicles and the Airmen who launch and recover them await U.S. Northern Command orders to deploy to a location near the affected

  • Air support is crucial vein in ground force's lifeline

    Joint terminal attack controllers direct the action of combat aircraft to provide close-air support missions for U.S. ground forces in Iraq. Close-air support missions require highly-detailed communication channels and a well-coordinated process. Those communication channels and coordination

  • USAFE commander visits Spanish base

    The U. S. Air Forces in Europe commander met with Spanish airmen and commanders of the 712th Air Base Group and observed firsthand how the Spanish and U.S. work together May 11 at Moron Air Base.Gen. William T. Hobbins toured Europe's en-route base for Air Force fighters and tankers while Spanish

  • C-21 Accident Investigation Board completed

    Air Mobility Command released the results of its investigation into the Oct. 2, 2006, C-21A aircraft accident at Decatur Airport, Ill. The aircraft was assigned to the Air Force Flight Standards Agency in Oklahoma City. The Accident Investigation Board, convened by AMC, determined that the primary

  • May 10 airpower: Airlifting ammo to Soldiers

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped 500-pound bombs on

  • Air Force's WC-130 crews hunt Atlantic coast hurricanes

    Although the 2007 Atlantic Ocean hurricane season officially starts June 1, Keesler Air Force Base's Hurricane Hunters got off to an early start. Flying a specially equipped WC-130 Hercules, Airmen from the Air Force Reserve Command's 403rd Wing tracked their first tropical disturbance May 9 off the

  • Realism gives Air Force pilot new perspective

    Evasion training helps the Air Force's pilots stay up-to-date on survival techniques in emergency situations. Staff Sgt. Anthony Raciborski, a Survival, Evasion Resistance, Escape specialist, with the 35th Operations Support Squadron likes to give pilots the most realistic experience possible. "The

  • Charleston maintainers foster AFSO 21 process improvement

    The idea that small changes in processes can make big impacts in productivity is one of the concepts behind Air Force Smart Operations 21, or AFSO 21. Leaders of the 437th Maintenance Group met recently for an intensive four-day process improvement study and found smarter ways of getting aerospace

  • May 9 airpower: F-16s provide support to convoys

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 9, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted a show of force,

  • Deployed F-22s leave Pacific, return to Langley

    After almost three months in the Pacific, 12 F-22A Raptors departed here May 10 having completed the first overseas deployment for the Air Force's newest air supremacy aircraft. The Raptors and more than 250 Airmen assigned to the 27th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va., arrived in

  • Charleston C-17 transports NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander

    The Phoenix Mars Lander began its journey to the red planet in May by first flying on board a C-17 Globemaster III from Charleston Air Force Base.An Aircrew from the 16th Airlift Squadron transported the Phoenix Mars Lander, built by Lockheed Martin in association with NASA, from Buckley AFB, Colo.,

  • Airborne staff connects ground forces

    Convoys going on patrols in Iraq can run into problems when they lose communication. Communication is an integral factor in ensuring servicemembers' safety while on the roads. It can be the difference between mission success and failure. Unknown to many road-faring warriors, a lifeline is already in

  • NATO Response Force works to improve communications

    Representatives from 26 NATO nations met during the first week of May for NATO Response Force Exercise Allied Reach '07 at Allied Air Component Command Headquarters in Ramstein Air Base, Germany. NATO commanders and other senior leaders attended the exercise that examined the command and control,

  • World War II pilot receives Distinguished Flying Cross

    A former Army Air Corps first lieutenant received the Distinguished Flying Cross for actions he took almost 63 years ago, during a ceremony May 7 at the Travis Air Museum. Art Cader earned the medal for his heroism during a World War II bombing mission he was part of Sept. 30, 1944. The medal is

  • May 8 airpower: F-15Es provide overwatch power

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

  • Pilots, attack controllers sharpen war skills in Nevada

    Pilots and joint terminal attack controllers, or JTACs, here practiced skills needed in both Iraq and Afghanistan during training over two southern Nevada towns April 23 and 24. The two towns were Caliente and Panaca, with a combined population of about 1,500 residents, and the training was urban

  • JTACs call in 'guardian angels'

    A joint terminal attack controller is completely immersed downrange on the battlefield. His heart is pounding and his forehead drips with sweat as he directs a combat aircraft to provide close-air support for U.S. ground forces there. The JTAC's eyes light up as he sees the aircraft deliver a

  • 2006 Public Affairs Achievement Awards announced

    On behalf of Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley, Brig. Gen. Michelle Johnson, director of Public Affairs, announced the 2006 Public Affairs Achievement Awards."My heartiest congratulations to all of this year's nominees and recipients,"

  • May 7 airpower: Tankers key to show-of-force operations

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 7, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided overwatch for a

  • Interagency exercise kicks off

    The annual exercise Alaska Shield/Northern Edge 2007 got under way May 7 and runs through May 18. It is part of the U.S. Northern Command-sponsored, national-level Ardent Sentry/Northern Edge 2007 exercise. Ardent Sentry is designed to hone coordination between the Department of Defense as well as

  • Shaw to begin one-year hybrid refueler test

    Fuels Airmen here are putting the Air Force's only R-11 Hybrid Electric Aviation Refueler through its paces during a one-year test that began here this month. The test will determine how much the 72,000-pound hybrid reduces emissions and conserves diesel fuel, potentially saving the Air Force money,

  • Air Force officials evaluating KC-X proposals

    The Air Force source selection evaluation team is poring over industry proposals for the KC-X program, the replacement for the Air Force's aging KC-135 Stratotanker strategic refueling aircraft.The evaluation team, made up of a broad spectrum of acquisition and operational professionals, is

  • May 6 airpower: B-1B Lancers keep insurgents at bay

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb

  • Dover stands up new C-17 maintenance squadron

    The 736th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron was stood up in an assumption-of-command ceremony here April 30. The 736th AMXS will be responsible for maintaining the C-17 Globemaster IIIs, scheduled to start arriving this summer. "This is all very, very exciting, yet humbling," said Lt. Col. Raymond

  • May 5 airpower summary: A-10s provide support for ground forces

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations May 5, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided overwatch

  • May 4 airpower summary: C-17s bring support to ground forces

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations May 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials. In Afghanistan, a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a show of force,

  • Inventory management gears up for process improvements

    Maximizing weapons system availability and performance means smart management of safety levels and inventories. To do this, Air Force officials strive to optimize inventory levels and cost without sacrificing support to the warfighting commanders. "Based upon the fact that we are maintaining systems

  • Special Operations Command celebrates 20 years

    Air Force Special Operations Command Airmen joined personnel from U.S. Special Operations Command to celebrate USSOCOM's 20th anniversary held April 23-27 at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. USSOCOM, made up of about 48,000 Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps special operators, specializes in

  • Mountain Home awarded $1 million for Air Force excellence

    Air Force leaders honored Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, with the Commander in Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence at a ceremony May 3 in the Pentagon. The annual award recognizes the Air Force base that stands out among all others in a variety of categories. Mountain Home AFB,

  • May 3 airpower summary: F-16s support ground forces

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb

  • F-117 pioneer test pilot passes away at 70

    The Air Force and the F-117A Nighthawk program lost one of its premier test pilots nearly 25 years, to the day, after his near-fatal accident while attempting to take-off on an F-117A's final acceptance test. Retired Lt. Col. Robert 'Bob' Riedenauer, 70, passed away April 23 at his home in Palmdale,

  • Yokota shouldering runway taxi project

    A $300,000 project is underway here to make long-term fixes to the pavement on the flightline's northwest shoulder and taxiway. The construction started April 16 and its estimated completion date is June 15. In addition to preventing foreign-object damage, or FOD, these repairs save money, according

  • Officials react to CSAR-X report

    The Government Accountability Office released its redacted report May 3 regarding the Air Force's Request for Reconsideration on the Combat Search and Rescue Replacement vehicle, the CSAR-X. The report states that GAO officials had "reviewed all of the additional arguments raised by Sikorsky and

  • Charleston loadmasters train Davis-Monthan Airmen

    In an effort to further develop Air Force capabilities, Charleston Air Force Base loadmasters traveled to Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., in late April to train augmentees on how to assist loadmasters when loading C-17 Globemaster IIIs. With C-17s flying around the world delivering cargo to warfighters,

  • Air Force aerial firefighters train in New Mexico

    C-130 Hercules aircraft dotted the sky over central New Mexico April 30 through May 2 as 300 Airmen prepared to help fight wild land fires that may break out this year. Cibola National Forest officials and Airmen from Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Airlift Wing based at Peterson Air Force Base,

  • May 2 airpower summary: B-1B provides close-air support

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, in Afghanistan in the following operations May 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a GBU-31

  • Active, Reserve Airmen join forces to fight fires

    A total force team of firefighters from Yokota Air Base and the 440th Airlift Wing, Wisconsin's only Air Force Reserve unit, combined skills to extinguish flames during a live-fire exercise here the last week of April. The joint training offered an experience Yokota AB firefighters and the

  • Air Force stands up first unmanned aircraft systems wing

    The Air Force's first unmanned aircraft systems wing stood up May 1 at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. As Col. Christopher Chambliss assumed command of the 432nd, a piece of history was revived and a course for the way ahead continued. "This is a monumental day for the Air Force," said Colonel

  • Deployed Airman helps others face the music

    Like a typical family, most Air Force members celebrate birthdays, promotions and other occasions with cake. But, when Lt. Col. Brian Reno gets involved with a celebration, he adds to the fun by belting out a fitting tune on his trumpet. "It's always fun to play, and it is very rewarding when others

  • Communications Airmen make the connection

    A small contingent of four communications Airmen traveled to Al Asad Air Base to provide communication connectivity while base facilities were being built around them. "The day we got here, there were no radios, only a couple computers and no telephones installed anywhere," said Staff Sgt. Sean

  • May 1 airpower summary: Airmen support air operations

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 1, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb