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  • New concept gets latest technologies to warfighters quickly

    The F-22 Raptor and Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle had barely finished their maiden flights and begun serving in the war on terrorism when engineers, developers and testers here were already at work to improve on the capabilities of those aircraft.That concept, referred to as "incremental

  • April 30 airpower summary: C-130s sustain war effort

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, in Afghanistan in the following operations April 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-1 Predator fired a

  • Business leaders learn about expeditionary missions

    Participants of the Defense Department's Joint Civilian Orientation Conference April 28 met some of the men and women of U.S. Central Command Air Forces who are deployed to this region. Brig. Gen. Charles Shugg told the group of 45 business and civic leaders, who were on a whirlwind tour of the

  • Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

    This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" showcases the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper and how the Air Force is currently working to become the executive agent for unmanned aerial vehicles. Also featured is the never-ending mission of moving cargo and people.  Finally, see how Airmen at bases around

  • Aerial porters save lives by moving air cargo in Iraq

    Moving supplies, equipment and people from place to place in a convoy anywhere in Iraq is very risky business. Many hidden dangers such as improvised explosive devices, anti-Iraqi forces, and other such dangers can be on any road. Many lives that might have been lost in convoy attacks have been

  • Air Force air evac crews adapt, train onboard mix of planes

    Taking care of patients on an aircraft is not an easy task. What if there are patient emergencies or problems with the aircraft itself? What if it's a plane the aeromedical crew is not familiar with? These questions, and more, were answered during an Air Force Reserve Aeromedical Evacuation Jamboree

  • Weather squadron covers 42 countries

    With 110 million square miles in its operational region, the 152 Airmen in the 17th Operational Weather Squadron here are responsible for the largest area of responsibility of all the operational weather squadrons in the Air Force. And with 42 countries in the area of responsibility, squadron

  • April 29 airpower summary: Maintainers keep planes flying

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations April 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb

  • C-17 unit brings 'bombs, beans, bullets' to the fight

     "Bringing the bombs, beans and bullets to the warfighter" is how Capt. Aaron Oelrich described the mission of the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron while on his way to fly an airlift mission into Iraq. And "bring it" they do, to the tune of about one million pounds of cargo daily. The 816th EAS,

  • April 28 airpower summary: A-10s support coalition forces

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations April 28, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb

  • ACC approves Raptor demonstration

    Maj. Paul "Max" Moga and the world's only fifth-generation fighter aircraft may be appearing at an airshow near you this season. Following a 12-minute performance April 27, Air Combat Command officials gave Major Moga and his F-22A Raptor demonstration the official seal of approval. The evaluation

  • April 27 airpower summary: C-130s support Iraqi operations

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations April 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped guided bomb

  • POL Airmen surpass one billion gallons

    Senior Airman David Beatty stood patiently on the artificially lighted parking ramp, waiting for more than 22,000 gallons of jet fuel to transfer from the hydrant outlet, through the steel pantograph piping and into the nearby KC-135 Stratotanker. Unbeknownst to the Airman from the 379th

  • Edwards readies for Joint Strike Fighter testing

    All systems are moving toward "go" here as officials prepare for upcoming tests on the next-generation strike fighter, the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter. A new mission control room opened its doors earlier this month, equipped so the Integrated Test Force will be able to monitor real-time

  • A-10 provides top cover for troops in Iraq

    The catalysts behind one of the most kinetically advanced air forces in the world can be found at the 438th Air Expeditionary Group's maintenance and fighter squadrons. The Airmen assigned to these units employ their kinetic energy by flying the A-10 Thunderbolt II, an aircraft that provides

  • April 26 airpower summary: Transports keep cargo flowing

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations April 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B1-B Lancer dropped a guided bomb

  • Air Force Marathon a premier running event

    If you think you have one good reason for not running the U.S. Air Force Marathon Sept. 15, here are five excellent reasons why you should. For starters, it's the only marathon in the world where runners receive inspiration and encouragement from the skies above, as Air Force aircraft fly overhead

  • April 25 airpower summary: A-10s give commanders lethal options

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations April 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, F-15E Strike Eagles released multiple guided bomb

  • WWII bomber crew members awarded Distinguished Flying Cross

    It was a warm summer morning when the crew of the Flak Man, a B-24 Liberator, joined other bombers and their escort fighters on a daring mission. They flew from Pantanella, Italy, and played a key role in the bombing of oil refineries 700 miles away near Ploesti, Romania. The location was of

  • April 24 airpower summary: firefighters hone skills; save lives

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations April 24, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided overwatch for a

  • Air Force officials discuss way forward for new helicopter

    Air Force officials announced here April the way ahead for the replacement combat search and rescue helicopter, the CSAR-X.To foster open communications and a fair and open competition, Air Force officials expect to release a draft Request for Proposal amendment to the CSAR-X offerors in May, and

  • Nellis helicopters aid rescue efforts

    A rescue helicopter and aircrew assigned here have deployed to assist in the rescue of hikers stranded on a mountain in southwest Utah. One HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter from the 66th Rescue Squadron and pararescuemen from the 58th RQS here departed at approximately 12:30 p.m. to Pine Valley Mountain

  • April 23 airpower summary: Royal Air Force providing airlift support

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations April 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a show of

  • Air Force civilians win presidential rank awards

    Several Air Force civilians were presented the 2006 Presidential Rank Awards here in a ceremony held April 20 in the Women's Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery. The President of the United States annually awards distinguished and meritorious ranks to career members of the senior executive

  • Chief of staff hosts Air Force acquisition summit

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley hosted a meeting of senior Air Force leaders to discuss the service's top acquisition issues and strategies at the Pentagon April 23. "We want our Airmen of tomorrow to inherit an Air Force that provides them the best tools to do the job of defending

  • Russian aircraft transports ANG rescue helicopters

    Air National Guardsmen here worked with an aircraft that was vastly different from the MC-130P Combat Shadow tankers, HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters and other Air Force aircraft they are accustomed to. Airmen from the 129th Rescue Wing were deploying to Afghanistan and needed aircraft to

  • Alaska range, airspace critical to combat training

    Ejecting out of a fighter jet at more than 400 miles per hour, aircrew members have one objective--to make it to the ground alive. For an F-15 Eagle fighter pilot and his navigator, the combat search and rescue training scenario during Red Flag-Alaska 07-1 stranded them with severe injuries on the

  • Phase team keeps F-16s in the fight

    The sound of electric drills and pounding hammers resonates inside the hardened aircraft shelter here as crew chiefs shout orders over the noise of wielding power tools and a variety of gadgets: Welcome to Day One of an F-16 Fighting Falcon phase dock. Members of the 35th Expeditionary Maintenance

  • Iraqi Air Force celebrates 76th anniversary

    The 76th anniversary of the Iraqi Air Force drew a crowd of approximately 100 distinguished visitors, guests and Iraqi and U.S. servicemembers to New Al Muthana Air Base in Baghdad, Iraq. The guests poured into the enormous C-130 Hercules hangar which was decorated with Iraqi flags, colorful

  • Airmen assist Iraqi Air Force reconstitution

    On a daily basis, Staff Sgt. Luke Almeter dons his U.S. Air Force uniform and drives the short commute to New Al Muthana Air Base. This seemingly easy task is something his Iraqi Air Force counterparts can't do because of the dangers that lurk outside the base. Because of fear of retribution, Iraqi

  • April 21 airpower: B-1B Lancer hits insurgents

    Coalition airpower supported Coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations April 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. Another B-1B dropped GBU-31s on a building where insurgents were

  • Air refueling publication provides NATO nations better combat effectiveness

    A significant milestone in coalition and international military interoperability occured when the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy adopted a single manual for fixed-wing air-to-air refueling, or AAR, procedures April 1, replacing more than 17 separate weapon system-specific AAR manuals.More

  • Air operations vital to CJTF-HOA mission

    In the United States, airlines coordinate flights with the Federal Aviation Administration. In the Horn of Africa it's a little more complicated as flights cross several nations, all with different aviation rules. What does it take to get flights from point A to point B within the Combined Joint

  • April 20 airpower: Coalition partners achieve success

    Coalition airpower supported Coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations April 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs released cannon

  • Doolittle Raiders celebrate 65 years since historic mission

    Seven surviving members of the famed "Doolittle Raiders" met in San Antonio in mid April to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the unit's historic bombing mission over Japan April 18, 1942. The raid, which consisted of 16 B-25 Mitchell bombers taking off from the deck of an Navy aircraft carrier, was

  • U.S. must maintain space superiority, General says

    Maintaining superiority in space will go a long way toward protecting U.S. national interests, the commander of the Air Force's Space and Missile Systems Center said here. "If adversaries are using space in ways that would threaten America or our forces on the battlefield, we have to be able to

  • Air Support Ops keep control at Atlantic Strike V

    The 682nd Air Support Operations Squadron Airmen from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., provided tactical command and control as the Air Support Operations Center during Atlantic Strike V April 14-20 at the Avon Park Air Ground Complex at Avon Park, Fla. The ASOC is the forward extension of the air

  • Commander challenges technologists for better solutions

    When is technology more than just a piece of equipment or an information system? When a ground troop uses it to make a life-or-death decision in a split-second on the battlefield, or when an admiral sends an aircraft carrier as a show of force to mitigate or avoid conflict. Technology also assists

  • April 19 airpower: Horn of Africa mission continues

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, in Afghanistan in the following operations April 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed a

  • Red Flag-Alaska ends on positive note

    The year's first Red Flag-Alaska ended April 20 after two weeks of intense, air-combat training over Alaska's mountain ranges. Training in a multi-service, multi-platform, combat operations exercise involving coalition forces was an opportunity that cannot be underemphasized, said Lt. Col. Eddie

  • Air Force official testifies on UAV executive agent issue

    The deputy chief of staff for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance explained why Air Force leaders support the idea of creating an executive agency for unmanned aerial vehicles before the House Armed Services air and land forces subcommittee April 19 here. Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula joined

  • Battlefield technology key to Atlantic Strike V

    As the convoy travels down the dusty path, the lead Humvee's Joint Terminal Attack Controller zeroes in on a potential target 1,500 meters in front of him. He sends the coordinates to the waiting aircraft above. "Target is verified JTAC, expending munitions." The aircraft releases its munitions

  • Air Force, Navy deliver firetrucks donated by Baltimore

    The first of two aircraft fire and rescue trucks bound for Kabul International Airport in Northern Afghanistan was loaded into the cargo hold of a C-17 Globemaster III by members of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, Expeditionary Logistics Squadron April 19. The vehicles are 1988 Oshkosh trucks

  • Weather can't stop desert-dwelling Airmen at Red Flag-Alaska

    Working in a cold-weather environment may not be in the repertoire of desert-dwelling maintainers supporting Exercise Red Flag-Alaska 07-1, but Airmen from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., don't seem to mind and they're not about to let it affect their mission. "If it wasn't chilly here I would probably

  • April 18 airpower: C-130s provide heavy airlift support

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations April 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a show of

  • A-10s return to Bagram

    Increased firepower is in the making for U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan. A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 354th Fighter Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., arrived April 17 to bring increased versatility to the capabilities of the aircraft stationed here. This is the second

  • Airmen train colleagues for combat during Atlantic Strike

    Insurgents wait beside a roadway for an Army convoy. As Humvees pass, the insurgents launch their attack, blasting improvised explosive devices and firing rockets at the vehicles. Air Force joint terminal attack controllers embedded with the Soldiers respond by calling for an impromptu airstrike.

  • Atlantic Strike V begins in Avon Park

    More than 400 joint servicemembers began participating in Atlantic Strike V, a U.S. Central Command Air Forces pre-deployment training event April 14 at the Avon Park Air Ground Training Complex in Avon Park, Fla. The semi-annual training through April 20 and prepares joint air and ground forces for

  • April 17 airpower summary: Maintainers work wonders

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

  • Doolittle Raiders 65th anniversary kicks off at Randolph

    The 65th anniversary reunion of the Doolittle Raiders launched with an opening ceremony attended by more than 250 spectators April 17 here. The ceremony included several short speeches from Randolph Air Force Base leadership and the Doolittle Raiders' historian and manager. Second Lt. Austin

  • Unit scrambles to guide troubled aircraft to safe landing

    Airmen of the Air Force Reserve Command's 916th Air Refueling Wing here scrambled to launch an early morning mission April 17 to rendezvous with and help safely land an Air Force aircraft that lost critical instrumentation. The NCK-135 aircrew from Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., called an in-flight

  • Eielson pilots get aggressive during Red Flag-Alaska

    Eielson Air Force Base F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots took to the sky as aggressors for the first time in Red Flag-Alaska history during the exercise that runs April 5 through 21. Flying with the 64th Aggressor Squadron from Nellis AFB, Nev., Eielson AFB pilots began the transition of a permanent F-16

  • Airman's Roll Call highlights Doolittle Raiders

    The latest Airman's Roll Call highlights the Doolittle Raiders, who are reuniting this week to remember the 65th anniversary of their historic flight. On April 18, 1942, 80 men launched 16 B-25 medium bombers from the deck of an aircraft carrier on their way to bombing various targets on the home

  • F-22s use refueling 'pit stop'

    Just like in NASCAR, a good pit crew can make or break a team. When tankers aren't in the sky to refuel fighters, pilots take advantage of a pit. "Hot pits" are crucial in wartime as it gets the fighters gassed up quickly while both engines are still running, and back into the fight. "It's actually

  • April 16 airpower summary: Close air support missions support operations

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations April 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a show of force,

  • Idea nets maintenance Airman $10,000

    An Air Force maintainer from McChord Air Force Base recently earned big bucks by making good use of a part that was going to be turned into scrap metal. Master Sgt. Barry Buchmiller of the 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron received a $10,000 check from the Air Force's Innovative Development through

  • Barksdale Airmen take care of B-52 business 7,000 miles away

    The ground shakes and the flightline shudders as the eight engines of a B-52 Stratofortress beat gravity into submission lifting the giant bomber into the air. Each of the bomber's engines can produce more than 17,000 pounds of thrust along with a deafening roar, but for the Airmen assigned to the

  • Scientific Advisory Board helps move ideas from concept to reality

    When today's Airmen use one of the many cutting edge technology tools at their disposal, they can thank a small group of scientists and engineers for helping make it a reality. The Air Force Scientific Advisory Board continued their long tradition of helping the Air Force bring new ideas to reality

  • April 15 airpower summary: Maintainers keep aircraft in tip-top shape

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations April 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb

  • Jimmy Doolittle: famed airpower pioneer

    The man the "Doolittle Raiders" are named for may not be a household name today, but James H. "Jimmy" Doolittle was once one of the most famous celebrities in America, even before the raid, and remains one of the most remarkable figures of the 20th century. Born in Alameda, Calif., on Dec. 14, 1896,

  • Doolittle Raiders to meet for 65th anniversary reunion

    Seven surviving members of the famed "Doolittle Tokyo Raiders," will descend on San Antonio, this week for a series of events marking the 65th anniversary of one of the most notable airpower missions in military history. Personally ordered by Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt, the raid was a response to

  • 'Man, Moment, Machine: The Daring Doolittle Raid'

    The History Channel will air "Man, Moment, Machine: The Daring Doolittle Raid" April 18. The program is scheduled to air at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the Easter and Pacific time zones; 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. in the Central zone; 10 and 4 p.m. in the Mountain zone. Viewers are reminded to check their local

  • Agency certifies new instrument landing system

    A new instrument landing system, or ILS, aiding flight safety at the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing was certified by Air Force Flight Standards Agency officials April 10, completing a collaborative project in the works since 2005. The ILS is a precision-approach system serving as the pilot's eyes when

  • April 14 airpower summary: C-130s provide backbone for success

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations April 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan yesterday, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets dropped

  • April 13 airpower summary: C-130s provide airlift support

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations April 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles received notice

  • Life support aircrew puts pilots', passengers' safety first

    Before passengers are loaded onto the planes, and pilots taxi them for take off, there's a group of Airmen ensuring the safety of those aboard. Aircrew life support technicians of the 459th Airlift Squadron here check every piece of safety equipment located in the aircraft including survival kits

  • April 12 airpower: F-15s provide overwatch support

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, in Afghanistan in the following operations April 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped GBU-31

  • U.S. forces mentor Afghan Air Corps to 'stand on own'

    At the Kabul International Airport, a joint U.S. mentorship effort is enabling the Afghan National Air Corps to soar toward new heights. "We're helping them build a good process so they can have a healthy, sustaining air force," said Maj. Rudy Alejandro, a fixed wing unit mentor. The ANAC is

  • Luke team trains for combat at Red Flag-Alaska

    Airmen from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., are deployed to participate in Red Flag-Alaska, a multi-service, multi-platform coordinated, combat operations exercise at Eielson AFB. Thirteen instructor pilots, six operations support staff and more than 60 maintainers made the 2,600-mile trek to take part

  • April 8 airpower: B-1B bombs insurgents

    In Afghanistan April 7, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s on insurgents firing small arms and rocket propelled grenades at coalition forces near Asadabad. A joint terminal attack controller confirmed the weapons hit the target and ended the engagement. Air Force F-15E Strike

  • KC-10 Extenders keep jets on target

    Staying in the fight is key to U.S. and coalition forces maintaining air superiority during combat missions.Helping ensure these pilots stay in the fight is the responsibility of the crews onboard refueling tankers like the KC-10 Extenders participating in the Red Flag-Alaska 07-1 exercise April 5

  • New mission control room ready for F-35 flight tests

    The newest range mission control room built to test the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter was officially commissioned here April 11. Combined with equipment installation and recent room certification, the range control room now provides the F-35 test team with the resources necessary to monitor the

  • Air National Guard crew flies its 1st C-5 to Djibouti

    The C-5 Galaxy's red-striped tail cut across the African sky April 10, flying a first for one Air National Guard unit. The West Virginia Air National Guard's 167th Airlift Wing, recently gaining the Galaxy, flew the massive airframe to Djibouti to deliver two CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters and

  • April 12 airpower: aerial porters keep cargo moving

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released this airpower summary April 12. In Afghanistan April 11, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s on two buildings from which insurgents were firing at coalition vehicles near Sangin. A joint terminal attack controller aligned with

  • Award winners save Air Force $26.5 million

    Six individuals who saved the Air Force $26.5 million were recognized April 5 at the Pentagon.  Four individuals won Air Force Productivity Excellence Awards and two won Air Force Exceptional Innovator Awards.Lt. Gen. Roger A. Brady, the Air Force deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel,

  • 17th Training Wing preserves heritage

    The end of the Cold War left the United States needing fewer forces. A smaller force required fewer bases to support it and, organizationally, fewer units to hold it. For the Air Force, as it set about eliminating excess bases through the Base Realignment and Closure process and excess wings through

  • Goodfellow hosts premier firefighter school

    It's burning. It's burning. The flames swell as the firefighters move into the mouth of the "dragon." In front of them -- a 500 degree wall of propane flames. The giant can's steel walls force the jets of fire to sweep over their heads and land behind them. At the nozzle is Airman 1st Class Cole

  • Georgia, Robins partner for prosperity to base, state

    An opportunity to provide the Air Force easier access to the innovative technologies being developed by research universities and companies in Georgia was made possible through the first joint venture between an air logistics center and its state government. Robins Air Force Base has joined with the

  • Maintainers save man-hours with AFSO 21 changes

    When aircraft maintainers think of inspections, their minds may be filled with thoughts of preparation and increased workload; however, 552nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron Maintenance Flight members here saw the E-3 Sentry Isochronal Inspection process as an opportunity for improvement. With Air

  • April 11 airpower: C-130s support forward deployed units

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for April 11. In Afghanistan April 10, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided a show of force, releasing multiple flares, in support of a coalition convoy near Kalan. As the convoy arrived at an area that could have been used by

  • CMSAF visits Aviano Airmen

    Aviano Airmen had a chance to meet and talk with Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley during his visit here April 9 and 10. The Air Force's top enlisted Airman paid a visit to Aviano as part of his U.S. Air Forces in Europe tour. During his stay, he hosted an Airmen's breakfast and

  • Bagram Airmen move Army Force Provider camps

    A familiar sight at this Afghanistan airfield involves American C-17 Globemaster IIIs landing and maneuvering as Russian-built IL-76 cargo aircraft taxies for departure. While one aircraft is being unloaded, another is waiting next in line to take off while another prepares to land. Airmen from one

  • Red Flag-Alaska strengthens coalition forces

    Red Flag-Alaska, a multi-service, multi-platform coordinated, combat operations exercise, kicked off April 5 with the ultimate goal of improving the operational capability of participating units and fostering stronger relations between U.S. and coalition forces. Red Flag-Alaska allows these units,

  • Boomers help keep the fighters flying

    The KC-135 Stratotanker helps the Air Force accomplish its mission by providing gas to aircraft during flight. To accomplish its mission, this fuel station in the sky uses an operator with a very unique job who goes by the name of "Boom." He or she is the tanker's boom operator. Staff Sgt. Larry

  • Air mobility keeps fast pace with war ops surges

    Squadrons across the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing have increased operations to enhance theater-wide support for the current surge of troops throughout Iraq and Afghanistan. One such example is the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron, a 379th AEW tenant unit that links air mobility operations

  • April 10 airpower: Airmen keep watch in the fight

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for April 10.In Afghanistan April 9, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s on an insurgent position in an open area near Asadabad. The weapons directly hit the target according to a joint terminal attack

  • Airmen keep a step ahead of enemy

    They don't talk much about what they do, at least to those outside the small, secure compound in Ops Town. But, they do listen to what others have to say -- mostly enemy ground forces. The 763rd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron maintains a constant presence in the Central Command area of

  • 10 missing WWII Airmen are identified

    The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced April 9 that the remains of 10 U.S. servicemen, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and will be returned to their families for burial with full military honors. The Airmen are: 2nd Lt. Raymond A. Cooley of Leary,

  • Tweet closes 42-year Randolph career

    After 42 years of serving as the primary pilot instructor training aircraft at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, the T-37 Tweet turned its reigns over to the T-6 Texan II in a special ceremony April 6 at 3:59 p.m. on the west ramp behind Hangar 64. During its time at Randolph flying with the 559th

  • Air Force releases combat action medal criteria

    Air Force officials at the Air Force Personnel Center released criteria this week for award of the new combat action medal, an award for Airmen who have been involved in direct fighting situations where they risked their lives in an enemy engagement. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley

  • Charter members reflect on Air Guard's first 60 years

    Their membership gets older and smaller every day. Nearly 60 years have passed since they formed, but time has not removed distant memories of 1946 and 1947 after these veterans helped claim victory in World War II and flew as Air National Guardsmen. You may have met them on your drill weekends

  • Air Force loadmaster maxes 10,000-hour mark

    An 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron loadmaster now wears a badge of distinction that very few loadmasters receive -- an Air Mobility Command custom patch displaying the number 10,000. After 25 years of service, Master Sgt. Joseph Maxey surpassed 10,000 flying hours April 3 during an airlift

  • April 9 airpower: Predator strikes insurgents

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the following airpower summary April 9: In Afghanistan April 8, an Air Force MQ-1Predator fired a Hellfire missile at a vehicle with insurgents gathered around it. The airstrike was reported as a direct hit and multiple secondary explosions were

  • Services Airmen keep morale high in Iraq

    Between aircraft sorties, mortar attacks and grueling long days for the residents of Balad AB and Logistical Support Area Anaconda, 20 Airmen of the Expeditionary Services Squadron are doing their part to keep them fit, entertained and ready for the fight. "We're here for everyone else's happiness

  • March 31 - 6 April: The week in airpower

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released this weekly airpower summary April 8. In Afghanistan this week ,245 close-air-support missions were flown in support of  International Security Assistance Force and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Air Force and Royal Air

  • April 7 airpower summary: C-17s sustain operations

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the following airpower summary: In Afghanistan April 6, U.S. Air Force F-15 Strike Eagles provided a show of force to deter insurgent activity near Asadabad. A Joint Terminal Attack Controller reported that insurgents were planning to surround

  • Joint STARS exceeds 23,000 flight hours

    The 128th Expeditionary Airborne Command and Control Squadron, one of three operational Joint Surveillance Target Attacks Radar System squadrons, recently reached a milestone of 23,000 flight-hours by flying missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Beginning on Jan. 16, 2003, the JSTARS

  • Academy parachute team sets world record

    The U.S. Air Force Academy's Wings of Blue Competition and Demonstration Parachute Team set another world record in a big way.The team set a collegiate world big-way record March 31 at Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field, Ariz., when 39 cadets linked in the air. The 39 cadets jumped from three

  • Guam B-52s evacuate to Fairchild in wake of typhoon

    Aircrews and six B-52 Stratofortress bombers from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, arrived here April 1 seeking refuge from Typhoon Kong-Rey, which ripped through the Western Pacific April 2. The B-52 is a long-range, heavy bomber that was stationed at Fairchild for nearly four decades. The aircraft