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  • New combat squadron stands up at Little Rock

    The 41st Airlift Squadron became the newest unit of the 463rd Airlift Group at Little Rock Air Force Base in a ceremony April 6 as well as being named the first active-duty combat C-130J Hercules squadron in the Air Force. The 41st AS moved here from Pope AFB, N.C., due to the Base Realignment and

  • April 6 airpower summary: B-1Bs aid ground forces

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the following airpower summary: In Afghanistan April 5, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided two shows of force, releasing multiple flares, for coalition ground forces receiving small-arms fire near Oruzgan. A on-scene joint terminal attack

  • Week in Photos highlights Airmen in action

    The "Week In Photos" Web feature on Air Force Link provides visitors with photos that highlight Air Force missions around the world.  Among this week's photos are: In the Horn of Africa, an HC-130P aircraft takes off from Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, headed down range in support of a Combined Joint Task

  • Air Force, Kenyan maintainers turn wrenches together

    A team of Air Force maintenance experts traveled to Kenya March 21to 28 to work with their Kenyan counterparts. Their goal was to improve F-5 fighter maintenance, operations, supply and aircraft support equipment. The eight-main Air Force team, led by Col. Dennis Mitchell, chief of standardization

  • Weapons Airmen help pilots' firing accuracy

    Putting steel on target is the aim of warfighters, and making sure F-16 Fighting Falcon guns hit the bull's-eye every time is the mission of weapon loaders at Misawa Air Base.In a process called boresighting, weapons Airmen ensure the path of bullets shot from the aircraft's 20mm cannon is aligned

  • Air Force begins environmental cleanup of Guam dumpsite

    The Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence at Brooks City-Base, Texas, is managing the project to clean up a 62-year-old dumpsite near Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. AFCEE contractor Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure, Inc., has begun the two-year-long job of removing waste from the Urunao

  • McGuire commander is 'hands-on' saving energy

    In January, the Department of Energy chose McGuire as one of the lead bases in the Air Force to be given an Energy Efficiency Expert Evaluation Audit; commonly referred to as the "E4" Audit. On the final day of the E4 visit, Michael Aimone, the Air Force assistant deputy chief of staff for

  • April 4 airpower: Fighters watch over coalition troops

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for April 4. In Afghanistan April 3, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a show of force for a coalition convoy stuck in the mud near Sangin. The B-1B also provided shows of force for coalition forces in contact with

  • McChord Airmen embrace AFSO 21

    In an effort to increase the tempo of generating aircraft that are prepped and ready for flight, Airmen in the 62nd Maintenance Group have teamed with Airmen in several other squadrons here to embrace Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century practices and smooth out flightline processes. The

  • CSAF discusses construction projects in testimony

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley met with members of the House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs March 29 to discuss the service's construction efforts. General Moseley said the Air Force is committed to improving base infrastructure

  • April 3 airpower: recon aircraft provide vital intel

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for April 3. In Afghanistan, 35 close-air-support missions were flown in support of International Security Assistance Force and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Eight Air Force and Royal Air Force

  • Officials discuss air space standards in Alaska

    As the Air Force increases its training in Alaska with exercises like Red Flag, which begins April 5, challenges in sharing air space with the civilian sector are at the forefront of community discussions. Col. Jack Gregory, the 11th Air Force vice commander, met with military leaders and members of

  • F-16 accident report released

    Air Force officials recently completed an investigation of the F-16C Fighting Falcon accident 20 miles northwest of Baghdad Nov. 27, which resulted in the death of the pilot, Maj. Troy Gilbert. The official cause of the accident was Major Gilbert's "channelized attention manifested by his desire to

  • April 2 airpower: C-17s provide global airlift support

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for April 2. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer responded to a coalition convoy stuck in the river that was taking small-arms fire near Qalet. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller passed coordinates for

  • French help fuel Operation Enduring Freedom

    In pursuing the war on terrorism, the United States fights side-by-side with its coalition partners. One of the fundamental missions here at the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing is the aerial refueling mission accomplished by the 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron in support of Operation Enduring

  • Airmen tackle increased operations tempo

    Airmen from the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing continue to maintain increased operations, both in the air and on the ground, in support of ground forces in Afghanistan and Iraq. This week, bombers assigned to the 379th AEW saw an increase in combat sorties on the Combined Forces Air Component

  • March 24 - 30: The week in airpower

    In Afghanistan this week, 267 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Fifty-one  Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions

  • Nondestructive testing keeps Bagram aircraft flying

    They endure wide swings in temperature and dusty conditions, and they are constantly pushed to their limits. They are the F-15E Strike Eagles stationed here. But they are machines--expensive machines that require teams of experts to keep them in top running condition. One of those teams is the

  • March 31 airpower: Recon aircraft key to mission success

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 31. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped Guided Bomb Unit-31s on an insurgent compound and a GBU-38 on an enemy firing position near Garmsir. A Joint Terminal Attack Controller confirmed targets were

  • Recruiting, training key to future of Iraqi Air Force

    Recruiting new airmen for the Iraqi Air Force presents several challenges. With the constant fear of being targeted by insurgents, those who want to serve fear what might happen to them or their families. However, the Iraqi Air Force is making headway, and Iraqi citizens are stepping up to serve

  • March 30 airpower: B-1B protects coalition convoy

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 30. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a show of force for a coalition convoy with vehicle problems near Kabul. The B-1B also provided a show of force for another convoy that received small arms

  • Tinker Airmen resume Sentry in Southwest Asia

    Airmen of the 552nd Air Control Wing here deployed to support operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom at the end of March after a four-year hiatus from being in Southwest Asia. The last time Tinker AFB E-3 Sentrys deployed for OEF was 10 days after 9/11, and by October 2002 crews of the 552nd

  • Leaders discuss Air Force priorities

    Representatives from Air Force major commands discussed Air Force initiatives, systems and operational issues that tie into the top three Air Force priorities during a press conference March 26 here. Fighting and winning the war on terrorism, developing and caring for Airmen, and recapitalizing and

  • 'Mod Squad' modernizes Moody's Pave Hawks

    Installing a major modification on an aircraft usually means it has to leave the base and head to where the experts are, unless you can bring those experts to the aircraft. Some modifications are jobs for the "Mod Squad;" a four-man team of specialists whose mission is to plumb deep inside an

  • AFSOC scores safety trifecta

    Safety officials at Air Force Special Operations Command have a pleasant problem: finding room for more trophies in the display case. AFSOC dominated the 2006 Air Force safety award program, garnering the service's top awards for best major command safety record, most effective MAJCOM-level flight

  • Congress honors Tuskegee Airmen

    Before a U.S. aircraft broke the sound barrier, the Tuskegee Airmen overcame a daunting social hurdle: breaking the Air Force's color barrier. In the Capitol Rotunda March 29, President Bush and Congress awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to the Tuskegee Airmen, more than 60 years after the 332nd

  • Former NATO, U.S. leaders return to Sheppard for anniversary

    Former Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training members reunited and toured Sheppard AFB as part of their 25th anniversary celebration March 26.Previous and current ENJJPT wing commanders and operations group commanders have trained more than 195 classes since its inception with more than 5,508 students

  • GPS-driven dropsondes improve airdrop accuracy

    An emerging technology is making airdrops around the world more accurate. Called dropsondes, they not only improve aircrew capabilities, they also keep troops safe downrange. "A dropsonde is merely a meteorological device that we use to collect weather information from the altitude of the plane to

  • C-130 airdrops provide critical supplies to U.S. forces

    Improved Container Delivery System bundles fall from the cargo compartments of C-130 Hercules aircraft on a frequent basis here. The ICDS airdrops support the ground forces on the front lines at forward operating bases throughout Afghanistan. "Some of the ground forces are in close combat," said

  • March 29 airpower: A-10s provide overwatch for coalition

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 29.In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s and GBU-38s on insurgent buildings, a tunnel and wall near Sangin. The attack came after coalition forces received small-arms and

  • USAFE officials forge relations with Russian air force

    Twenty years ago the idea of Russian and U.S. Air Force leaders flying together and exchanging ideas was almost implausible. That implausibility is now a reality -- one focused on cooperation and bilateral relations. Top Russian air force leaders visited U.S. Air Forces in Europe March 20 to 23 to

  • New facility aids transition to enduring presence

    The transition toward an enduring presence in Southwest Asia requires efficient long-term planning, such as prepositioning equipment in warehouses similar to back at home stations in order to meet the high operations tempo. This line of thinking has led 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness

  • Whiteman Reserve unit teams up with Spangdahlem pilots

    The Reserve's 442nd Fighter Wing is once again partnering with the 81st Fighter Squadron from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.Twenty pilots from the 81st FS, part of the 52nd FW, started flying with the 442nd FW at Whiteman AFB in February and will continue through the beginning of May.  "It's a

  • Iraqi air force takes flight with help from U.S. Airmen

    The Iraqi air force is taking off once again with the help of U.S. Air Force Airmen who serve with the Coalition Air Force Transition Team in Iraq. The U.S. Air Force's contribution to enabling the Iraqi air force to build and sustain itself is focused through the CAFTT, composed of four Air Force

  • March 28 airpower: Bomber scores direct hits

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 28.In Afghanistan March 27, an Air Force B-1 Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s on four insurgent buildings near Sangin. A joint terminal attack controller confirmed the targets were directly hit. Air Force F-15E

  • Air Force officials seek UAV enterprise interdependence

    Army Brig. Gen. Stephen Mundt, director of Army aviation in the office of the deputy chief of staff for operations, recently disparaged the Air Force chief of staff's efforts to optimize our nations intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities and enhance the joint, effective and

  • B-52s participate in Green Lightning, Australian air show

    Andersen Airmen flew to the land 'down under' this week to demonstrate the capability and flexibility of the B-52 Stratofortress bomber to their Australian partners. They completed a series of scheduled Green Lightning exercise sorties at the Delamere Bombing Range while also providing aerial

  • March 27 airpower: Fighters provide overwatch

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 27. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s on insurgents in an open area and others hiding behind a wall near Tarin Kowt.  An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the

  • Air Force plans to develop revolutionary engine

    Air Force Research Laboratory engineers have outlined a five-year timeline for a new, adaptive engine that will enable pilots to switch from high speed combat maneuvers to long-range persistence mode as effortlessly as a bird in flight. AFRL's Propulsion Directorate recently issued a Broad Agency

  • Air Force announces milestone in force transformation

    The secretary of the Air Force and chief of staff recently announced the completion of the next phase of Total Force Integration initiatives after discussions with Airmen from active-duty, Guard and Reserve organizations. Total Force Integration initiatives and their changes to the Air Force are

  • Berlin Candy Bomber meets children of today, yesteryear

    The Candy Bomber met children of all ages at an open house here March 22, including a man who received chocolate dropped to him as a child in Germany.Retired Col. Gail Halvorsen received his nickname for dropping candy tied to parachutes from his C-54 Skymaster to children during the Berlin

  • March 26 airpower: Tankers fuel the fleet

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 26. In Afghanistan March 25, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s on an enemy building used for a rocket propelled grenade position near Sangin. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller

  • A-10 modifications speed up to support warfighters

    The Air Force will soon benefit from an A-10 Thunderbolt II milestone achieved here in March. Personnel from the 571st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron completed a precision engagement modification on an A-10 14 days ahead of schedule.The modification gives the A-10 precision weapons capability through

  • Open house showcases military might, yesterday's heritage

    Nearly 500 visitors met current-day met warriors and a living legend during the March 22 open house at Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen, Puerto Rico. Military members and equipment, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol air assets, and an historic C-54 with Berlin candy bomber retired Col. Gail

  • 340th EARS keeps aircraft in fight 24/7

    Despite the age of the KC-135 Stratotanker, one of the Air Force's top recapitalization priorities,  the role of the Airmen in the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron to refuel coalition aircraft has proven critical to the U.S. Central Command mission. As enablers, the refuelers make every

  • March 17-23: The week in airpower

    In Afghanistan this week 310 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Fifty-five Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions were flown in

  • Air Force legend Col. Chase Nielsen passes away

    Retired Lt. Col. Chase J. Nielsen, one of the famed "Tokyo Doolittle Raiders" who helped boost American morale in the early days of World War II with a surprise air attack on Japan and spent a lifetime as an advocate for American airpower, died March 23 at his home in Brigham City, Utah. Born Jan.

  • Coast Guard pilot traces roots to Air Force opportunities

    An Airman formed a passion for flying after enlisting in the Air Force, and with the educational benefits afforded to him, this former senior airman now flies Coast Guard helicopters here. Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Juan Lopez was once an aerospace ground equipment mechanic at Norton Air Force Base in

  • March 24 airpower: C-17s transport 3,000 passengers, 430 tons of cargo

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 24. In Afghanistan March 23,  Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted reconnaissance for coalition forces receiving mortar fire from a known enemy firing position near Sangin. A joint terminal attack controller

  • Airmen visit Australian primary school

    At a primary school about 15 kilometers from this year's Australian International Air Show, a group of Airmen introduced themselves and the U.S. Air Force to local students curious about the airplanes they had seen flying overhead the last few days.During the school visit March 22, the group also

  • March 23 airpower: Transports key to intra-theater airlift

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 23. In Afghanistan March 22, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s and GBU-38s on several enemy buildings near Sangin. Coalition forces were taking fire from insurgents in the buildings. One of the

  • Alaska Airmen aid injured British Sailor

    Airmen in Alaska came through for a wounded British Sailor March 21 when he was injured during a deadly explosion aboard the Royal Navy submarine HMS Tireless operating in Arctic waters north of Prudhoe Bay. The submarine experienced an explosion of a self contained oxygen generation candle that

  • Air Force participates in Australian air show

    Airmen are taking part in the U.S. exposition at the 2007 Australian International Airshow here in southern Australia. During this six-day event, the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marines are on display for an audience of Australian and Pacific regional defense force leaders, government officials and

  • Rotational squadron deployment jets leave Incirlik

    People at Incirlik had not heard the sound of rotational squadron deployment F-16s taking off for more than 16 years. That all changed when the first Fighting Falcons arrived here in January from the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.Incirlik officials welcomed the 22nd and 23rd

  • March 22 airpower: Weapons loaders put bite into fight

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 22.In Afghanistan March 21, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s and GBU-38s on enemy forces in a treeline, an enemy compound, four separate buildings and a cave entrance near Sangin. A joint

  • Blue uniforms continue presence in Puerto Rico

    Since 1939, an American blue uniform presence has been on Puerto Rico to maintain a military force and to deter enemy forces from here or the homeland. From 1939 to 1973, Air Force bluesuiters were stationed at what was once called Ramey Air Force Base in the northwest corner of Puerto Rico.  When

  • Med Evac flies first non-stop from Afghanistan to Germany

    The first non-stop medical evacuation flight from Bagram Air Base to Landstuhl, Germany, lifted off March 21. The lengthy three- to five-day route from Bagram AB through Kuwait to Landstuhl has been reduced to an approximate 10-hour direct flight to provide faster service to wounded servicemembers

  • Airborne Laser fires tracking laser, hits target

    The YAL-1A Airborne Laser, a modified Boeing 747-400F, successfully test fired its target illuminator laser March 15 during a five-hour test flight. The mission and test firing represented the Airborne Laser's first in-flight external laser firing, and used the NC-135E "Big Crow" test aircraft to

  • C-17 missions play vital role in war on terrorism

    Sitting on the tarmac here, the "Spirit of Go for Broke," a C-17 Globemaster III from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, looks like any other of its kind.Large, grey, boxy, with expansive wings ending in a curved wingtip, this C-17 is one of eight aircraft jointly maintained and operated by both active

  • March 21 airpower: Rivet Joint provides eye in the sky

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 21. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a show of force over a police station that was surrounded and taking enemy fire near Jalalabad. A joint terminal attack controller on-scene reported that the

  • Air Force fosters "warrior ethos" in all Airmen

    Whether it's the recent changes to basic military training, continual preparation for deployments, engaging in combat or new and better uniforms, Air Force leaders are instilling a warrior mindset in Airmen. That warrior ethos -- the foundation of what it means to be an Airman -- traces its roots to

  • Former CMSAF Murray joining retiree council

    A new face will share the head of the Air Force Retiree Council table at its annual meeting May 14 to 18. Retired Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray, who left active duty in October, succeeds CMSAF Frederick J. Finch as council co-chair with Lt. Gen. Donald L. Peterson. The

  • March 20 airpower: Versatile A-10s support ground forces

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 20. In Afghanistan March 19, a B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-12s and GBU-38s on enemy-occupied buildings near Kajaki Dam. The strike came after coalition forces came under fire from enemy forces in the

  • Airmen streamline F-15 transfer process

    Airmen at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., are teaming with their Air National Guard counterparts there to incorporate Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century principles in hopes of speeding the process of transferring F-15 Eagles. As part of the validation and verification process, the unit

  • Air power purchasing process continues to improve

    Air Combat Command's award-winning acceptance team in Marietta, Ga., is setting the precedent on how the Air Force accepts airplanes. Working alongside the manufacturer, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, during production of the F-22A Raptor, ACC's Raptor Acceptance Team is a geographically

  • March 19 airpower: Refueling the mission

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 19.In Afghanistan March 18, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-12s and GBU-38s on enemy-occupied buildings near Kajaki Dam. The strike came after coalition forces came under fire from the buildings.

  • March 10-16: The week in airpower

    In Afghanistan this week 289 close air support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. A total of 61 Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew

  • March 17 airpower: Strike Eagles return fire in Afghanistan

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 17. In Afghanistan March 16, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles supporting coalition forces returned fire to an enemy location near Now Zad. The F-15s made three passes over the target area, expending multiple guided

  • Oldest GPS satellite being prepared for disposal

    The oldest operational satellite in the GPS constellation has broadcast its signal for more than 16 years, during which time that signal's mission applications -- and the people who make sure the signal is available -- have changed dramatically. When Satellite Vehicle Number 15 launched Oct. 1,

  • Balad air traffic controllers maintain safer skies for Iraq

    With 5,000 air operations per week within a five-nautical-mile radius from surface level to 3,000 feet, the airfield here is the busiest in the Department of Defense. In fact, the runways at Balad Air Base are part of the world's busiest combat operation. At this pace, the 22 Airmen assigned as air

  • March 16 airpower: C-130s backbone of tactical airlift

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 16. In Afghanistan March 15, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb unit-12 on enemy forces moving on a trail along a ridge near Dowlet Shah.  A joint terminal attack controller on scene confirmed

  • Hockey: Academy Cadet a finalist for Hobey Baker Award

    Air Force junior Eric Ehn has been selected as a finalist for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, college hockey's most prestigious individual honor. A center from Dexter, Mich., Ehn has led the nation in scoring 14 of the last 17 weeks. He currently leads the nation with 1.68 points per game with 62

  • Air Force chief of staff outlines priorities

    The Air Force chief of staff outlined some of the Air Force's priorities during a visit here March 13. During a breakfast with Airmen and also during an interview with local reporters, General Moseley talked about the future of the Air Force, and more specifically, the future of the base in regards

  • March 15 airpower: Strike Eagles strike intimidation

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 15.In Afghanistan March 14, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s and GBU-31s on enemy buildings and fire positions near Sangin.  A joint terminal attack controller on-scene confirmed direct hits

  • Ramstein's 50-year-old runway gets makeover

    After years of construction on Ramstein's flightline, the end is in sight. First the base got a brand new runway, now construction crews are working on the last segment of a year-long make over to Ramstein's old north runway. "About a year ago we started construction," says Capt. David Vanderburg,

  • Aerial porters keep the Afghan missions moving

    Outside of the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron here sits a rock structure that reads: "We didn't send you here, but we'll get you out." A close-knit team of aerial porters bring this statement to fruition every day. The 8th EAMS' aerial porters provide cargo and passenger support for unit

  • AMC, 463rd Airlift Group welcome first C-130J

    Gen. Duncan McNabb, Air Mobility Command commander, delivered the 463rd Airlift Group' s first combat-ready C-130J Hercules March 13. The aircraft will be used in combat operations around the world. "This is a big day for Little Rock and it is a big day for Air Mobility Command. I'm really excited

  • Emergency airdrop sustains combat ops in Afghanistan

    When coalition ground forces fighting Taliban extremists in southern Afghanistan needed fuel in a hurry March 12, coalition air power answered the call, filling the 9,000-pound full airdrop order in less than eight hours. The 1st Battalion of the 508th Parachute Infantry Division was engaged in

  • First MQ-9 Reaper makes its home on Nevada flightline

    The MQ-1 Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle's  younger, yet larger and stronger, brother, the MQ-9 Reaper arrived March 13 at its new home at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. The remotely piloted aircraft completed initial testing in California, then flew more than 250 miles in two hours to land here. The

  • March 14 airpower: B-1 Lancers provide show of force

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 14.In Afghanistan March 13, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s on enemy buildings near Sangin. The B-1B strike came after coalition forces received mortar and machine gun fire. A joint terminal

  • General discusses options for growing USAFE mission

    As the Air Force evolves to meet and defeat future challenges, the Airmen of U.S. Air Forces in Europe are also expanding their mission toward the future. During a visit to Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., Gen. William T. Hobbins discussed expanding operations in Africa and new NATO countries. "The

  • Air Guard crew flies mission to save Soldier's life

    They flew at night and into the next day from Iraq nonstop to the United States. Fifteen hours and 10 time zones later, they handed over their precious cargo in Maryland: a Soldier who had been wounded in combat. Then, to the hum of jet engines, they packed their gear and returned to fly similar

  • Nellis F-16 crashes on approach to test range

    An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 16th Weapons Squadron from the U.S. Air Force Weapons School here crashed March 12 at 8:50 p.m. near the end of the runway while on approach to the Tonopah Test Range Airfield, approximately 20 miles southeast of Tonopah, Nev. The pilot ejected safely and

  • Data links give Airmen attack controllers 'big picture'

    A small group of Airmen are having a dramatic effect on the battlefield. They're in demand from everyone from Army squads and platoons to large defense contractors. Everyone wants a joint terminal attack controller on their team -- and with good reason. They are crucial to putting air force bombs on

  • March 13 airpower: Tankers keep coalition fighters flying

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 13. In Afghanistan March 12, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s on enemy buildings near Sangin. The B-1B strike came after coalition forces received mortar and machine gun fire. A joint terminal

  • 'Abort Court' gets to bottom of Moody's mission scrubs

    The 723rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron recently began taking broken jets "to court" as a way to discover the root cause of mission-scrubbing system failures. The "abort court" which began in January, examines all lost sorties from the previous month and analyzes their causes by looking at the 'big

  • Dover Reserve squadron flies final C-5 flight

    The 326th Airlift Squadron, a unit in the Air Force Reserve Command's 512th Airlift Wing here, flew its final C-5 Galaxy flight March 10. The squadron converts to the C-17 Globemaster III mission April 1. The base's first C-17 arrives in June and it will receive 12 more of the aircraft over the

  • Eielson welcomes home deployed Airmen

    A crowd of more than 500 Airmen, family members and guests gathered March 9 to welcome home 400 Eielson Airmen who returned from deployments over the past six months. "It's the hard work and dedication of these Airmen that made the recent deployments successful," said Lt. Col. Mike Fitzgerald, the

  • Soldiers team with combat aircrews to engage enemy

    Joint combat environments don't just exist on the ground, but also exist in the sky above Iraq. U.S. Army Soldiers serve as crewmembers on the E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System aircraft. An Army deputy mission crew commander and two enlisted personnel form a team of three soldiers

  • March 12 airpower: Globemasters sustain operations

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 12.In Afghanistan March 11, a B-1B Lancer performed a show of force to protect four coalition vehicles near Worzhanah Kalay. A joint terminal attack controller confirmed the show of force was successful and no

  • F-16 crashes in Florida Straits

    An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the Air Force Reserve Command's 482nd Fighter Wing here crashed about 11:05 a.m. today approximately 75 miles south-southeast of Homestead in the Florida Straits. The aircraft was from the 93rd Fighter Squadron. At the time of the accident, it was flying a routine

  • March 3-9: The week in airpower

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 3-9. In Afghanistan this week 330 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Sixty Air Force and

  • Air Force kicks off energy forum

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne, welcomed members of the energy industry to the Air Force Energy Forum at the Crystal Gateway Marriott here March 8. "The interesting thing that we are looking for in the Air Force is to actually change the environment that we operate in so that we can

  • March 10 airpower: ISR missions critical in war on terrorism

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 10. In Afghanistan March 9, Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets successfully conducted a leaflet drop over a designated point near Washir. The F/A-18s also provided reconnaissance and a noise presence over a village for

  • Logistics officials discuss Stratotanker sustainment

    "Air Force and Defense Logistics Agency partnership is critical to success." That's the message Michele Rachie, deputy director of the 827th Aircraft Sustainment Group at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., focused on during her visit here March 1. Ms. Rachie met with members of Defense Supply Center

  • Air Force continues vital missions at NATO-run Kandahar

    Even though NATO took operational control of Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan, last August, the Air Force still maintains a presence at the base. After Kandahar was turned over to NATO, the Air Force continues to play an important role in the war on terrorism and the joint environment. The biggest

  • March 9 airpower: F-16s provide show of force

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 9. In Afghanistan March 8, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31 Joint Direct Attack Munitions on an enemy compound near Qurya. A joint terminal attack controller on-scene observed good hits on the

  • Lajes civil engineers fix beacon on air traffic control tower

    Members from the 65th Civil Engineer Squadron's electrical shop recently fixed the beacon that rests atop the air traffic control tower at Lajes Field. The beacon is vital for pilots landing at Lajes to recognize that it is a military flight-line and to help guide them safely during inclement

  • Fort Sam commemorates first military flight

    Three vintage Stearman aircraft flew over Fort Sam Houston's parade ground March 2 to commemorate the 97th anniversary of the first military aerial flight.  It was here U.S. Army Lt. Benjamin Foulois boarded the "Signal Corps 'Aeroplane' No. 1" in 1910 and circled Fort Sam Houston's MacArthur Parade