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  • 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

  • March 8 airpower: F-15Es provide close-air support in Afghanistan

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 8. In Afghanistan March 7, a B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s and GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munitions on enemy personnel and a building near Garmsir, in support of Operation Achilles. The on-scene joint

  • Eielson Airmen get aggressive about training

    Maj. Robert Kelly is getting ready to try and shoot down Air Force aircraft. But, the weapons officer from the 353rd Combat Training Squadron is not an enemy. He is becoming what is known as a Red Flag aggressor pilot, an invaluable training asset for any Red Flag exercise. "As far as becoming an

  • Air strikes target, kill al-Qaeda terrorists near Taji, Iraq

    Coalition forces targeted members of an al-Qaeda network March 2 during an air strike operation west of Taji, Iraq. Intelligence reports indicated that the network is responsible for threats to coalition aircraft. Coalition forces believe key terrorists were killed during the air strike. Several

  • Raptor, precision strike bomb integration testing begins

    The 411th Flight Test Squadron began integration testing of the F-22A Raptor and the GBU-39/B Small-Diameter Bomb here in February. The weapon is a low-cost, stand-off, next generation precision strike weapon, capable of flying autonomously. The bomb is guided by an inertial navigation system with

  • March 7 airpower: C-130s provide in-theater tactical airlift

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 7.In Afghanistan March 6, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a show of force, releasing multiple flares, for coalition forces who sustained casualties from small-arms fire near Sangin. A joint terminal attack

  • Expeditionary wing supports war efforts in many ways

    The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing directly supports the war on terrorism on many different levels. Combat sorties are flown daily, and multitudes of U.S. servicemembers and coalition partners, equipment and supplies are transported in and out of theater. Other missions are not quite as visible. Many

  • Operation Achilles: Leaflet airdrop delivers message to Taliban

    The message was clear and well delivered. A C-130 Hercules airdrop mission dropped 30,000 warning leaflets over the mountainous terrain of southeastern Afghanistan March 6 to deter the insurgent activity of the Taliban. The warning leaflet airdrop mission was in direct support of Operation Achilles

  • March 6 airpower: C-130s support Afghan operations

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 6.In Afghanistan March 5, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets conducted air reconnaissance for suspected anti-coalition firing positions near Musa Qal'eh. Other Navy F/A-18s also provided reconnaissance for suspicious

  • Cadets research fuel line bacteria

    Bacteria that can survive on jet fueI is not something one might think about. But, that same microscopic bacteria can bring down a multi-million dollar aircraft. Cadet 1st Class Jonathan Stralka peers at a small tube filled with jet fuel. Inside is the culprit responsible for fouling jet engines

  • Airborne emergency room serves Operation Northern Watch

    On a short electronic leash, their beepers went off, and five members of the medical team sprung into action, racing through hospital halls to gather deployment gear. Simultaneously, the crew of an HC-130 aircraft was alerted and prepared for takeoff. This crew was deployed from the 347th Rescue

  • F-35 production a step closer after wind tunnel test

    Arnold Engineering Development Center workers completed the last developmental wind tunnel test in February for all Joint Strike Fighter variants, helping put the F-35 Lightning II a step closer to manufacturing. It was the culmination of more than 8,600 hours and $50 million worth of wind tunnel

  • Andersen bombers participate in Koa Lightning exercise

    The low rumble of B-52s shook the normally quiet evening sky above Andersen Air Force Base as the Stratofortresses of the 36th Operations Group participated in Pacific Command's Koa Lightning exercise over the islands of Hawaii. For the men and women of the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, the

  • Spangdahlem, Incirlik Airmen unite in training

    The cooperation between Airmen from Incirlik AB and Spangdahlem AB, Germany, has improved the development of the 39th Maintenance Squadron ammunition members through high-fidelity training opportunities. As aircrews from two F-16 Fighting Falcon squadrons from Spangdahlem AB train in a different

  • Fuel tests keep Misawa moving

    The fuel military bases receive goes through a series of treatments before it is usable in machinery. It is the job of the Fuels Laboratory Airmen in logistics readiness squadrons to check the condition of all fuel before it's put to use. Most importantly, certain additives need to be present to

  • Air Force heroes: 20 fallen Airmen honored in Afghanistan

    The 455th Air Expeditionary Wing here held a formal retreat March 4 to honor the 20 Air Force members who have died in Afghanistan since Operation Enduring Freedom began in 2001. Route 56, the wing's NCO advisory council, planned the retreat. The council wanted "to remind everyone of the pride and

  • March 5 airpower: Pave Hawks fly rescue missions

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 5. In Afghanistan yesterday, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s on a building near Sangin containing anti-coalition insurgents. A joint terminal attack controller confirmed a direct hit. The

  • Proper training, protection help prevent hearing loss

    Hearing loss can be due to personal choices such as firing a weapon without wearing proper hearing protection, listening to loud music or riding motorcycles. To help prevent hearing loss, people should wear hearing protection devices as taught and trained by public health personnel, and by their

  • General encourages AFSO 21 mind-set for PACAF successes

    The Pacific Air Forces director of logistics outlined changes in the Air Force and what those changes mean to the logistics community within the command during a recent visit to Kadena. "In regards to our mission in the Pacific, our number one challenge is maintaining regional stability out here in

  • Security forces Airmen protect Iraq's airpower hub

    Although it is distinctly a guard mount formation with defenders intently listening to the towering flight chief, one may liken the experience to a press conference. Notes from the previous shift's reported activities and expected trends for the new shift are jotted onto worn, hand-fitted

  • Manas Airmen train with Kyrgyz firefighters

    Airmen of the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing fire department here have worked and trained side-by-side with Manas International Airport firefighters for five years. With each new Air Expeditionary Force rotation, a new crew of Airmen arrives and trains with the Kyrgyz firefighters of the MIA to stay

  • March 4 airpower: B-1s making presence known

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 4. In Afghanistan March 3, a B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s and GBU-38s on anti-coalition insurgents in an open area near Kajaki. A joint terminal attack controller confirmed direct hits, removing the

  • Air Force serves as host for energy industry forum

    Energy policy, aviation platforms and future fuel utilization are just a few of the topics that will be presented at the Air Force's Energy Industry Forum March 8 to 9 in Arlington, Va. The forum will have various plenary and concurrent sessions that will look at the full spectrum of the Air Force's

  • March 3 airpower: JTACS critical in fight

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 3.Coalition fighters, bombers and tankers provide infrastructure protection and support to coalition troops, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities. Transports provide

  • Supercomputer to boost Aeronautical Systems Center's capabilities

    With the addition of an SGI® Altix® 4700 computer this summer, the Aeronautical Systems Center Major Shared Resource Center will house one of the Department of Defense's High Performance Computing Modernization Program's largest supercomputers. Installation of the SGI® Altix® 4700 - a

  • 'Week in Photos' highlights Airmen around the world

    Airmen are deployed around the globe every day to support operations ranging from humanitarian missions and coalition exercises to fighting terrorism with airpower. The "Week In Photos" Web feature on Air Force Link provides visitors ten photos that feature Airmen at war. It is a brief but dramatic

  • New helmet gives pilots the edge

    Aircrews at the 18th Fighter Squadron here recently received an important warfighting upgrade that can help keep them head and shoulders above the rest. Squadron pilots have incorporated a new helmet that features the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System, a system which improves breathing and radio

  • Japanese, American forces team up in war on terrorism

    A Japan Air Self-Defense Force C-1 cargo jet touched down Feb. 27 at Yokota AB to pick up and deliver supplies. But the plane isn't loading cargo for Japan; the cargo is American supplies for U.S. servicemembers stationed throughout Japan and Guam. Japanese Maj. Masashi Ohta, a C-1 pilot, said the