Software maintainers help warfighters achieve mission

While the E-8 Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System, or Joint STARS, platform is celebrated for its ability to provide air commanders with real-time ground surveillance in support of attack operations, the surveillance giant couldn't complete its mission without the support from Airmen of

What AFSO 21 means

Dr. Ronald C. Ritter, the special assistant for Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century, recently visited Pacific Air Forces headquarters to review AFSO 21 strategies in the command. "AFSO 21 is important to us all," Dr. Ritter said. "It is our initiative and a way to continue our long

JPADS continues 'revolution in airdrop technology'

Since October 2005, the Air Mobility Warfare Center here has partnered in an effort to revolutionize the way the Air Force does its airlift airdrops in the expeditionary environment and around the globe with the Joint Precision Air Drop System, or JPADS, initiative."When it was said to make this

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 18

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 18.In Afghanistan Jan. 17, Air Force B-1 Lancers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with enemy forces in Carlson, Wama and Sangin. Air Force F-15

MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle crashes

A U.S. Central Command Air Forces MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle crashed five miles southeast of Baghdad International Airport Jan. 17 at approximately 11:35 p.m. local Baghdad time. The crash site is an unpopulated area and no collateral damage or injuries occurred.The aircraft is a

Two Korean Air jets divert to Kunsan

Two Boeing 747 aircraft made emergency landings here Jan. 17 after Incheon International Airport's runway closed for low visibility due to fog.The two Korean Air jets -- one laden with cargo, the other with passengers -- were greeted by 8th Fighter Wing leaders and support personnel with open

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 17

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 17. In Afghanistan Jan. 16, 19 close-air support missions were flown in support of Afghan and International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Additionally,

Wing begins new chapter with F-15E

Continuing to show a strong force and a visible presence in Afghanistan, the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing added a new capability to its inventory Jan. 14. With more than 200 Airmen supporting its mission, the F-15E Strike Eagle deployed from the 391st Fighter Squadron at Mountain Home Air Force

Deceased Ramstein Airman identified

An Airman who died in downtown Kaiserslautern early Jan. 14 has been identified as Senior Airman Jordanis Michael McElroy-Ramirez.The 20-year-old Airman from Dale, Texas, was assigned to the 86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.The cause of death is under investigation. Additional information will be

Keesler's Flying Jennies receive final C-130J-30

A crew from Air Force Reserve Command's 815th Airlift Squadron recently delivered the unit's final C-130J-30 aircraft here after accepting it from the manufacturer at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga. Maj. Gen. Hanferd "Rusty" J. Moen Jr. piloted the aircraft from Georgia to Mississippi Jan. 9. General

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 15

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 15.In Afghanistan Jan. 14, an Air Force B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with enemy forces near Qurya. The B-1 expended guided bomb

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 16

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 16. In Afghanistan Jan. 15, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a B-1B Lancer provided close-air support to International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with enemy forces near Qurya. The B-1B

'HOA Flex' channels supplies to military trainers

U.S. servicemembers at three remote camps in the Horn of Africa depend on Air Force airlift to bring them life-sustaining supplies. These isolated sites, known as contingency operating locations, are scattered across a desolate and austere terrain two-thirds the size of the United States. This is

Hub-and-spoke missions provide tactical airlift in Iraq

Whether it's operating from rough dirt strips or dropping off troops and equipment into hostile areas, C-130 Hercules keep convoys off the road in Iraq through airpower. Members of the 777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron deployed from Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., fly C-130 hub-and-spoke

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 14

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 14.In Afghanistan Jan. 13, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force troops in contact with enemy forces near forward operating base

Eielson F-16s participating in Commando Sling

Six F-16C/D Fighting Falcons from the 354th Fighter Wing at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, are deployed to Singapore to participate in the second iteration of Exercise Commando Sling, which began Jan. 8 and runs through Jan. 26.An annual series of exercises, Commando Sling began in 1990 to provide

Team Kadena members deploy

More than 600 Airmen from here have begun deploying as part of Air Expeditionary Force Cycles 5 and 6 to various locations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to support the war on terrorism. As Airmen prepared to board commercial aircraft for flights to locations in Iraq and Qatar,

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 13

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 13.In Afghanistan Jan. 12, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force troops in contact with enemy forces near Orgun-e. The B-1B expended guided bomb unit-31s on

Red Flag ramps up, F-22 to make debut

The first Red Flag exercise this year, dubbed "Colonial Flag," is scheduled to begin Jan. 16 at Nellis AFB, marking the 32nd year for Red Flag operations. This is the first of three Red Flags this year, and the F-22 Raptor is participating for the first time.More than 200 aircraft and about 5,200

Spangdahlem crew keeps pilots ready for action

The 52nd Fighter Wing's Saber Control crew at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, has one mission: To enhance the training of pilots stationed there. The unit accomplishes this task by training pilots in an environment that mimics what they see and who they talk to while deployed. "In air time battle,

Pararescue jumpers train 'that others may live'

They train for the worst things imaginable and respond to the unthinkable. Paraescue jumpers, or PJs, can be found in the mountains of Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa or the streets of Iraq -- prepared to undertake any situation to recover a servicemember. At Camp Lemonier, a small group of PJs from

Air assets support Afghanistan strike

Numerous air assets from U.S. Central Command supported NATO and Afghan forces in Afghanistan's Paktika province Jan. 10, killing as many as 150 insurgents, U.S. Central Command officials said. U. S. Central Command Air Forces supported Afghan National Army and International Security Assistance

Many vets may be missing out on special compensation

Just because an Air Force veteran was not injured storming the beaches at Normandy does not mean he or she may not be entitled to receive combat-related special compensation, or CRSC. Many Air Force veterans may be missing out on hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars every month because they have

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 12

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 12. In Afghanistan Jan 11, an Air Force B-1B Lancer and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Gereshk.

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 11

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 11.In Afghanistan Jan. 10, Air Force B1-B Lancers and Royal Air Force GR-7s provided close-air support to International Security Assistance Force troops in contact with enemy forces near Gereshk. The B1-Bs expended

Latest Roll Call explains force shaping initiatives

In this week's Roll Call, Air Force leaders discuss force shaping and define the measures being taken by the service to meet end-strength numbers. Air Force leaders are in the process of reducing the service's current size by 40,000 full-time equivalent positions through a variety of programs

'Commando' Airmen continue heritage into future

Keeping a promise is important to many people. But, keeping the Air Commando's promise -- to provide precise and reliable Air Force special operations air power, any time, any place -- is the motto Airmen of the 1st Special Operations Wing live by. The wing is the only active duty special operations

55th Wing marks 6,000 days in Southwest Asia

For the men and women assigned to the 55th Wing, an intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and command and control unit here, there's a saying about their 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year mission of supporting intelligence operations somewhere around the world. "The sun never sets on the

1st Special Operations Wing mission

The 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Fla., is the Air Force's only active duty special operations wing and falls under the Air Force Special Operations Command. The 1st SOW mission focus is unconventional warfare: counter-terrorism, combat search and rescue, personnel recovery,

First C-21 arrives in North Dakota

The first official 119th Fighter Wing C-21 aircraft arrived Jan. 10 in Fargo.The aircraft marks the unit's transition from the F-16 Fighting Falcon to the C-21 and MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle. "The Happy Hooligans have proven themselves as the best of the best in every mission they have

The Air Commandos

A sign over the doorway of a squat white building near the Hurlburt Field, Fla., runway of Eglin Air Force Base declares, "The Mission of the Air Force is to Fight." (Editor's note: This article is reprinted from Airman Magazine, September 1962.) The men wearing tennis shorts and sneakers, flying

Historian revisits wing's past

The 1st Special Operations Wing has a rich and honored history that began in Burma and continues at Hurlburt Field. The 1st SOW can trace its lineage back to "Project 9" which evolved into the 1st Air Commando Group during World War II. During the Quebec Trident Conference of August 1943, it was

Air traffic controllers take on new roles

Air traffic controllers deployed to Djibouti in the Horn of Africa must sometimes take on new roles in accomplishing the daily mission.During the current deployment, the controllers aren't actually controlling the skies above Camp Lemonier. "We're here in the event there's a communication barrier

Emblem symbolizes wing's mission

The emblem of the 1st Special Operations Wing symbolizes its 63-year mission and emphasizes that the wing is the single focal point for all Air Force special operations matters.The shield reflects its historic past as the first organization to field limited and unconventional warfare. It was

Reconnaissance aircraft, team reach milestone

It may not have the stealthy skin of the B-2 Spirit or be able to hover vertically like the CV-22 Osprey, but the RC-135 Rivet Joint is the only aircraft that Airmen can claim to be deployed continuously for 6,000 days. This milestone can be touted by Airmen in the 763rd Expeditionary Reconnaissance

Wolf Pack family embraces Holloman Airmen

Nearly 300 Airmen from Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., and several F-117 Nighthawks arrived at Kunsan AB in January to fulfill U.S. security responsibilities in the Western Pacific.The deployment brings 49th Fighter Wing pilots, maintainers and support Airmen from Holloman AFB to Kunsan AB for the

Jan. 11 marks 6,000 consecutive days in Southwest Asia

Most military units rotate through the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in cycles ranging from four months to one year. After each deployment, the squadron returns to its home base for training and reconstitution. But members of the 55th Wing at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., called the

Spouses of deployed Airmen armed with information

When Airmen leave for a deployment, their spouses are often left at home, and many times are forced to make decisions they've never made before. For months, Misawa's 35th Operations Group has been training to go downrange. But preparing to deploy is more than what happens on the flightline; it's

New law changes handling procedures for troops' remains

A new law that took effect Jan. 1 changes the way the remains of servicemembers killed in combat are transported and handled. The 2007 National Defense Authorization Act states that the primary mode of transportation for remains of servicemembers being returned to the U.S. is military aircraft or

Travis, Robins test wireless aircraft intercom system

For five days, Air Force aircraft maintainers at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., and Robins Air Force Base, Ga., demonstrated the Telephonics TruLink Wireless System at their respective bases to great success. The system demonstration was conducted as part of an initiative dubbed "Wireless Intercom

AETC commander addresses training changes

As part of a visit to Pacific Air Forces here, the commander of Air Education and Training Command discussed training with other countries' air forces. During his visit, Gen. William R. Looney III explained the changing role of the Air Force and how training is changing to accommodate today's

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 10

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 10.In Afghanistan Jan. 9, an Air Force B-1 Lancer conducted a strike on Taliban extremists near Garmsir. The B-1 expended guided bomb unit-38s on enemy targets. A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a B-1 provided close-air

F-22 scheduled for first overseas deployment

Air Force officials are scheduled to deploy a squadron of F-22 Raptors to Kadena Air Base, Japan, as part of U.S. Pacific Command's Theater Security Package in the Western Pacific in early 2007. This will be the first overseas deployment for the Air Force's newest fighter. The F-22 is a

Air Mobility Battlelab combines cargo, passenger loaders

With a mission to make loading passengers and cargo easier, the Air Mobility Warfare Center's Air Mobility Battlelab came up with an innovative idea using existing technology -- the Halverson Air Stairs Kit, or HASK. The HASK concept is a passenger stairs attachment kit designed to entirely replace

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 9

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 9. In Afghanistan Jan. 8, an Air Force B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Asadabad. The B-1 expended guided

Aircraft attack al Qaeda haven in Somalia

Air Force AC-130 gunships struck al Qaeda targets in Somalia Jan. 8, news sources reported last night. The operation allegedly hit al Qaeda concentrations in the southern part of the country, but Pentagon officials did not comment. The Navy 5th Fleet moved the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D.

Airpower strikes insurgent stronghold in Iraq

U.S. Central Command Air Forces air and space power supported coalition actions in Operation Iraqi Freedom with F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-15E Strike Eagle and B-1 Lancer aircraft that dropped precision munitions Jan. 8 on a known insurgent stronghold south of Balad Ruz, Iraq. The strike targeted

Teamwork key to bilateral exchanges at Misawa

Overcoming obstacles such as language barriers can be difficult. This is something Staff Sgt. Andrew Frasier learned recently when he and six other Airmen from Misawa AB, Japan, came here for a bilateral exchange. One of Sergeant Frasier's responsibilities during the exchange was making sure

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 8

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 8.In Afghanistan Jan. 7, Air Force B-1 Lancers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Now Zad and Sangin. The B-1s expended

CENTAF releases airpower summaries for Jan. 6 and 7

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 6 and 7. In Afghanistan Jan. 6, a B-1B Lancer and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Orgun-e. In

National Guard to the rescue in 8 states

Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen in eight states rescued people and hauled hay to livestock following a severe end-of-year winter storm that stretched from America's northern to southern borders. Hundreds of Guard members in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas and Washington

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 5

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 5.Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a B-1 Lancer provided close-air support to International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with enemy forces near Orgun-E. Air Force A-10s provided close-air

118th Rose Parade kicks off with silent 'boom'

Crowds cheered with thunderous applause as the Air Force kicked off its 60th anniversary year with a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and two F-22As opening the 118th annual Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 1. Gen. Kevin Chilton, Air Force Space Command commander at Peterson AFB,

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 4

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 4. In Afghanistan Jan. 3, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and an Air Force B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for ISAF troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Khowst. The B-1 expended guided bomb unit-31s

Air Force plans to deactivate Willow Grove wing

Air Force Reserve Command officials briefed congressional leaders today on plans to deactivate the command's 913th Airlift Wing located at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in Willow Grove, Pa. The deactivation process would result in personnel authorizations being removed Oct. 1, 2007. The Air

Those aging ghosts of Pearl Harbor

If you are under 30, Dec. 7, 1941, is probably only another date in your history book. The day the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. Ho-hum. If you are over 40, the date is one you may never forget. And like everyone else in that age group, you probably have your own story of "what I was doing when I

Structural fire trainer saves lives, money

Airmen with the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron's Fire and Emergency Services Flight here are honing their skills on a new structural fire trainer. The better training not only can translate into less injuries, but also it consolidates a variety of scenarios in one area: putting out fires, working in

Air Force leaders develop strategic view on fuels

Air Force leaders from major commands met here recently to discuss the service's strategic viewpoint on fuel conservation. As the Department of Defense's greatest fuel consumer, the Air Force must examine every aspect of fuel consumption while maintaining its core competencies and power-projection

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 3

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 3.In Afghanistan Jan. 2, 47 close-air-support missions were flown in support of International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Additionally, 10 Air

2006 a year of transformation for Airmen

In a year when Air Force operations around the globe helped positively impact countless lives affected by violence, intimidation and natural disaster, 2006 also served as a platform for evaluating how such missions can be accomplished more proficiently by capitalizing on training and technology.

Air Force not being stealthy about upgrading B-2 fleet

The Air Force isn't being stealthy about plans to upgrade its B-2 Spirit fleet; officials say the bomber will need numerous upgrades over its life span. Some upgrades are already complete, but others are planned years, even decades ahead, said Lt. Col. Brian Zembraski, 509th Bomb Wing director of

Edwards aircraft soar over 118th Rose Parade

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 2

United States Central Command Air Forces and coalition partners continue to support NATO and the International Security Assistance Force and the government of Afghanistan to achieve a secure and stable country.Over the course of the new year, airpower will be a key asset for ISAF's goals of

Volunteerism at heart of medical evacuation mission

Airmen from the 908th Airlift Wing here have been transporting wounded, injured and sick servicemembers home from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., since September when Air Force Reserve Command took over primary responsibility for stateside aeromedical transportation. Operating from three hubs, located

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 1

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 1. In Afghanistan Dec. 31, coalition aircraft flew a total of 39 close air support missions in support of International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 31

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 31. In Afghanistan Dec. 30, Air Force B-1B Lancers and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Lashkar

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 30

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 30.In Afghanistan Dec. 29, Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers and U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near

PACAF command chief meets with Japanese airmen

The command chief master sergeant for Pacific Air Forces stopped by Kumagaya Air Base last week to meet with Japanese Air Self Defense Force, or JASDF, members and tour the base.Kumagaya Air Base is home to the Fourth and Second JASDF Technical Training Schools, and serves as their basic training

Theater distribution center equips Airmen

Entering the 376th Expeditionary Theater Distribution Center's issue and return building correlates to walking into a wholesale outfitters store -- all the gear one needs to get through the mission. "The primary purpose of this ETDC is to outfit all battlefield Airmen going downrange to Afghanistan

Patient-loaded C-17 from Iraq 1st to try Ramstein's low-vis landing system

On Christmas Day, a C-17 Globemaster III departed Iraq carrying 14 patients requiring medical care at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany. Due to a low-ceiling visibility, the C-17 requested the first-ever CAT II instrument landing system approach to a Ramstein runway, just three days after

Serving through the season: Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Eggel

Elizabeth Eggel has one more helmet and survival vest to inspect before she can call it a day. But, she'll do the same thing tomorrow and during the rest of the holiday season, ensuring the aircrew equipment is ready to go at a moment's notice. The staff sergeant would like to be at home with her

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 29

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 29. In Afghanistan Dec. 28, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 28

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 28.In Afghanistan Dec. 27, Air Force B-1 Lancers and Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near

Serving through the season: Staff Sgt. April Brown

This holiday season, it will be a sure bet that Staff Sgt. April Brown will be watching the skies over Iraq, ensure routing of aircraft over northern Iraq. Of course, like other Airmen serving around the globe, she'd rather be home with her family, and not deployed half way around the world. "I

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 27

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 27.In Afghanistan Dec. 26, an Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted a strike against Taliban extremists near Now Zad. The B-1B expended guided bomb unit-31s on enemy targets.Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided

Ford helped U.S. recover from Watergate

Americans will remember former President Gerald R. Ford as a man with the courage to heal a nation.President Ford, who died at his California home Dec. 26 at age 93, assumed the presidency at a grim time in American history. In the midst of a distinguished career in the House of Representatives, the

Air Force dining facility in Baghdad honors hero

While many Americans removed bows and pulled back ribbons from neatly wrapped presents, Airmen here unveiled a tribute to a fallen hero, stressed the importance of airpower and cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the first Air Force dining facility in Baghdad. Lt. Gen. Gary North, U.S. Central

Ground radar techs enable control of tactical air battlespace

Precision and attention to even the slightest detail is crucial when you're responsible for maintaining ground radar systems. Providing 24-hours-a-day support, Airmen in the 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron's ground radar shop ensure Balad's ground radar systems work flawlessly. "Our job is

Refuelers keep mission going Christmas Day over Afghanistan

'Tis the season for giving and receiving. In the skies over Afghanistan, every day of the year could pass as Christmas Day. Refueling aircraft give up their fuel to the receiving aircraft which carry out the mission of air supremacy and ground support for Operation Enduring Freedom. Christmas Day

Serving through the season: Staff Sgt. Lara Koler

If Staff Sgt. Lara Koler had her 'druthers, she'd be taking hay rides and singing carols with her parents and other relatives during traditional holiday activities in Wendell, Idaho. Instead, the Eugene, Ore., native will be watching radar tracks dance across her computer screen at the Western Air

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 26

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 26. In Afghanistan Dec. 25, 11 close-air support missions were flown in support of International Security Assistance Force and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Additionally, eight Air

Serving through the season: Senior Airman Douglas Hicks

Senior Airman Douglas Hicks, deployed from Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga., misses his wife, Yolanda, and his teenagers, Troy, 16, and Olivia, 15. But he knows he enlisted in the Air Force Reserve and he accepts his volunteer status gracefully. After all, this is not his first deployment, but it is

Serving through the season: Airman 1st Class John Alkire

This holiday season, it will be a sure bet that Airman 1st Class John Alkire will be manning his post and turret for the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing. Of course, like other Airmen serving around the globe, he would rather be at home with his family -- not halfway around the world. "I have been

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 25

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 25. In Afghanistan Dec. 24, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and a B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Now Zad.

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 24

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 24. In Afghanistan Dec. 23, Air Force B-1B Lancers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Now Zad and Qalat. In total, 37

Volunteers complete annual Operation Christmas Drop

More than 150 volunteers helped complete the world's longest running humanitarian airdrop Dec. 19, commemorating the 54th Annual Operation Christmas Drop that reached more than 50 remote Pacific islands. Gen. Douglas H. Owens, 36th Wing commander, kicked off the operation with a ceremony that

Serving through the season: Senior Airman Matt Hodges

Senior Airman Matt Hodges is an air traffic controller with the 52nd Operation Support Squadron at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Airman Hodges ensures all aircraft coming in and out of the base land and depart safely. The job requires strict attention to detail and many, many hours of staring into

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 23

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 23.In Afghanistan Dec. 22, an Air Force Predator and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs conducted strikes against Taliban extremists near Bagram. The Predator expended a Hellfire missile and the A-10s expended a general-purpose,

Chief McKinley returns 'home' to Tinker

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley returned to his old stomping grounds here Dec. 13 and, in the process, took a stroll down memory lane. The chief, a former first sergeant at Tinker AFB from the mid '90s to July 2000, was on leave to visit family members in the area and to attend

Serving through the season: Airman Van Dexter Duez

Keeping F-15 Eagles maintained and flying is what one Airman here will be doing over the holidays. Airman Van Dexter Duez is assigned to the 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Maintenance Management Production Flight where he schedules and coordinates the weekly flying and maintenance schedules for

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 22

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 22. In Afghanistan Dec 21, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers and an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in

10 Globemaster IIIs fly in formation over Washington state

Like an iron alligator in the sky, a band of 10 C-17 Globemaster IIIs flew in formation Dec. 21 from Puget Sound to eastern Washington . Taking off in five-minute intervals from McChord AFB, C-17s with aircrews from the 62nd and 446th Airlift Wings rendezvoused in the sky to align into a single file

Serving through the season: Senior Airman Lindsey Dawson

This holiday season, it will be a sure bet that Senior Airman Lindsey Dawson will be manning her desk in the base command post, the nerve center for the 506th Air Expeditionary Group. Of course, like other Airmen serving around the globe, she'd rather be home with her family, and not deployed

Puerto Rico Airmen support two wars

When Tech. Sgt. Jose Melendez volunteered to deploy with his unit on his first combat tour in Afghanistan, he didn't quite know what to expect. He'd never been to war. But when he got to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, it didn't take the guardsman long to learn what Airmen are doing in support of the

C-17 makes 1st-ever airdrop to Antarctica

Another airpower milestone was reached Dec. 20 with the completion of the first C-17 Globemaster III airdrop mission that delivered about 70,000 pounds of supplies to the South Pole.The airdrop's success is due to the combined effort of people from Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica

Airmen train to walk among the stars

There are some Airmen who train to push a 4,000 pound hunk of steel and electronics out of their way with a flick of their pinky finger. Some Airmen train to fly at more than 17,000 mph, or roughly 5 miles per second. And some Airmen even train to "fly" without the use of any aircraft at all. But

Chief on quest to improve communication with Airmen

Telling Airmen the Air Force's top priorities was the focus of the Pacific Air Forces command chief master sergeant's visit here in mid December. "I'm amazed at how poorly we have communicated the Air Force's priorities to the Airmen in the field," said Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Bishop. "We need

Bagram opens $68 million runway

Despite inclement weather and the possibility of snowfall, a new $68 million runway was opened and celebrated by Air Force and Army servicemembers, civilian contractors and Afghan officials Dec. 20 at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. The project was executed by Contrak International workers from Cairo,

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 21

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 21. In Afghanistan Dec. 20, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Orgun-e. The B-1B expended guided

Serving through the season: Airman Marilyn Torres

It's already on the schedule -- Amn. Marilyn Torres will celebrate the holidays inside the 726th Air Mobility Squadron's supply warehouse, ensuring heavy aircraft assigned here are mission-ready. Like many Airmen new to the Air Force, she'll also spend some time doing details, such as cleaning the