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

Contract modification adds 4 aircraft for Air Force, Marines

Officials from the 657th Aeronautical Systems Squadron here issued an undefinitized contract action in December that will add four aircraft to be used by the Air Force and Marine Corps. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. of Marietta, Ga., was awarded the $256 million firm-fixed-price contract

BASH lowers Eglin aircraft incidents nearly 75 percent

While most Air Force bases around the world have a Bird and Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard, or BASH, program, Eglin AFB officials have refocused and enhanced their efforts to more effectively deal with the diverse and rather large wildlife population. Eglin's wildlife strikes dropped by almost 75

Agreement enhances hydraulic repairs at Hill

Ogden Air Logistics Center officials completed a partnering agreement with Parker Aerospace Dec. 18 paving the way for enhanced warfighter support. According to Hill AFB officials, the public-private sector team integrates the best of both worlds to meet 21st century warfighter needs on weapon

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 20

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 20. In Afghanistan Dec. 19, Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in

AMC releases KC-135 accident investigation results

Air Mobility Command officials here Dec. 20 released the results of its investigation into the Sept. 26 KC-135 Stratotanker and TU-154 Kyrgyz passenger plane accident at Manas International Airport in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic. The collision between the TU-154 and KC-135 was clearly an accident and

Serving through the season: Staff Sgts. Chace and Maria Morris

Chace and Maria Morris met and married more than four years ago. This holiday season they are serving their country at a Southwest Asia forward operating base in support of the war on terrorism. The staff sergeants are thankful the Air Force gave them the opportunity to deploy together, instead of

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 19

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 19.In Afghanistan Dec. 18, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and an Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted strikes against Taliban extremists near Kandahar. The F-15Es expended guided bomb unit-12s and the B-1 expended

After the Pearl Harbor Attack

Dec. 7, 1941: 2nd Lt. Wells Lawrence and his July bride slept soundly in their Wheeler Field, Hawaii, quarters. They'd been at Hickam Field for a big Saturday night party and returned home after midnight.At 7:55 a.m., sleepy calm turned to wide-awake terror. "A big bang startled me awake, and the

Military aircrews support Mount Hood rescue effort

After finding the body of one missing climber on Mount Hood, Ore., members of the Oregon Army National Guard, Nevada Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units continue to search for two other lost climbers Dec. 18. Rescue crews, joined by civilian volunteers, planned to take advantage of

Reservists add major adjustment to T-1 training

Four or five months after graduating from Joint Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training at Vance AFB, students from the T-1A Jayhawk tanker and airlift track may very well find themselves flying over the not-so-friendly sky in support of the war on terrorism. Two members of the 5th Flying Training

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 18

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 18.In Afghanistan Dec. 17, 51 close-air support missions were flown in support of International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Additionally, six

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 17

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 17. In Afghanistan Dec. 16, Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Now Zad. The GR-7s expended

Oregon, Nevada Reservists join search for missing trio

Reservists from the 304th Rescue Squadron here will team up again Dec. 17 with Air National Guardsmen from Nevada in hopes of finding three missing hikers lost on Mt. Hood more than a week ago. "This was our first opportunity to see the top of the mountain because of the poor weather and extreme

Airmen wrap up airdrop campaign

The Air Force C-130 Hercules team Dec. 14 wrapped up its six-day campaign of airdropping more than 211,000 pounds of supplies into the flood-ravaged Dadaab region of eastern Kenya. But to children on the ground, it was the last 60 pounds that maybe made the most difference. As a way to say goodbye

Buccaneers return from Afghanistan tour

Waiting for the C-130 Hercules to return, Master Sgt. Diego Vazquez's only thought was this fellow Airmen would soon be safely home with their families. The 156th Airlift Wing NCO in charge of finance was one of more than 150 people who welcomed the 198th Airlift Squadron transport and 26 Airmen

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 16

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 16. In Afghanistan Dec. 15, an Air Force B-1 Lancer and A-10 Thunderbolt II along with Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in

Air Force releases KC-X draft request for proposals

Air Force officials announced Friday the release of an updated draft Request for Proposals for the KC-X, the aerial tanker replacement aircraft. "This continues our open and transparent acquisition process," said Sue Payton, the Air Force senior acquisition executive. "We're releasing this document

Engineers contribute to F-35 initial flight success

The Dec. 15 initial flight of the new F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, or JSF, came after more than six years of development and testing at Arnold Engineering Development Center here. The flight of the conventional takeoff and landing F-35 variant began at 12:44 p.m. CST at Lockheed Martin in

B-52 flight uses synthetic fuel in all eight engines

A B-52 Stratofortress took off Dec. 15 on a flight-test mission using a blend of synthetic fuel and JP-8 in all eight engines. This is the first time a B-52 has flown using a synfuel blend as the only fuel on board. In September, the Air Force successfully flew a B-52 with two-engines using the

CMSAF visits Southern Command Airmen

After three days of travel to U.S. Southern Command bases, the Airmen he has met have impressed Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley. The chief said Airmen serving at forward-operating locations in the region "are doing wonderful things for our Air Force." The chief said they do an

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 15

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 15.In Afghanistan Dec. 14, French M-2000D Mirages provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Asadabad. Royal Air Force GR-7

Westover named sole maintenance center for Reserve C-5s

Air Force officials announced Dec. 13 that Westover ARB will become the new center for in-depth maintenance on all Air Force Reserve C-5 Galaxy aircraft. The Air Force will consolidate the eight existing C-5 isochronal inspection facilities into three in order to increase aircraft availability while

Academy officials open training facility at Pueblo Airport

Officials from the Air Force Academy's 306th Flying Training Group will officially open a new facility Dec. 15 at the Pueblo Airport Industrial Park east of Pueblo, Colo. Staff members from Detachment 1 of the 306th FTG have been overseeing a contracted Air Force Initial Flight Screening program in

Combat Hammer tests air-to-ground bombing capabilities

Eglin Air Force Base's western range, Bravo 70, was the site for the largest-ever Combat Hammer weapons system evaluation program Dec. 4 to 8, sponsored by the 86th Fighter Weapons Squadron. More than 40 precision-guided weapons were dropped, including laser-guided bombs, joint direct attack

Course prepares flag officers to project airpower

Historically, air superiority has meant the difference between victory and defeat on the battlefield. Army Field Manual 100-20, Command and Employment of Air Power, written four years before the Air Force's birth in 1947, stated:"The gaining of air superiority is the first requirement for the

Australian official recognizes international affairs officer

The Australian department of defense recognized an Air Force international affairs officer for his work in helping bring the C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft to the Australian fleet with an award Dec. 11 at the Pentagon.Australian Army Lt. Gen. David Hurley presented Maj. Stephen Webb with the

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 14

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 14.In Afghanistan Dec. 13, an Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted a strike against Taliban extremists near Kandahar. The B-1B expended guided bomb unit-38s. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a B-1B provided close-air