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  • Air Force maintainers give Australians peek into their future

    Maintainers from the Amberly Royal Australian Air Force Base's 36th Squadron are working alongside Air Force counterparts learning the ins and outs of the C-17 Globemaster III. Currently Australia doesn't have a heavy airlift capability and must rely on outside sources for services. This assistance

  • Officials announce updated fiscal 2007 CJR quotas

    The Air Force announced the fiscal 2007 quotas for the career job reservation program adding 40 Air Force Specialty Codes to the constrained list, while releasing 10 others. The 10 career fields removed from the list are: -- 2A0X1C, Avionics Sensor Systems, All; -- 2A0X1D, Electronic Warfare

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 24

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 23. In Afghanistan Oct 23, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and an Air Force B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near

  • Atlantic Strike provides joint training for interdependent warfighters

    Airmen, Marines, Soldiers and Sailors started joint training for air and ground operations as part of Atlantic Strike IV at Avon Park Air Force Range, Fla., Oct. 23. The U.S. Central Command Air Forces semiannual training event takes place on the 106,000-acre bomb range in south central Florida to

  • 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron thinks lean, saves money

    When Lt. Col. Anthony Krawietz, the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron commander, charged incoming troops to think smarter and leaner, a group of aerial porters took it to heart. "One of the first things we looked at was how C-17 (Globemaster III) tires were palletized," said Staff Sgt. Michael

  • Centralized repair facility saves time, money

    Maintainers measure an aircraft tire's usability by inspecting for wear and visible cords. "A good tire will last up to 120 landings," said Master Sgt. Charles Miller, a shop chief assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron. "After that, it's time to get it replaced, or the tire treads

  • Pressure sensitive paint could save millions of dollars

    The Arnold Engineering Development Center has reached a milestone with its pressure sensitive paint system. A recent demonstration test was conducted on the F-35 Lighting II joint strike fighter model installed in the center's 16-foot transonic wind tunnel. PSP applied to a joint strike fighter

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 23

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 23.In Afghanistan Oct. 22, an Air Force B-1 Lancer 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

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 22

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for Oct. 22. In Afghanistan Oct. 21, U.S. Air Force A-10s Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Bar Kanday. The A-10s fired cannon

  • COMUSAFE builds on U.S.-Romania relationship

    The road ahead for the partnering of U.S. and Romanian air forces continues on the fast-track after a visit Oct. 19 and 20 by the U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, who met with key Romanian officials. Gen. Tom Hobbins traveled to Romania for a firsthand look at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, where

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 21

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for Oct. 21.In Afghanistan Oct. 20, U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Shem Kheyl and Musa Nikeh Ziarat.

  • Airmen learn how to LEAN

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney McKinley, along with 11 Airmen representing every major command in the Air Force, took a major step toward implementing Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century by visiting United Airlines administrative and maintenance offices at the San Francisco

  • Training comes first for pararescue Airmen

    Air Force pararescue is an elite force, but before its Airmen are PJs they're trainees. And sometimes PJ training brings them here before they join the world of combat rescue. Thirteen instructors and 20 pararescue trainees with the 342nd Training Squadron traveled from Kirtland Air Force Base,

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 20

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 20.In Afghanistan Oct. 19, a U.S. Air Force B-1 Lancers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Sangay Ghar. The B-1 expended

  • Anniversary art exhibit opens in Pentagon

    The Air Force's top leader opened up the 60th Anniversary Art Exhibit at the Pentagon here Oct. 19 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. "We have a wonderful heritage," said Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne to the crowd of more than 60 people, to include Air Force Art Program artists, who were

  • Museum adds British Bristol Beaufighter to gallery

    An aircraft that once filled the need for an effective night fighter in the U.S. Army Air Forces until an American aircraft could be produced was placed on display during a special ceremony on Oct. 18 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The newly restored British Bristol Beaufighter first

  • COMUSAFE: unmanned aircraft key to future decision superiority

    The importance of the unmanned aircraft system, or UAS, in air, space and cyberspace missions of the U.S. Air Force and NATO and how the UAS of the future will be an equal participant in all three domains is key to future decision superiority, said the commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe. Acting

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 19

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 19.In Afghanistan Oct. 18, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Darya-I-Baghlan. The A-10s

  • Operation Deep Freeze LC-130 arrives at Hickam

    A New York Air National Guard LC-130 Hercules arrived at Hickam Oct. 17 en route to McMurdo Station, Antarctica, to re-supply scientific research camps throughout Antarctica in support of Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica, Operation Deep Freeze. The LC-130 is a modified ski-equipped C-130

  • Rice, Rumsfeld agree North Korea nuclear tests must stop

    Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice reaffirmed Oct. 17 the United States' resolve to use "the full range of our commitments, including our deterrent commitments," to defend Japan and South Korea.Secretary Rice spoke to reporters aboard an aircraft taking her to meetings in Asia. She will meet with

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 18

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 18.In Afghanistan Oct. 17, Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s conducted a strike against Taliban extremists near Gereshk. The GR-7s expended rockets on enemy targets. RAF GR-7s provided close-air support to

  • President signs 2007 Defense Authorization Act

    The fiscal 2007 National Defense Authorization Act provides more than $530 billion to maintain the military in the shape it must be to win the war on terrorism.President Bush signed the bill, officially called the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007, during a small

  • A-10 upgrade effort transforms Warthog capabilities

    The A-10 Thunderbolt II, also nicknamed the Warthog, is sharpening its teeth with a $168 million upgrade effort for the entire fleet. Managed by the 642nd Aeronautical Systems Squadron at Aeronautical Systems Center here, the A/OA-10 is in the early stages of a five-year upgrade for all 356

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 17

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 17.In Afghanistan Oct. 16, Navy F/A-18 Hornets conducted a strike against Taliban extremists near Band-e Kajaki. The F/A-18s expended Guided Bomb Unit-12s on enemy targets. Navy F/A-18s provided close-air support

  • Two new programs guide enlisted force shaping

    Air Force officials here announced Oct. 16 two additional enlisted programs to help support current force shaping efforts to reduce 40,000 active-duty Airmen. The programs, a date of separation rollback and a limited active duty service commitment waiver, join the current tools of reducing the

  • Teams pull for charity

    Seventeen teams competed in this year's "Combined Federal Campaign Aircraft Pull" Oct. 12 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The event raised more than $3,400 for the CFC. For the annual pull, teams comprise 15 to 20 pullers and team categories

  • AMC declares C-130J operational

    Air Mobility Command officials declared Initial Operational Capability for the C-130J, the Air Force's premier intratheater airlifter. The October declaration is the result of an extensive effort by the total force team to meet specific IOC criteria.Some of the specific requirements for the C-130J

  • CENTAF airpower summary for Oct. 16

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 16. In Afghanistan Oct. 15, French Mirage 2000Ds and an Air Force B1-B Lancer provided close air support to International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with enemy forces near Gangikhel. The

  • CENTAF airpower summary for Oct. 15

    In Afghanistan Oct. 14, Navy F/A-18Cs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Band-e Kajaki. The F/A-18Cs dropped a Guided Bomb Unit-38 and GBU-12s on enemy positions. A B-1B Lancer provided close-air support to

  • Air Force Memorial: Reflection of every Airman

    In her 23 years in the Air Force, Master Sgt. Valarie Foster has seen many changes. New uniforms, new aircraft and new missions, she's seen them all. But the one thing that hasn't changed, she says, is the attitude of the individual Airman. "People come and people go," she said. "But the spirit of

  • Country star Lee Ann Womack headlines Air Force open house

    With both the newly dedicated Air Force Memorial and the Pentagon looming nearby, country music vocalist Lee Ann Womack belted out tunes that both entertained and bolstered already present sentiments of patriotism. Ms. Womack's performance in a parking lot of the Pentagon here began shortly after

  • President, military leaders dedicate Air Force Memorial

    On behalf of a grateful nation, the president of the United States accepted the Air Force Memorial in a dedication ceremony here attended by military leaders of the past and present, political and business representatives and thousands of ordinary citizens and Airmen alike. "A Soldier can walk the

  • Young people capable of much responsibility

    With historical aircraft flying overhead, and the newly dedicated Air Force Memorial nearby, one World War II veteran said that no matter how irresponsible young people today may sometimes seem, it has been shown they can step up and shoulder a burden much greater than themselves. Russell Neatrour,

  • Air Force Drill Team demonstrates precision at Memorial Dedication

    With the new Air Force Memorial looming nearby, hundreds of spectators, both civilian and military, gathered in a Pentagon parking lot here to witness the precision maneuvers of the Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team. The drill team's performance was but one of a series of events surrounding the

  • Chief gets opportunity to fly historic aircraft over memorial

    As spectators at the Air Force Memorial dedication events looked skyward to an airborne parade of both modern and historic military aircraft, it probably didn't occur to them that the pilot of them represented something special. The B-24 Liberator was but one of perhaps a dozen military aircraft,

  • CENTAF airpower summary for Oct. 14

    In Afghanistan Oct. 13, U.S. Navy F/A-18s provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Now Zad. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support to ISAF troops in contact with enemy forces near Anbar Tappeh.

  • Air Force Memorial: Former Airman contributes to dedication

    The Air Force has always played a large part in Douglas Landgraf's life. So, he sees it as only fitting that he is now playing an important role in the dedication of the Air Force Memorial. Mr. Landgraf served 11 years as an active duty Airman and he now works as an aircraft mechanic and ramp

  • Memorial represents military air power of the United States

    The spires of the Air Force memorial represent the air power component of the most powerful force in the world. Teshoma Hailu is a taxi cab driver in Arlington, Va. He came to the United States in 1975, with his wife, to escape political issues in his home country and to pursue educational

  • Officials swear in new recruits during memorial dedication events

    As the Air Force recognized its own history with the dedication of a new memorial here, dozens of young men and women also marked the beginning of their own history with the Air Force. As part of activities surrounding the dedication of the Air Force's new memorial, some 90 young men and women rose

  • HARM targeting system ready ahead of schedule

    The delivery of 15 Revision-7 pods in September to the Air Combat Command by the 693rd Armament Systems Squadron's High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile Targeting System Program is more than two months ahead of Raytheon's contract requirement date. The pod is mounted to the side of an F-16 aircraft and

  • Logistics officers given challenge at conference

    The commander of the Air Force Materiel Command took the stage at the Logistics Officer Association National Conference Oct. 10 to tell 1,350 logistics officers to get lean and expect to be in a long war.Gen. Bruce Carlson gave the officers an overview of the enemy and how it exploits Islam and uses

  • America Soars on Air Force Wings

    The United States of America depends on its Air Force to defend the population, deliver global effects and jointly accomplish national objectives to an extent unseen in the history of mankind. In my 35 years of service, many things have changed. Yet, what has remained constant is the extraordinary

  • 14th FTW welcomes new trainer aircraft

    The 14th Flying Training Wing commander formally welcomed the T-6 Texan II to the Columbus AFB fleet during an official ceremony here Oct. 12. Col. Dave Gerber received the first new airframe assigned here since the T-1 Jayhawk was added to the inventory in January 1996 and will eventually replace

  • ACC assists maintainers with AFSO 21

    Moody AFB officials recently welcomed a delegation of Air Combat Command facilitators for a five-day Rapid Improvement Event to assist the base with its Air Force Smart Operations 21 initiatives. The visit was designed to assist maintenance leadership on procedures that can save the Air Force time

  • Reservist gets 'fit to fight'

    An Air Force reservist at Tinker AFB is taking the charge to be "Fit to Fight" seriously. Master Sgt. Matt Thomas, a jet engine mechanic for the 513th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, has used the program to get himself not only fit, but also into outstanding health as well. In 14 months, Sergeant

  • New era in flight training begins Oct. 13

    Air Education and Training Command officials formally usher in a new era in flying training when Initial Flight Screening operations begin at Pueblo Memorial Airport Oct. 13 as the first students report for the class. The Initial Flight Screening program evaluates candidates hoping to enter Air

  • AF Memorial: Opportunity name of the game

    When a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity came around the corner, Staff Sgt. Ashanta Gamble jumped to do her part for the Air Force. Coordinating the Pentagon and Federal Aviation Administration approvals for the aircraft flying during the Air Force Memorial Dedication ceremony and Air Force Open House

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 13

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 13. In Afghanistan Oct. 12, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, an Air Force B-1B Lancer and Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in

  • Red Flag kicks off at Nellis

    Nearly 60 aircraft and nine units, supported by 1,000 Airmen from across the United States and Belgium are taking part in the first Red Flag exercise of fiscal 2007, which began Oct. 10 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The exercise that runs until Oct. 20 tests aircrews' warfighting skills in

  • DOD identifies remains of pilot

    The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced Oct. 12 that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will soon be returned to his family for burial with full military honors. He is 1st Lt. James L. Hull, U.S. Air Force, of

  • Memorial dedication to launch AF's 60th Anniversary observance

    The nation's youngest military service kicks off its 60th anniversary observance this weekend with the official dedication of the Air Force Memorial at Arlington, Va. The memorial, composed of three bold and graceful spires soaring skyward to a height of 270 feet, will be dedicated and given to the

  • Air Force focused on three priorities

    Amidst fighting the war on terrorism, the Air Force remains focused on its top three priorities. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley said the Air Force is concerned primarily with fighting and winning the long war against global terrorism and militant extremism, taking care of our

  • NORTHCOM officials reacted immediately to NYC aircraft Incident

    When Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating first heard that a plane had hit a high-rise building in New York Oct. 11, his first thought was: "Let us get busy as quickly as we know how to make sure it's not another 9/11." Admiral Keating, commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. 

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 12 and monthly airpower overview

    In Afghanistan Oct. 11, 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 Lwara Dasta. The F/A-18s expended a guided bomb unit-12 on an enemy position. Navy F/A-18s and Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt

  • Airman contracts mission success

    Like a great magician, if Capt. Jonathan Czarney has done his job right, most people won't see how it was done. While on their mission here to bring relief supplies to Pakistanis affected by an earthquake last year, as if by magic, Soldiers will have a bed in which to sleep, food to eat, clothes

  • NATO air forces remain strong, look to future excellence

    NATO air forces' partnership is strong and poised to grow even stronger over the long haul, said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley before a congregation of air force commanders from 25 NATO nations. General Moseley said NATO air forces face similar circumstances, including increasing

  • Thunderbirds visit Smithsonian Air and Space Museum

    Dozens of men, women and children filled the main gallery of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum here Oct. 11 to meet members of the Air Force demonstration team. The Thunderbirds are in town to participate in the opening and dedication of the Air Force Memorial Oct. 14, starting off the

  • NORAD fighters on alert over U.S. and Canada

    Within minutes of a small aircraft crashing into a New York apartment building, military fighter aircraft were flying over cities in the United States and Canada. However, "every indication is that this was an accident," North American Aerospace Defense Command officials stated in an official

  • Nighthawk achieves 100 percent mission capable

    The F-117 Nighthawk recently hit its 25th anniversary and is still achieving great accomplishments. From Sept. 28 to Oct. 1, the entire F-117 fleet at Holloman AFB was 100 percent mission capable. "It is unusual for a fleet of any size to go to 100 percent mission capable," said Col. Gary Bryson,

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 11

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 11.In Afghanistan Oct. 10, Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Now Zad. The F/A-18s expended guided

  • MUTES trains deployed electronic warfare officers

    Deployed Guardsmen from the 266th Range Squadron at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, are helping B-52 Stratofortress electronic warfare officers quickly identify potential aircraft threats at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, as part of the Air Force's continuous bomber presence in the Pacific. The

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 10

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 10.In Afghanistan Oct. 9, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Garmsir. The B-1B expended guided

  • 'Spirit of McChord' gives Canadians a lift

    Normally they move people, humanitarian supplies, troop rations and equipment, but Airmen with the 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron's Detachment 1 here were tasked Oct. 7 to move different equipment -- several 30-foot, 100,000 pound Canadian tanks.The C-17 Globemaster III "Spirit of McChord" and

  • Deployed B-52 maintainers achieve perfect record

    Since deploying here, B-52 Stratofortress maintainers with the 36th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron have achieved a 100-percent mission effectiveness-rate and 100-percent weapons-release rate for every sortie flown during September. The percentages reflect almost 50 sorties, accumulating

  • Land mobile radio team doubles the distance

    "Ground-to-air communication is critical to the success of any flying mission," said Master Sgt. Francis A. Scott, NCO in charge of the 379th Expeditionary Communications Squadron land mobile radio team. "When we found out the Singaporean Air Force wasn't communicating directly with its aircrew

  • Missing World War II Airman identified

    The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors. He is 1st Lt. Shannon Estill, U.S. Army Air Forces, of Cedar

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 9

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 9. In Afghanistan Oct. 8, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Madagal Sufla. French M-2000

  • Deployment presents challenge for firefighters

    The sandy desert terrain and base infrastructures in Southwest Asia pose new challenges to Airman 1st Class Eric Theer, a firefighter deployed from Beale Air Force Base, Calif. "I'm used to fighting grass fires back home," said the 20-year-old Airman assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Civil

  • U.S. prepares for operation to aid Pakistan

    A joint team of Airmen and Soldiers are in Pakistan preparing for Operation Promise Keeping, a follow-up mission to aid the people in remote northern parts of the country, which was devastated by an earthquake last year. On Oct. 8, 2005, the disaster, which measured a 7.6 on the Richter Scale and

  • CENTAF releases airpower summaries for Oct. 7 and 8

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 7 and 8 Oct. 7 In Afghanistan Oct. 6, Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers conducted strikes against enemy forces near Now Zad. The GR-7s expended a general-purpose 500-pound bomb on an enemy position. An Air Force B-1B

  • Display highlights Globemaster III strategic value

    The eight C-17 Globemaster IIIs stationed at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii in February are fast becoming a fixture at the base, but they are certainly not the first heavy transports to grace the skies over the island paradise. The 15th Airlift Wing's historian spoke to Airmen attending an unveiling

  • Army Air Corps weatherman honored for D-Day contributions

    A former member of the Army Air Corps was honored here Oct. 6 by members of the Air Force weather community for his contributions to the World War II D-Day invasion. Dr. Eugene Levine was 18 years old when he was drafted into the Army. During his time with the Army, Dr. Levine served as a combat

  • Father passes flag to daughter in Iraq

    Traditions run deep in the military, and for this father and daughter, traditions are what brought them together in Iraq. Col. Steven Dreyer, 4th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Group commander, at Camp Victory, Iraq, reunited with his youngest daughter, 1st Lt. Kathrine Dreyer, 777th

  • Operation Enduring Freedom marks five years

    Five years ago, America, still stinging from the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, began striking back in the war on terrorism.President Bush appeared on national television to inform the American people he had unleashed U.S. military might against the enemy. Land-based bombers and Navy strike aircraft from

  • First laser test conducted using recycled fuel

    The world's first firing of a laser using recycled fuel was conducted at the Air Force Research Laboratory's Directed Energy Directorate recently by an Air Force and Boeing Company team. During the test, conducted at the directorate's Davis Advanced Laser Facility, a chemical laser was supplied with

  • Technology office tests synthetic fuel in ground vehicles

    The Air Force Advanced Power Technology Office here is now conducting research on synthetic fuel for use in a ground environment. The use of synthetic fuel is vital if the Air Force is to have the means of operating without relying on foreign oil supplies. The Sept. 19 test flight by a B-52H

  • Big Brothers, Sisters visit Eielson fighter squadron

    Eighteen children from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Fairbanks, Alaska, met Airmen from the 355th Fighter Squadron and received an up close and personal look at an A-10 Thunderbolt II when they visited here Sept. 30. "The 355th FS not only wanted to help (Big Brothers Big Sisters) in that

  • U.S. prepares for operation to aid Pakistan

    A joint team of Airmen and Soldiers is in Pakistan preparing for Operation Promise Keeping, a follow-up mission to aid the people in remote northern parts of the country devastated by an earthquake last year. A magnitude 7.6 earthquake centered roughly 60 miles northeast from here struck Oct. 8,

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 6

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 6.In Afghanistan Oct. 5, 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 extremists

  • Pilots thrilled by CV-22 capabilities

    When he talks about his new aircraft, the CV-22 Osprey, the lieutenant colonel's face lights up like a kid opening presents on his birthday. After 10 years of flying the MC-130H Combat Talon II, CV-22 instructor pilot Lt. Col. Darryl Sheets, from the 8th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt

  • C-5 Programmed Depot Maintenance earns accolades

    The C-5 Programmed Depot Maintenance team at Robins AFB earned the 2006 Chief of Staff Team Excellence Award in a ceremony in Washington, D.C.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley presented the award to the C-5 PDM Process Improvement Team in late September.  "The increased tempo of

  • ACC declares small diameter bomb initially operational

    The Air Combat Command commander declared initial operational capability for the Guided Bomb Unit-39/B Small Diameter Bomb Oct. 2 and the weapon made its combat debut just three days later. Gen. Ronald E. Keys made the IOC announcement six months ahead of schedule, only weeks after it was initially

  • AFIT school conducts search, recovery exercise

    The Air Force Institute of Technology's Civil Engineer and Services School here took its educational mission beyond classroom walls as students participated in a search and recovery exercise the last week of September. The goal of the exercise was for students in the School's Mortuary Affairs Course

  • T-38s at Laughlin mark beginning of transition

    Laughlin AFB officials received the first T-38 Talon Oct. 4 from Moody AFB, Ga.  The aircraft's arrival denotes the start of the transition to a new training mission. "This jet marks the beginning of Laughlin's transition to our newly acquired Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals mission," said Col.

  • Seeds of 56-year marriage planted during Berlin Airlift

    Retired Lt. Col. James and Ellie Spatafora possess a unique answer to a common question couples are quizzed about. When asked where they met, they answer that the seeds of their 56-year marriage were planted during the historic Berlin Airlift. The couple was able to catch up on old times with

  • Air Force leaders to discuss new 'Cyber Command'

    Air Force leaders are gathering in early November to discuss plans for creation of a new command, one chartered with flying and fighting in cyber space. Cyberspace became an official Air Force domain, like air and space, on Dec. 7, 2005, when Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Chief of

  • Differing tour lengths affect deployment morale

    Tour lengths are the biggest obstacle to U.S. servicemember morale in Iraq, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said during a visit here Oct. 4. Marine Gen. Peter Pace said when he visits combat zones, morale generally is high, but after a bit of digging, he said, he finds the different tour

  • USAFE unit debuts small diameter bomb in combat

    The Guided Bomb Unit-39/B small diameter bomb was flown into combat for the first time Oct. 5 by members of the 494th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. The unit, deployed to the Southwest Asia area of operations, launched a two-ship formation of F-15E Strike Eagles at 1:30 a.m. EDT carrying the new

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary, space support requests

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 5 and the space support requests for September.In Afghanistan Oct. 4, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Sado Kala. An Air Force

  • USAFE receives maintenance excellence award

    The Gen. Wilbur L. Creech Maintenance Excellence Award was presented to U.S. Air Forces in Europe by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley here Oct. 4.The Creech Award recognizes the major command demonstrating the most improved performance in the category of aircraft maintenance and

  • Virtual technology enhances training for aircrews

    Survival, evasion, resistance and escape instructors at the 15th Operational Support Squadron are now using virtual technology to train aircrews in parachute hanging harness training. Most of today's aircrews are familiar with flight simulators. They are accepted as standard and are essential tools

  • General Pace visits with Kirtland Airmen

    Hundreds of Airmen at Kirtland Air Force Base got a chance today to participate in a question-and-answer session with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Peter Pace. General Pace was visiting the area to talk to base Airmen and the local people of Albuquerque. After a short introduction,

  • Air Force announces team excellence awards

    Air Force officials have announced the five teams selected for the 2006 Chief of Staff Team Excellence Awards. The awards recognize teams that used a systematic approach to enhance mission capability, improve operational performance and create sustained results. Improvements made by the five award

  • Air Force proposes initial Joint Strike Fighter locations

    Plans for initiating environmental analyses for proposed locations of the Air Force's newest fighter, the F-35 Lightning II, were announced by Air Force officials Oct. 4. The initial Joint Strike Fighter locations include:-- Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., for primary maintenance and flight training;--

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 4

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 4.In Afghanistan Oct. 3, an Air Force B-1 Lancer conducted strikes on enemy targets near Kohe Regak. The B-1 expended Guided Bomb Unit-31s on enemy positions. An Air Force B-1 provided close-air support for

  • Air Warrior transforms into new Green Flag

    With the ever-changing fight in the war on terrorism, thus goes the Air Force with the incarnation, or re-incarnation, of Green Flag.The Air Warrior exercises here and at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., have officially become the Air Force's premier pre-deployment exercises for Air Combat Command

  • F-22 Raptor ready for its combat role

    While the 27th Fighter Squadron is still figuring out the processes needed to deploy its F-22 Raptors to war, it is ready to go now. Squadron director of operations Lt. Col. Kevin Fesler said the Langley Air Force Base, Va., unit is still normalizing its operations. But he said if the call comes,

  • Museum commemorates 60th anniversary with art exhibit

    Sixty pieces of art, one representing a significant event for each year in Air Force history, will go on display in the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force's Hall of Honor Oct. 17. The special exhibit is part of the museum's commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force. The exhibit

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 3

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 3. In Afghanistan Oct. 2, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, a B-1B Lancer and French M-2000 Mirages provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Gilan. The A-10s expended