KC-135s take on aeromedical evacuation role

While the KC-135 Stratotanker was originally designed to extend the length of other aircrafts' flight times, aircrews at Fairchild are also using the airplane for a completely different mission: to extend medical care to critically injured patients. Tanker aircraft began augmenting the Air Force's

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Aug. 9

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for Aug. 9.In Afghanistan Aug. 8, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and B-1 Lancers provided close-air support for coalition troops taking small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire from Taliban extremists near Asadabad. The B-1

'Spirit of Solano' arrives at Travis

The much anticipated C-17 Globemaster III, the "Spirit of Solano," arrived home at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., on Aug. 8. Festivities began with a flyover of all three major airframes now based at Travis: the C-5 Galaxy, KC-10 Extender and C-17. The crowd of approximately 2,000 applauded as Maj.

C-17 Globemaster III crew doing its part

A long day of loading and unloading cargo off of the C-17 Globemaster III is nothing new to the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron aircrew. On this day the crew was able to fly in more than 80 aircraft pallets full of supplies to Balad, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. "The deployed

Royal Air Force pilot makes history in B-2 Spirit

At first glance, he looks like any other Air Force pilot: olive-green flight suit, polished boots and a bluish-gray flight cap with rank insignia prominently displayed. On closer inspection, you realize the little differences.His shoulder boards don't feature bars or leaves, but instead a

Bearing assembly failure caused F-16 crash in Utah

A bearing assembly failure caused an F-16 Fighting Falcon to crash in an unpopulated dry area close to Carrington Island in the Great Salt Lake, Utah, during a training mission March 30, according to an Air Force report released Aug. 7. The pilot ejected safely from the aircraft, sustaining minor

NASA, Air Force agree to aeronautics cooperation

NASA and the Air Force have formed an aeronautics research partnership that builds upon and expands on the longstanding relationship between the two organizations.NASA Administrator Michael Griffin and Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne signed a memorandum of understanding Aug. 7 during a

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Aug. 8

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Aug. 8.In Afghanistan Aug. 7, an Air Force B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for coalition troops taking small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire from Taliban extremists near Oruzgan. The B-1 expended Guided

Air Force Week kicks off in St. Louis

The first Air Force Week kicked off here Aug. 6 during the St. Louis Cardinals-Milwaukee Brewers game at Busch Stadium with Airmen participating in the toss of the first pitch and a flyover by Missouri National Guard F-15 Eagles. Air Force Gen. Norton Schwartz, commander of U.S. Transportation

KC-10 maintainers keep mission flowing

KC-10 Extender maintainers work long days on the flightline with temperatures reaching nearly 135 degrees on the scorching concrete, and it is even hotter in the KC-10s parked on the ramp. These are the conditions facing the Airmen of the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. The

B-2s provide bomber presence in Guam

A contingent of four bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., is providing both an increase in forces and a security presence to the 36th Air Expeditionary Wing at Anderson Air Force Base, Guam -- making one of the U.S. military's most unique aircraft ready at a moment's notice. "In simpler terms,

Airpark dedication honors Tuskegee Airmen

More than 50 Tuskegee Airmen attended an airpark dedication ceremony in their honor Aug. 2 in front of the 944th Fighter Wing headquarters here. The airpark features an F-16 Fighting Falcon static aircraft painted in World War II Tuskegee colors in recognition of the "Red Tail" warriors of the

'Ready Elmendorf' will prepare PACAF's F-22s

Pacific Air Forces officials are excited about bringing the F-22 Raptor to the command. Aircraft crews will start their training in Virginia before actually landing on the Alaskan tarmac."Through a concept known as 'Ready Elmendorf,' Alaska's aircraft and pilots will initially operate at Langley Air

CENTAF releases airpower summaries for Aug. 6-7

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summaries for Aug. 6 and 7.Aug. 7In Afghanistan Aug. 6, an Air Force B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Musah Qal'eh. The B-1B expended a Guided Bomb Unit-38 on the

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Aug. 5

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Aug. 5.In Afghanistan on Aug. 4, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for coalition troops taking small arms fire from Taliban extremists in the vicinity of Orgun-E.  The B-1B expended Guided Bomb

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Aug. 4

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Aug. 4. In Afghanistan Aug. 3, a Predator unmanned aerial vehicle conducted a precision strike against Taliban extremists in the vicinity of Kandahar, expending Hellfire missiles on the extremists' location. Also in the

Transformation redefines multi-national exercise

As the Air Force transforms the way it does things, Pacific Air Forces is changing the way it conducts combat training exercises.At the forefront of this effort is PACAF's largest multi-national exercise, Cooperative Cope Thunder, soon to be renamed Red Flag Alaska. The exercise incorporates the

PACAF leaders see flash of future in Georgia

Senior leaders from Pacific Air Forces toured the F-22 Raptor production facility here Aug. 3 and got a look at the command's first 5th-generation fighter aircraft. Raptor 4087, bearing "AK" on its tail, is bound for Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. It will be the first of 36 Raptors, in two

How to catch a falcon by the tail

The tension must be right on, down to a thousandth of an inch. If the measurement is off, it means a multimillion dollar F-16 Fighting Falcon could careen off the runway at nearly 150 mph. And if the system fails completely, that same gray metal beast, filled with jet fuel, and its pilot will meet

PACAF unveils first F-22

Pacific Air Forces' officials got a glimpse into the future of fighter capability during a tail flash unveiling ceremony here today in which PACAF's first F-22 Raptor was unveiled. The aircraft, which is still under construction, will be the first of 36 F-22s assigned to Elmendorf Air Force Base,

'Gateway to the West' embraces Air Force

To honor the men and women of the U.S. Air Force, mayors, administrators and councils in the St. Louis metropolitan area are proclaiming the week of Aug. 7 as "Air Force Week" in their respective cities, villages and towns. St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay will sign a decree Aug. 7 proclaiming the week

Officials prepare for F-22 arrival

As Pacific Air Forces prepares to bring the F-22 to the command next year, the Headquarters PACAF F-22 Program Integration Office is working to ensure no detail is overlooked. The job is not a small task. The integration office staff is responsible for guiding, coordinating and synchronizing the

Rescue unit faces moving challenges

It will be a while before the 56th Rescue Squadron fully transitions into operations at this fighter base and begins its new mission in Europe. The combat search and rescue unit arrived here in May from Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland, where it served 35 years. It left as part of the U.S.

Airmen provide key support to Soldiers during firefight

Air Force controllers teamed with Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers to successfully conclude a firefight in Mussayib, Iraq, on July 22 where 29 terrorists were killed. Air Force joint terminal attack controllers observed a number of men taking up positions in buildings surrounding a key

CENTAF releases airpower, space support summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower and space support summary for Aug. 3.In Afghanistan Aug. 2, Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s provided close-air support for coalition troops taking small-arms fire from Taliban extremists near Musah Qal'eh. The GR-7s expended an

Wynne: We are logisticians of information

As does its enemies, the Air Force considers cyberspace a warfighting domain. The Air Force has always been in the business of flying and fighting in the air, and in past decades, has included space in that mission. This year the Air Force expanded its mission to include cyberspace -- the domain of

FAA authorizes Predators to seek survivors

Traditionally tasked to hunt for targets, Air Combat Command's Predators are now authorized to seek survivors during disaster relief operations. A certificate of authorization, issued by the Federal Aviation Administration May 18, allows the MQ-1 or MQ-9 to support relief operations by providing

Ramstein's north airstrip receives makeover

The north runway here is under a nearly $20 million, three-phase construction plan that will extend it 1,000 feet and allow heavier air transports to take off fully loaded."Construction started in mid-April and it's one week ahead of the planned completion date of January 1," said Capt. David

Air Force Association names 2006 Aerospace Award winners

The winners of the 2006 Air Force Association Aerospace Awards have been announced. The AFA-sponsored awards recognized the following Air Force units, civilian employees and military personnel:The Theodore Von Karman Award, for the most outstanding contribution to national defense in the field of

Small-diameter bomb makes F-15E squadron more lethal

When the 494th Fighter Squadron deploys to Southwest Asia later this year, its new small-diameter bomb will make its F-15E Strike Eagles even more lethal. The squadron will be the first to use the Air Force's new Guided Bomb Unit-39 bomb. It is a thin, Global Positioning System-guided 250-pound bomb

Global Hawk passes 10,000 flight hours milestone

The Global Hawk unmanned aerial system continues to prove its utility and effectiveness in the global war on terror, having flown more than 10,500 flight hours by late July. The Global Hawk achieved 10,000 flight hours in June, with its ratio of combat flying hours to non-combat hours increasing to

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Aug. 2.In Afghanistan Aug. 1, a B-1 Lancer and Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with anti-coalition forces near Musah Qal'eh. The B-1 expended a Guided Bomb

ROVER adds extra set of eyes to sky

A demonstration of the Remote Operated Video Enhanced Receiver during field training here on July 28 allowed basic cadets an opportunity to see how an extra set of eyes in the sky is a critical weapon in military arsenals."It's important to take a new group of leaders and have them interface on the

Lajes Airmen refuel U.S. Army tugboat

Airmen from the 65th Air Base Wing at Lajes Field, Azores, provided support for the U.S. Army tugboat Major General Winfield Scott here today before it left for Fort Eustis, Va. The tugboat received more than 28,000 gallons of diesel fuel and other supplies. "The support we've received has been

15th CMSAF takes first look at space

On his first visit here July 28 as the top enlisted servicemember in the Air Force, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley stressed the importance of recognizing, leading and taking care of Airmen. "I want to focus on our junior enlisted to make sure we take care of them," he said.

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Aug. 1.In Afghanistan July 31, the Air Force provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with anti-coalition forces near Musah Qal’eh. In two separate engagements A-10 Thunderbolt IIs expended cannon

Aerial port Airmen make own training opportunities

When the flow of aircraft in and out of this base slows, 727th Air Mobility Squadron troops find ways to keep their training current. That means Airmen must mob the C-5 Galaxy or C-17 Globemaster III aircraft that do arrive -- or deploy to other bases in Europe and the Middle East to train. "Our

Langley aircraft return home

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for July 31.In Afghanistan July 30, an Air Force B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for coalition troops taking small arms fire from Taliban extremists near Khowst. The B-1 expended a guided bomb unit-31 and a GBU-38 against

New aggressor unit will stand up in Alaska

The Air Force will activate the 18th Aggressor Squadron at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.The mission of the 18th AS will be to provide realistic combat adversary training in air, space and information operations. Aggressor squadrons use enemy tactics, techniques, and procedures to give a realistic

CENTAF releases airpower summary for July 30

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for July 30. In Afghanistan July 29, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close air-support for coalition troops taking small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire from Taliban extremists in the vicinity of Tarin Kowt. The

Air Force reservists lead trauma care advances

As coalition forces fight to help Iraq transition to democracy, Air Force surgeons here are fighting to save lives with new surgical knowledge that may benefit military and civilian medical care for years to come.Finishing his third tour in combat, Air Force reservist Col. (Dr.) Jay A. Johannigman

RIMPAC 2006 comes to a close

The 20th multinational Rim of the Pacific Exercise, or RIMPAC, came to an end July 28. The exercise, a month-long simulation of intense warfare operations off the coast of Hawaii, comprised a coalition force of eight nations employing 35 ships, 160 aircraft and 19,000 sailors. RIMPAC 2006 provided

Two F-16s reach milestone

Two F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron passed 6,000 flying hours during two recent Operation Iraqi Freedom combat missions over Iraq. Flown by Lt. Col. Mark Cline, 421st EFS commander, and Capt. Nick Edwards, aircraft numbers 88-0471 and 88-0428 were the first

CENTAF releases airpower summary for July 29

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for July 29.In Afghanistan yesterday, an Air Force B-1B Lancer and Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided close-air support for coalition troops taking small arms fire from Taliban extremists in the vicinity of Lashkar Gah. The

Lakenheath Strike Eagles return from Bulgaria

Airmen and their F-15E Strike Eagles returned to this base today from Bulgaria with new flying skills and friends in a land they had never visited. About 200 Airmen and 10 jets from the 48th Fighter Wing deployed to Graf-Isnatievo Air Base, Bulgaria, for the two-week exercise Immediate Response that

Refuelers feed the deployed mission

The 908th Air Refueling Squadron Airmen are doing their part in the war on terror, flying missions out of an base in Southwest Asia. "We have one-third of the air refueling assets as far as the aircraft and the crews go, but we provide almost 50 percent of the air refueling fuel in the area of

Cryogenics course keeps pilots, planes on target

Cryogenics sounds like some future way of recreating life or a search for a cure of an unknown plague. It also sounds like something from "Star Trek" episodes or possibly even "Star Wars." In the Air Force, it means keeping pilots and aircrews alive when they're flying above the 10,000-foot level.

Maintainers keep B-1 in the fight

Maintainers assigned to the 40th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron are responsible for servicing, inspecting and repairing B-1B Lancers used to drop bombs in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Being in charge of most flightline repair items on a $283 million aircraft that is saving lives in

Green Lightning tests Pacific bomber force

B-2 Stealth bombers, KC-10 Extenders and support personnel are participating in a new exercise here.Exercise Green Lightning is designed to improve the U.S. capabilities and operational familiarity in the region for the Pacific bomber presence and enhance relations with the Australians. "The United

KC-135: 50 years old and still refueling

Airmen with the Hawaii Air National Guard's 154th Maintenance Squadron are servicing a fleet of aging KC-135 Stratotankers here. "I'll read you the number, are you ready?" Tech. Sgt. Phillip Ferriman asked Senior Airman Thom Pialda, both electrical engineers with the 154th MXS. "L-24-6, no, wait.

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for July 28.In Afghanistan July 27, an Air Force Predator unmanned aerial vehicle conducted a strike against Taliban extremists gathering in a building in the vicinity of Kandahar. The UAV expended Hellfire missiles, destroying

Falcons cut Mildenhall bird strikes

Keith Mutton and Alan Marenghi roam the flightline at this base in their small blue vans doing a job that is truly for the birds. The father and stepson duo command a squadron of falcons, hawks and owls that help keep away birds that pose a bird-strike threat to aircraft here. But, it is not an easy

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for July 27. In Afghanistan July 26, an Air Force B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for coalition troops taking small arms fire from Taliban extremists in the vicinity of Musah Qal'eh. The B-1 expended a joint direct attack

New radio enhances F-15 capability

A new radio installed in Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles is enhancing the fighter's ability to support the war on terrorism and homeland defense missions by enabling aircrews to communicate more effectively with ground troops and civilian aircraft. The fleet is receiving ultra high frequency/very high

Controlling skies over dangerous territory

Inside their mobile air traffic control tower, the air traffic controllers need only peer outside their windows or listen to their two-way radios to see and hear the war unfold before them. It's like watching TV, except they're in it, and it's real life. "When I see (medical evacuations) happen, and

Exercise strengthens U.S., international combat skills

Cooperative Cope Thunder 06-3 is the largest multi-lateral air combat exercise in the Pacific bringing together about 1,300 participants to train in Alaska.The operations officer for the exercise said Cope Thunder is very air forces centric -- providing realistic training in joint and combined

Creative troops, maintenance keep vintage tankers airborne

Airmen who maintain the fleet of KC-135 Stratotankers at this base fight a constant battle to keep the vintage jets flying their vital refueling missions. At times that can be an around-the-clock struggle because the aging tanker suffers from seasonal maladies, said Col. Mike Saville, the 100th

PACAF exercise hosts Mexican observers

Mexican air force observers are seeing firsthand how U.S. and coalition forces work together during Cooperative Cope Thunder to aid in their decision to become future exercise participants. As part of his cooperative engagement strategy, Gen. Paul V. Hester, Pacific Air Forces commander, invited the

Air Force meeting requirements for F-22 multi-year funding

The Air Force will meet all requirements to proceed with multi-year funding on purchasing of the last 60 F-22 Raptor aircraft.During a July 26 testimony before the Senate Armed Service Committee air-land subcommittee, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne said the service has met five of six

Manas C-17 crews help Americans depart Lebanon

The C-17 Globemaster III detachment here recently had a name change and change of scenery. The 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron's detachment used to be Detachment 4, but due to a reorganization of the theater's airlift placement, is now Detachment 1. Det.1's primary mission is flying passengers

USAFE Airmen lauded for efforts in Lebanon operations

As approximately 1,800 U.S. citizens passed through here via Air Force aircraft, the U.S. ambassador to Germany paid a visit to meet the transient Americans and to give thanks to the Airmen providing support. "My hats off first of all to General Hobbins and all the people who work with him, but also

C-130s assist humanitarian relief efforts in Cyprus

Two C-130 Hercules crews assigned to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing delivered more than 10 tons of food and other relief supplies during two missions this past week to support American citizens leaving Lebanon. Both missions were no-notice taskings delivered by U.S. Central Command Air Forces'

Long days, flexibility part of tanker crew's life

Air Force tankers refueled fighters over a stretch of the North Sea off England's East Anglia coast Tuesday in support of a joint NATO exercise. The scenario is nothing new for the two KC-135 Stratotanker crews that flew the mission from Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England. About 100 miles off the

Gen. Moseley: New long-range bomber on horizon for 2018

A new bomber scheduled for operation as early as 2018 will enhance America's long-range strike capabilities, according to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley in a recent Armed Services Committee speech. In a step to develop future long-range strike capabilities, Air Combat Command is

British pilot finishes Raptor training at Tyndall

The first British pilot to complete F-22 Raptor training graduated July 17 at Tyndall Air Force Base. Flight Lt. Dan Robinson, from the Royal Air Force, is assigned to Langley AFB, Va. He has completed two months of training with the 43rd Fighter Squadron as part of an exchange program. In return, a

Incirlik pulls together as hundreds transit base

Airmen at the 728th Air Mobility Squadron passenger terminal are used to large crowds of people waiting to board an aircraft. They are used to endless piles of paperwork, luggage details and occasional irritable customers. Those are the things they are used to, but they live for events like those

Pit stops in 'hot' zone require quick off-loads

When people deployed to Afghanistan say a location is "hot," it could mean one of two things. Either it feels like the sun is closer than the moon, or the enemy is lurking about. Here, both meanings apply. For pilots, that equates to making quick pit stops here so they can get in and out of this

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for July 26.In Afghanistan July 25, an Air Force B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for coalition troops taking small arms fire from Taliban extremists near Musah Qal'eh. The B-1 expended guided bomb unit-31s and 38s on

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for July 25. In Afghanistan July 24, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with enemy forces near Asadabad. The aircraft expended cannon rounds against enemy troop positions,

MySpace use comes with risks

The online site MySpace offering individuals free membership to create a personalized Web page can also serve as a vulnerability for Air Force people to post personal information that can cause problems or risk operational security.MySpace members can share personal photos and use it to catch up

U.S., Bulgarian air traffic controllers perfect teamwork

Air Force controllers from the 48th Operations Support Squadron have the opportunity to work and build friendships with their Bulgarian counterparts here as part of Exercise Immediate Response 2006.Bulgaria is a new member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and this exercise gives the

Mildenhall's tanker services in high demand

The KC-135 Stratotanker crews at this base in the sedate English countryside are refueling aircraft that are helping get Americans out of Lebanon. Transporting Americans from Lebanon is topping world headlines. But for the 100th Air Refueling Wing it is just its latest mission, wing commander Col.

56th Rescue Squadron launches first flight from Lakenheath

The 56th Rescue Squadron launched its first flight out of RAF Lakenheath today at noon."We are very excited to get our local flying started," said Lt. Col. Thomas Greetan, 56th RQS commander. "It's a tribute to all the various groups and squadrons within the wing who have played a significant part

Americans fleeing Lebanon arrive at McGuire

As of today, U.S. efforts to assist in the departure of American citizens from the conflict in Lebanon have led to more than 1,200 displaced people processing through here. American citizens are traveling aboard C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from here as well as from Charleston Air Force Base, S.C.,

Researchers conduct workshop on biologically inspired flight

Air Force Office of Scientific Research officials here recently completed a workshop entitled "Biologically Inspired Flight for Micro Air Vehicles" in Denver. Micro air vehicles, or MAVs, are part of a new breed of remotely controlled aircraft that are significantly smaller than currently available

Experience a key training tool at Security Forces Academy

A unit here is taking Airmen's combat experiences and merging them into the training they provide security forces bound for duty "outside the wire" in war zones. The 343rd Training Squadron has added combat experience to their Security Forces Academy to better prepare Airmen to provide air base

CENTAF release airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for July 24.In Afghanistan July 23, French Air Force M-2000s and Royal Air Force GR-7s provided close-air support for coalition troops ambushed and taking small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire from Taliban extremists near

CENTAF releases airpower summary for July 22 and 23

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for July 22 and 23.July 23In Afghanistan July 22, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for coalition troops taking small-arms fire from Taliban extremists near Now Zad. The A-10s conducted

No matter the nationality, pilots speak same language

United States and European pilots may have language barriers but at the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program, they all speak the same language -- aviation. In the 55-week ENJJPT program, approximately 250 American and European students earn their wings yearly. Of those graduating, about 65

Misawa F-16 unit flying high at Cooperative Cope Thunder

Pilots and support staff from Misawa Air Base, Japan, are taking advantage of realistic air combat training here during Cooperative Cope Thunder, Pacific Air Forces' largest joint and bilateral air combat exercise. The 13th Fighter Squadron brought about 40 pilots and support Airmen and 12 F-16

Guard, Reserve medics gear up at Patriot '06

More than 2,200 Airmen and Soldiers are gathering in Wisconsin at Ft. McCoy and Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center as part of Patriot '06, an Air National Guard-led exercise held July 15 to 28.Servicemembers are also participating at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Station, Mo."The

USAFE Airmen integral in helping Americans departing Lebanon

Smiles, handshakes and hugs were exchanged as 130 Americans and family members of American citizens transited through Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, today and July 21. The authorized departees from Lebanon disembarked a C-17 Globemaster III for a few hours at each of the

AETC takes ownership of CV-22 Osprey

It's now official. The CV-22 Osprey, which has been incrementally delivered here since March, is now an Air Education and Training Command asset. The owner has been Air Force Special Operations Command, but after the recently completed operational utility evaluation and final transfer and acceptance

C-17s deliver supplies to aid Americans leaving Lebanon

C-17 Globemaster III crews of the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron added another mission to their resume earlier this week -- providing humanitarian civil assistance to the American citizens fleeing Lebanon.The 816th EAS, based in Southwest Asia, is flying humanitarian supplies such as water and

Simulator to help prepare Elmendorf pilots for C-17s

In preparation for Elmendorf's first C-17 Globemaster III arriving in June 2007, members of the Program Integration Office here flew to Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., to pick up the base's newest simulator."The purpose of the simulator is to train Elmendorf pilots and loadmasters to fly the Air

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for July 21.In Afghanistan July 20, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and B-1 Lancers provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with anti-coalition forces near Lashkar Gah and Now Zad. A B-1 also provided close-air

Shaw hosts Operation Iron Thunder

More than 100 aircraft from the U.S. military and NATO forces participated here this week in Operation Iron Thunder. Hosted by the 77th Fighter Squadron, the exercise offered a chance for players to be exposed to missions nearly identical to those faced in combat. "Operation Iron Thunder is a large

Cooperative Cope Thunder a massive multilateral air exercise

More than 800 U.S. forces and allies arrived here this week for Cooperative Cope Thunder 06-03, the Air Force's largest multilateral air combat exercise in the Pacific. Filling the role of lead wing is the 35th Fighter Wing from Misawa Air Base, Japan, with Col. Nelson Cabot commanding the 35th Air

Airmen continue Lebanon transport support

A general medical team from U.S. Air Forces Europe departed Ramstein Air Base, Germany, today to support Lebanon transportation operations. The team, comprised of more than a dozen medical professionals, was sent to fulfill a request by the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia, Cyprus. These Airmen, their

AFSOC commander discusses mission with Congress

"We're helping those who cannot stand on their own against tyranny," Lt. Gen. Michael W. Wooley told a roomful of people Tuesday on Capitol Hill. The general is the commander of Air Force Special Operations Command. He was in Washington to inform members of Congress, staffers, media representatives

Flight builds training replicas, saves money

Airmen at the 982nd Maintenance Squadron Trainer Development Flight here are creating replicas that not only meet the hands-on training needs of technical school students but also saves the Air Force money.Members of the flight are creating functional replicas that range in size as big as an

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for July 20.In Afghanistan July 19, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with anti-coalition forces near Qalat. The B-1 expended guided-bomb-unit 31s and

Vandenberg launches Minuteman III

An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from here today at 3:14 a.m. The launch was part of an operational test to determine the weapon system's reliability and accuracy. This launch also exercised U.S. Strategic Command's Airborne Launch Control System, which flies

Engineers go beyond virtual reality to test systems

Some aircraft parts can be used to fight in air-to-air combat without ever having to take off a runway. By assembling the avionics "guts" of fighter jets into racks and consoles, engineers and technicians can recreate flight and aerial threats in one facility. The Air Force has that inexpensive

Two refuelers, one squadron can handle any situation

The only Air Force squadron that consists of both the KC-10 Extender and the KC-135 Stratotanker is supporting operations throughout Southwest Asia."We have one-third of the air refueling assets as far as the aircraft and the crews go, but we provide almost 50 percent of air refueling in the area of

Airmen helping transport people from Lebanon

Three Air Force MH-53 Pave Low helicopters are part of the forces helping transport American citizens from Lebanon to Cyprus.The aircraft, from the 352nd Special Operations Group at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, are operating out of Akrotiri, Cyprus. They have been doing this for several

CENTAF releases air power summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for July 19. In Afghanistan July 18, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for coalition troops taking small arms fire near Musah Qal'eh. An A-10 expended guided bomb unit-12s on enemy

Pakistani Airmen personalize global thanks for support

Although there were about 300 military and civilian aircraft from around the world on display at the Royal International Air Tattoo held July 15 to 16 at Royal Air Force Fairford, England, none compared with the artful presentation of the Pakistan Air Force C-130. In addition to vivid scenes of

Effectiveness of commercial air cargo augmentation under review

U.S. Central Command's Deployment and Distribution Operations Center, or CDDOC, has initiated a test to determine the cost and effectiveness of using commercial air cargo aircraft to augment military aircraft in delivering supplies to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The purpose of this initiative,