Getting dirty keeps planes flying

Dirty hands and smudged faces are just the icing on the cake when it comes to maintaining A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and C-130 Hercules. It’s all that and more that make engine and hydraulic maintenance one of the dirtiest jobs here.Every aircraft that launches from the flightline here has been in the

CENTAF releases daily airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released today's airpower summary.Coalition aircraft flew 40 close-air-support missions Feb. 15 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt

Deployed fuels flight makes airlift delivery

When fuel supplies are not available in the region, tactical and ground forces rely on the 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron. A team is always on standby to fulfill an aerial bulk fuels delivery system request. The team consists of two fuels technicians who have undergone special

Air Force regains decision authority on acquisition programs

The Air Force recently regained oversight authority on some of the acquisition programs taken from it more than 10 months ago. The Department of Defense returned major milestone decision authority to the Air Force on 10 of 21 acquisition programs in January. The DOD had taken that authority from the

Missile flight test program targets new successes

The Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile flight test program added two more successes to its record during recent tests conducted at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. The program, one of Air Combat Command's priority programs, flew successful test flights at the missile range Jan. 25 from a B-1B

CENTAF releases daily airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released today's airpower summary. Coalition aircraft flew 40 close-air-support missions Feb. 14 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt

New Air Force commercial begins filming at Charleston AFB

Camera crews from the Air Force’s advertising agency began filming a new Air Force recruiting commercial here Feb. 13. The theme is “Do something amazing.” The ads will be aired nationwide on television and Web sites. “We’re going to show all of the amazing things Air Force people do,” said Lee

Command post: commander's eyes, ears

The 380th Air Expeditionary Wing’s command post Airmen have one of the most important areas in the area of responsibility to track. With four controllers and a superintendent covering around-the-clock operations this group is ready for anything. “We are the nerve center for the base in this war

Hawaii-based Airmen fight war on terror

Airmen here are working on the front lines of the war on terror. When a Predator unmanned aerial vehicle takes off from Balad Air Base, Iraq, a pilot at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., takes control of it. Images from the Predator’s camera are then fed to one of five distributed ground stations, or

Prototype Global Hawk flies home after 4,000 combat hours

A high-flying prototype “Airman” is heading home after being deployed more than four years and flying 4,245 hours supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and the Combined Task Force-Horn of Africa. Global Hawk Air Vehicle No. 3 began its journey back home at Edwards Air Force

CENTAF releases combined airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for Feb. 13 to 14.Coalition aircraft flew 37 close-air-support missions Feb. 13 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter

First piece of Air Force memorial placed

Construction crews raised the first piece of the Air Force Memorial here on top of a hill overlooking Arlington National Cemetery. The 40-foot long piece of stainless steel, which weighs more than 28 tons, is the first of 15 pieces to be placed. When completed, the memorial will be 270 feet tall.

CENTAF releases combined airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for Feb. 11 to 12. Coalition aircraft flew 37 close-air-support missions Feb. 11 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to

Providing ‘red carpet’ service, without the carpet

Day and night they arrive -- four-star generals, ambassadors. congressional leaders and even Vice President Dick Cheney. Whether they stop for a formal visit or are here en route to another location, a two-person protocol team is there to greet them with a salute and a smile. “We are the first

Former Chief Master Sgts. of the Air Force to meet

The 14th Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, Gerald R. Murray, will host a conference for former chief master sergeants who have held the Air Force's highest enlisted position. Eight of the nine living former CMSAFs will attend the conference, to be held at the Pentagon Feb. 13 to 16. "This group of

Team tests in-the-field aircraft decontamination procedures

The Joint Strike Fighter Integrated Test Force pulled an F-16 Fighting Falcon out of a special hangar Feb. 11, marking the culmination of a series of unique tests here. As a surrogate for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the F-16 was used to test Department of Defense chemical and biological

‘Speckled Trout’ -- Air Force bids farewell to unique plane

A distinguished career came to a close here Feb. 10. After flying senior military leaders and undergoing rigorous testing for more than 31 years, the Speckled Trout tail number 61-2669 officially retired. "Speckled Trout was the primary transport aircraft for every Air Force chief of staff since

Falcon eyes roam Iraqi skies

For years the F-16 Fighting Falcon has been the premier multi-role fighter in the Air Force inventory, but recently F-16s here have been expanding their list of capabilities by performing non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, or NTISR. “NTISR is when a platform such

Keystone is key to future of joint operations

Joint warfare is a way of life for servicemembers fighting the global war on terrorism. That wasn't the case 20 years ago when Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Thomas Hall enlisted. His training with armored infantry rarely brought him together with other services. While attending a course here for E-9s from

AF drops emergency relief to isolated Afghan village

Air Force cargo aircraft dropped 11,840 pounds of rice, oil, blankets and other emergency relief supplies Feb. 9 to a village in central Afghanistan that was isolated when roads were closed due to excessive snow. At the request of the Afghan government, an Air Force C-130 Hercules flown by an Alaska

Weapons load crews keep mission on target

It would be a lot harder to accomplish the mission in Iraq if F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots couldn’t drop 500-pound bombs exactly where they wanted. And more Soldiers would have to go into harm’s way if MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft weren’t able to engage targets with Hellfire missiles from 10,000

CENTAF releases daily airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released today's airpower summary.Coalition aircraft flew 42 close-air-support missions Feb. 9 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt

Munitions Airmen get back to basics

Deep in the heart of Iraqi bunkers are the weapons that helped defeat Saddam Hussein. Surely the dictator would have never thought just five Airmen would track and maintain the same weapons that freed the Iraqi people from his oppression. The mission of the 506th Air Expeditionary Group Munitions

Fill ‘er up: POL keeps base, mission running

Against a constant battle with the elements, the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing’s flying mission depends on one unit to always be ready when called on. The 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron’s petroleum, oil and lubricant, or POL, flight stands ready to deliver fuel to anyone who needs

Ceremony christens first C-17 in Pacific Air Forces

The first of eight C-17 Globemaster III cargo jets arrived here Feb. 8 for its christening and Hawaiian blessing before a crowd of spectators and distinguished visitors from the local and military communities. 15th Airlift Wing Airmen and members of the 154th Wing, Hawaii Air National Guard flew the

Cope Tiger ’06 draws A-10 thunder

Cope Tiger ‘06, an annual multi-lateral exercise involving the U.S., Thailand and Singapore, began Feb. 7. More than 1,300 people, including 300 U.S. servicemembers and 1,000 servicemembers from Thailand and Singapore, are participating in the exercise that involves aviation and ground units. The

CENTAF releases daily airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released today's airpower summary.Coalition aircraft flew 32 close-air-support missions Feb. 8 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt

Red Flag joins American, allied airpower

Units from across the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Australia and the United Kingdom gathered here for the second part of the Red Flag 06-1 exercise, which started Feb. 6. More than 130 aircraft and 2,500 personnel will fight and support in a simulated air war over the Nellis Test and Training

C-5 Galaxy aircraft engine test successful

The Air Force reached a milestone last month in the effort to modernize its C-5 Galaxy fleet. A successful test of newly mounted C-5 engines occurred Jan. 21 at a Lockheed Martin facility in Marietta, Ga. The test was part of the C-5 Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program, or RERP, said

CENTAF releases daily airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released today's airpower summary.Coalition aircraft flew 55 close-air-support missions Feb. 7 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt

CENTAF releases daily airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released today's airpower summary. Coalition aircraft flew 52 close-air-support missions Feb. 6 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt

Priorities are key to getting organized

Short suspenses, miles of e-mail traffic and clocks that never slow down can present road blocks on the daily path to getting the mission done. Even so, Rowdy Yates, 78th Air Base Wing Lean change manager, said people can get more done daily with the right approach. "I believe the reason people feel

Air Warfare Battlelab: Turning ideas into reality

They aren’t mad scientists who wear lab coats and pocket protectors, and their expertise extends far beyond the confines of their think tanks. They were chosen because they’re the Air Force’s most innovative thinkers, and they’re turning ideas into operational force enhancers all over the world. The

Air Force’s FY 2007 budget released

As part of the president's fiscal year 2007 budget plan, the Air Force is set to receive $105.9 billion. This budget meets the vision of Air Force leaders to fight and win the global war on terrorism; to develop, train and care for Airmen; and to recapitalize and modernize the force, said Maj. Gen.

Edwards squadron writes book on CV-22 training

The Air Force is providing warfighters advanced and reliable tools to accomplish their mission by combining the capabilities of two distinctly different aircraft. Although the CV-22 Osprey is still undergoing developmental tests, it began operational testing here in December with crews from Air

Air Force officer MIA from Vietnam War is identified

The remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors. The announcement was made by the Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office, or DPMO, Feb. 3. The Airman is Col. Eugene D.

CENTAF releases combined airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for Feb. 4 to 6. Coalition aircraft flew 57 close-air-support missions Feb. 5 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter

Interdependence is key to future success

Interdependence is the key to future Air Force success, according to the service’s secretary and chief of staff as they addressed more than 800 attendees at the Air Force Association meeting here Feb. 2. Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley

QDR directs Air Force future

The Department of Defense released the results of the quadrennial defense review Feb. 3 here. "The QDR guides and supports Air Force transformation in pursuit of key joint, interdependent combat capabilities that enable us to deliver more sovereign options for the defense of the United States of

Achievements come in spite of difficulties

By now, many Airmen here know the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing descended from the famous Tuskegee Airmen of the 332nd Fighter Group. Most people also know about the challenges the 332nd Airmen faced, not only from the enemy, but from their own country and even their own service. Many books and

New Orleans to be first AF Reserve BRAC closure

Air Force Reserve Command's 926th Fighter Wing at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans will be the command's first wing affected by the most recent Base Realignment and Closure. Moved up a year, resources from the 926th will realign to four bases: Buckley Air Force Base, Colo.; Nellis

CENTAF releases daily airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released today's airpower summary.Coalition aircraft flew 51 close-air-support missions Feb. 2 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities, and operations to deter and disrupt

615th CRW plays role in joint exercise

Airmen with the 615th Contingency Response Wing here participated in a joint forcible entry exercise, or JFEX, at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., Jan. 21 to 28. JFEX is designed to enhance cohesiveness between the Air Force and Army by executing large-scale heavy equipment and troop movements. The

New facility set to be environmentally friendly

A new aircraft corrosion control paint and depaint facility under construction here is designed to be environmentally friendly and cost-efficient. The goal in building the new facility was to make environmental improvements over old processes, said Richard Slife of the 402nd Maintenance Wing quality

Airmen coordinate relief airdrops for Afghan people

The sounds of cargo aircraft echo through the Afghan hillside. Families huddle against their makeshift homes, watching air-dropped bundles glide to the ground. These deliveries contain blankets, firewood, medical supplies and food -- a gesture of compassion and a foundation to build on. Since

CENTAF releases daily airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released its daily airpower summary. Coalition aircraft flew 56 close-air support missions Feb. 1 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities, and operations to deter and

A hero’s philosophy on life may inspire others

Articles and other news clippings commemorating a hero’s life lay safely tucked away inside a plastic box. Photos and plaques recounting his numerous achievements adorn the walls. In one corner, a stack of accident analysis reports and an actual piece of the Space Shuttle Columbia’s wreckage lie,

379th Airmen bring fight, supplies, relief to warfighters

While each military branch promotes individual service pride, the days of fierce rivalries between the services have seemingly fallen by the wayside to concentrate on the war effort. A cavalryman here knows this. Army ground liaison officer Capt. Phil Messer monitors the interaction between the

Phase maintenance key to mission success

Eleven hours flying time or about 4,400 nautical miles away is a key to success for the 40th Air Expeditionary Group’s mission: supporting Operation Enduring Freedom from the sky and ensuring peace throughout Afghanistan. The key: Detachment 1 with the group’s expeditionary maintenance squadron at

CENTAF releases daily airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released today’s airpower summary. Coalition aircraft flew 54 close-air-support missions Jan. 31 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt

F-35 simulator demonstrates fighter of tomorrow

While the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is still in development, Airmen are getting a “sneak peek” at the future of air superiority thanks to a unique simulator. The Lockheed Martin Corporation’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, or JSF, pilot interface simulator is demonstrating the fighter’s capabilities to

New documentary showcases unique military careers

A new documentary launched today will help to educate the American public about military service and clear up misconceptions, said a Department of Defense official. David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, said the one-hour film, "Today's Military: Extraordinary People;

Tuskegee Airmen leave strong legacy

On July 19, 1941, the Army Air Force began a program in Alabama to train black Americans as pilots for the first time. Civil rights organizations and the black press exerted pressure that resulted in the formation of an all black pursuit squadron based in Tuskegee, Ala., in 1941. They became known

Air Force evacuates ABC News team to U.S.

An injured ABC News correspondent and cameraman were flown from here to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., today to receive additional medical treatment in the U.S. Anchorman Bob Woodruff and cameraman, Doug Vogt, were injured in Iraq and treated for their injuries at the Air Force Theater Hospital at

CENTAF releases daily airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released today's airpower summary. Coalition aircraft flew 54 close-air-support missions Jan. 30 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt

New location, same C-130 airlift mission

Airmen and aircraft have relocated and the name of the squadron has changed. But, the mission of Airmen deployed here from the 463rd Airlift Group at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., has not. These Airmen deliver cargo in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility and are now flying their

Chilean air force receives F-16 Peace Puma

The delivery of two new F-16 Peace Puma aircraft from the United States to Chile Jan. 24 kicks off a promising era of interoperability between the two nations. Over the next 10 months, the Chilean air force will receive eight additional F-16 C and D model aircraft from the contractor Lockheed Martin

Air Force evacuates injured ABC News team to Germany

A C-17 Globemaster III from the 172nd Airlift Wing and medical personnel from the 791st Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron evacuated a wounded ABC news team from Balad Air Base, Iraq, to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Jan. 30, for treatment at the nearby Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.

CENTAF releases combined airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for Jan. 28 to 30. Coalition aircraft flew 56 close-air-support missions Jan. 29 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to

‘Just another day at work’ for the 106th Rescue Wing

Tred Barta claims to be one of the “best big game fishermen in the world,” with a reputation for doing things the hard way. His blunt talk and nonconformist style has made him a popular, if controversial, star of the television show, “The Best and Worst of Tred Barta,” and he’s teamed up with an

'Why' Smart Ops 21?

Why do we do the things we do, the way we do them in the Air Force? “Because that’s the way we’ve always done it,” is a common reply. While tradition is important to the existence of an organization, the growth required to propel an organization forward doesn’t happen without honestly applying the

High-speed air vehicles designed for rapid global reach

For an aircraft to achieve hypersonic speeds, ranging from 6,000 to 15,000 mph (Mach 9 to Mach 22), and reach altitudes between 100,000 to 150,000 feet, it needs an airframe structure designed to survive intense heat and pressure. Such technology is in development by scientists and engineers with

Small office comes up big for armament, munitions Airmen

When it comes to handling munitions no one does a better job than the munitions materiel handling equipment focal point here. The focal point is an organization assigned to the agile combat support systems squadron. Its sole purpose is to support the entire Air Force armament and munitions community

PMEL Airmen ensure equipment is serviceable

The precision measurement equipment laboratory’s claim to fame is being the only 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron workgroup that serves the entire area of responsibility. The team falls under the responsibility of the test measurement and diagnostic equipment, or TMDE, flight. The laboratory

Children experience 'deployment' firsthand

For many children, it’s an experience they’ve already been part of when Mom or Dad prepare for deployment -- the processing, the goodbyes, the welcomes home. But this time they got to experience it firsthand in Operation Jr. R.A.P.T.O.R, or Real Air Patriots Training on Readiness. More than 190

CENTAF releases daily airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released today's airpower summary. Coalition aircraft flew 32 close-air support missions Jan. 26 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities, and operations to deter

Transportation secretary praises Lackland Airmen

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta praised Airmen here Jan. 25 for their vital role in transportation and care of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita evacuees. “You witnessed firsthand one of the most devastating disasters this country has ever had to endure,” Secretary Mineta said. “And you

CENTAF releases daily airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released today's airpower summary. Coalition aircraft flew 34 close-air-support missions Jan. 25 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt

CENTAF releases daily airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released today's airpower summary. Coalition aircraft flew 28 close-air-support missions Jan. 24 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt

Little Rock Airmen provide “beans and bullets” downrange, again

A trip to the desert is nothing new for the 463rd Airlift Group here. On Jan. 20, 24 Airmen and two C-130 Hercules stepped up to deliver "beans and bullets" to the warfighter for more than 120 days. The experienced crew understands that airlift is important for reducing convoy operations in

'Smart' cable helps protect aircraft

In December 2003 and January 2004, several Air Force aircraft took fire near Baghdad, Iraq, but the missile warning systems failed to indicate the attacks. Air Force officials looked to the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center to fix this problem. An airlift defensive systems “tiger team” was formed

CENTAF releases daily airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released today's airpower summary. Coalition aircraft flew 32 close-air-support missions Jan. 23 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt

Raptor completes operational refueling flight first

Airmen from the 18th Air Refueling Squadron here took part in the first operational aerial refueling mission for the F-22A Raptor Jan. 21 in support of Operation Noble Eagle. The F-22A Raptor was declared operational by the Air Force Dec. 15. It is the newest fighter aircraft for the Air Force,

CMSAF Murray visits Southern Command units

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray toured units throughout U.S. Southern Command Jan. 16 to 19 to express Air Force leaders’ appreciation for what Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and civilians within the command do every day. Chief Murray visited Airmen in Honduras, Ecuador,

F-22A Raptor flies first operational missions

The F-22A Raptor showed another of its capabilities when it flew its first two operational sorties over the United States in support of Operation Noble Eagle Jan. 21 and 22. The Raptor mission came one week after the 27th Fighter Squadron -- the first unit to fly the jet -- converted to the Air

CENTAF releases combined airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for Jan. 21 to 23. Coalition aircraft flew 32 close-air support missions Jan. 22 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and

Mountain Home maintainers keep Eagles, Falcons flying

Behind every good jet is a good maintainer –- actually, make that several maintainers. More than 850 Airmen with the 366th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here serve as the first line of defense for maintenance on 73 jets, ensuring they’re safe, reliable and ready to fly when pilots need them. The

Vehicle management flight keeps Barksdale moving

The responsibility for all government vehicles here falls to the 2nd Logistics Readiness Squadron’s vehicle management flight. That accountability includes buying 25 vehicles a year and managing 894 vehicles, with an annual repair budget of $1.6 million. Master Sgt. Michael Boyles, vehicle

A-10 pilots, support personnel head to OEF

More than 400 Airmen with the 355th Fighter Squadron and the 354th Maintenance Group and their A-10 Thunderbolt IIs recently left for a 120-day deployment. “I’m excited to go on this deployment,” said Capt. Darrell Walton, a pilot with the 355th. “With so much training space here in Alaska, I

Barksdale lends helping hand in filming movie

Barksdale Airmen helped movie crews film “The Guardian” here Jan. 12 and 13. Although originally slated to shoot in New Orleans, the devastation of Hurricane Katrina quickly changed the movie’s plans. “We were planning on making the movie in New Orleans. Obviously, Katrina hit, and we had to move

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces released today's airpower summary. Coalition aircraft flew 50 close-air support missions Jan. 19 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt

Air Force takes delivery of first production Global Hawks

The first of two production Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicles began flying missions in support of the global war on terrorism within hours of arriving in theater earlier this month. The aircraft -- managed by the Aeronautical Systems Center's Global Hawk Systems Group here -- are part of the 12th

Aircraft control

ROBE upgrade sets KC-135 on forefront of battle communications

A KC-135 Stratotanker here was fitted with upgraded communications equipment recently which will revolutionize battle space and the way the United States and its allies fight wars. After 18 months on the drawing board, the Roll-On Beyond Line-of-Sight Enhancement Spiral 2 program, ROBE, has been

Reservists attend first safeguard training exercise

While many Airmen were glued to the tube watching the NFL playoffs, the 939th Air Refueling Wing went to training camp to learn how to better survive and operate in a war, contingency or emergency. The 43 Reservists went to the Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center at Camp Douglas, Wis., to

CENTAF releases daily airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released its daily airpower summary. Coalition aircraft flew 50 close-air-support missions Jan. 18 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and

Last WC-130H departs Keesler

The last of a generation of aircraft lifted gently off the runway here Jan. 12. “This is the end of an era. For years the H model performed magnificently meeting the needs of the weather mission; however, it is time to move on,” said Brig. Gen. Rich Moss, commander of the 403rd Wing. “The increased

F-15 painters using new environmentally safer fluids

Aircraft painters can breathe a little easier thanks to the development of a new material used for stripping and painting F-15 Eagles. The Air Force is continuing its path toward environmentally friendly mission execution. A partnership with the University of Missouri-Rolla; Air Force Research Lab,

Air Force to replace combat search and rescue helicopters

Air Force combat search and rescue teams will use a new helicopter -- the now under development CSAR-X -- to help recover downed pilots around 2012. The new helicopter will replace 101 HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters Air Force combat search and rescue teams now use. The Air Force expects to begin

Alaska Airmen operate out of Guam

The 168th Air Refueling Wing was the first Air National Guard tanker unit deployed to Guam after Sept. 11, 2001. Five years later, the Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Airmen are back on the island with their KC-135 Stratotankers as part of a theatre support package for U.S. Pacific Command flying

CENTAF releases daily airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released its daily airpower summary. Coalition aircraft flew 52 close-air-support missions Jan. 17 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and

Flight showcases future Weapon Data Link Network

Two-way communications with a weapon after it's released from an aircraft is at the forefront of all new weapons technology, and standards for it has become a priority. Such standards were successfully implemented and demonstrated during a recent series of flight demonstrations here for the Weapon

Think of safety first

Keeping Airmen here safe is not a task taken lightly by the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing’s ground safety office. "Our job is to prevent the loss of life or damage to government equipment," said Tech. Sgt. Clyde Lathon, 332nd AEW ground safety manager. "We are the Air Force equivalent to the

Andersen AFB: growing to meet its mission

The eyes of U.S. military leaders are once again focused here to provide peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. “The strategic importance of Andersen is rejuvenating,” said Col. Michael Boera, the 36th Expeditionary Air Wing commander. “No longer is Andersen the sleepy hollow it’s been

Civil engineers plan for the future

Expansion plans here have civil engineers drawing up blueprints for construction projects for next year, the next five years, even the next decade. “We’re planning for the future so that 50 years from now people will be glad we designed everything right the first time,” said Lt. Col. Marvin Smith,

Kadena pilot in good condition

An F-15 Eagle from the 44th Fighter Squadron here crashed at approximately 10 a.m. today during an air-to-air training mission. The location of the crash site was at an area known as W-173, an over-water training zone about 65 miles (55 nautical miles) northeast of here. The fighter jet was part of

AMC completes KC-135 accident investigation board

Air Mobility Command has released the results of its investigation into the May 15, 2005, mishap involving a KC-135R Stratotanker assigned to the 128th Air Refueling Wing, Milwaukee, Wis. An accident investigation board, convened by AMC, concluded the cause of the accident was unforeseen,

CENTAF releases combined airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the combined airpower summary report for Jan. 13 to 17. Coalition aircraft flew 50 close-air support missions Jan. 16 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction

New C-17 Globemaster III honors President Reagan

Former first lady Nancy Reagan today helped dedicate the Air Force’s newest C-17 Globemaster III to honor her late husband, former President Ronald Reagan. The Spirit of Ronald Reagan is assigned to Air Force Reserve Command’s 452nd Air Mobility Wing here. It is the first Reserve unit to fly its own

Langley celebrates Raptor's initial operational capability

The 1st Fighter Wing held a ceremony here today to celebrate the F-22A Raptor's initial operational capability. The event comes after the 27th Fighter Squadron was officially declared IOC on Dec. 15 by Gen. Ronald E. Keys, commander of Air Combat Command. The IOC declaration proves the F-22A is