NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • 459th Airlift Squadron: a life-saving evacuation team

    For the pilots of the C-12J Huron assigned to Yokota AB’s very own 459th Airlift Squadron, this delivery of hope is just a perk of the job – providing aeromedical evacuation to the individuals that need it.

  • Contracting pros deliver to COVID-19 front lines

    The Air Force Installation Contracting Center’s 763rd Specialized Contracting Squadron is one example of mission-focused agility in support of the greater fight, recently delivering a surplus of fast-tracked emergency support to Air Mobility Command in days, if not hours.

  • Jolly Green II taken to extremes

    The Air Force’s newest combat search and rescue helicopter and crews experienced temperature extremes from 120 to minus 60 degrees Fahrenheit as well as torrential rain during the month of testing.

  • 419th Fighter Wing hosts F-35 virtual field trip

    During the virtual field trip, Silkey provided an overview of the aircraft’s capabilities to his online audience to include details on its stealth technology and how it gives pilots a significant advantage on the battlefield.

  • Accident report released on fatal parachute jump

    Staff Sgt. Adam K. Erickson, a Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape, or SERE, specialist with the 412th Operations Support Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base, California, sustained non-survivable injuries during the training jump in conjunction with his official duties as a member of the Test

  • Air Force, Boeing agree on final KC-46 RVS 2.0 design

    RVS 2.0 will include 4K color cameras with proper viewing geometry, operator stations with larger screens, a laser ranger for refueling aircraft distance measurement and boom assistance augmented reality. With the help of scientists and engineers from both enterprises, the Air Force will lead design

  • 355th wing sustains CSAR capabilities

    The exercise, organized by the 563rd and 355th Operations Support Squadrons, included assets from different agencies and units across the wing.

  • US, Japanese forces join for Pacific Weasel exercise

    The 35th Fighter Wing began practicing large-force exercises in 2018, and each iteration has been refined and improved upon since its inception. Air Force members had the opportunity to integrate with Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members and assets.

  • OSI answers call amid COVID-19

    Members of OSI Detachment 813, joined by Special Agent Drew Weinzierl, 2nd Field Investigations Squadron forensic science consultant, worked through sub-zero temperatures and mid-March snows at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, looking for any evidence of what caused the hangar to catch fire

  • AFLCMC delivers C-37B early

    The program, managed by the Presidential and Executive Airlift Division, delivered the aircraft one week ahead of schedule.

  • Air Force is protecting Airmen while protecting the nation

    The critical responsibilities and missions of our 685,000 Total Force active duty, Guard and Reserve Airmen do not fade even during a pandemic. Across a worldwide enterprise, our Airmen must remain healthy so they can maintain full readiness and the capability to protect our nation’s security and

  • National Guard ramps up COVID-19 response

    Air Force Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel told reporters at a Pentagon briefing that it is even possible that tens of thousands of Guard members could be activated as the situation unfolds, depending on the needs of communities.

  • Scheduling training is about to get easier for C-17 crews

    The digital interface, which will start using live data March 20, enables planners to visualize flight schedules and generates recommended schedules for each crew member while taking into consideration required qualifications, crew rest and conflicting events.

  • Fairchild AFB Airmen create maintenance vehicle of the future

    The base leases utility vans to service aircraft on the flightline, which get replaced every 20 years once they have reached their end of life. These vans, however, have a stripped interior, with the exception of the driver and passenger seats, and come without insulation.

  • Air Force Materiel Command top Airmen honored

    Command headquarters, centers and wings were represented by nominees in nine categories: Airman, non-commissioned officer, senior non-commissioned officer, first sergeant, company grade officer, field grade officer, civilian category I, civilian category II and civilian category III to compete for

  • Liquid life

    Members of the 375th Logistics Readiness Squadron manage the supplemental liquid oxygen, or LOX, systems at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, and stand ready to support those who require LOX to accomplish their missions.

  • AWACS test rapid deployment capability at Prince Sultan Air Base

    In the early 2000s, the E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (Sentry) was a mainstay at PSAB. Its ability to provide tactical control of all aircraft was vital to successful accomplishment of the operations such as Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom and the start of Iraqi Freedom.

  • Kessel Run brings new software to Vermont ANG aircraft maintainers

    In the course of two weeks, Kessel Run personnel started with zero Mad Hatter users from the Vermont ANG and grew to 78 user accounts at the 158th Maintenance Group. Airmen were able to recover, service and launch aircraft entirely using Mad Hatter applications, resulting in 10 successful sorties

  • Senior leaders visit B-21 design, development headquarters

    Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett was joined by Dr. Richard Joseph, Air Force chief scientist, and Dr. Will Roper, assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, technology and logistics, in touring on-site facilities to observe B-21 engineering and manufacturing developments.

  • Gunship crew awarded 14 medals for joint SOF Afghanistan mission

    Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, presented two Distinguished Flying Crosses with “C” device and 12 single event Air Medals with “C” device to 4th Special Operations Squadron Airmen during an awards ceremony March 2, at Hurlburt Field, for their actions in April

  • AF Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.

  • Behind the helmet of the F-35A Demonstration Team’s newest pilot

    As the pilot and demonstration team commander, Wolfe will fly the demonstration routine for two years, serving as a role model and inspiration to those that are interested in pursuing military service or a career in aviation. Part of her and her team’s mission will be helping young men and women

  • Hurricane Hunters fly winter storm

    A WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft departed Keesler Air Force Base midday to fly the western Atlantic flight track, off the Northeast coast.

  • Cope North 2020 joint forces exhibit aerial prowess

    Exhibiting their military might, three nations teamed up for a Combat Air Forces large force employment exercise iteration of Cope North 2020 at Andersen Air Force Base and around the CNMI, Palau, and Yap in the Federated States of Micronesia Feb. 12-28.

  • AF Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.

  • Air Force announces Vanguard PEOs

    Vanguard programs will rapidly advance emerging weapon systems and warfighting concepts through prototyping and experimentation.

  • Breaking tradition: airborne sensor operator makes history

    Staff Sgt. Propst is the Air Force’s first E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning And Control System, or AWACS, enlisted airborne sensor operator and is enhancing the 961st AACS’s capabilities at exercise Cope North 2020, an annual trilateral field exercise conducted in Guam, and around the Commonwealth of the

  • SecAF visits RAF Mildenhall

    The 25th Secretary of the Air Force visited the air traffic control tower, fire station and various units within the 352 Special Operations Wing.

  • 18th AGRS replicates threats during Cope North 2020

    Operating in the mindset of the enemy, the 18th Aggressor Squadron from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, employs adversarial tactics to prepare U.S. and partner-nation aircrews for tomorrow's victories through challenging, realistic threat replication and training.

  • Historic island tackles new battle

    Since those historic days, the Wake Atoll has been named a national historic landmark and serves as a trans-Pacific refueling stop for military aircraft. Now under the Eleventh Air Force’s Pacific Air Force Support Center, the island is fighting a new battle — preventing bird aircraft strike

  • AF Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.

  • Grey Wolf begins testing

    The Air Force’s newest helicopter, the MH-139A Grey Wolf, completed its first combined test flight, Feb. 11.

  • AFLCMC Gunsmith Shop creates rifle for aircrew

    Known as the Aircrew Self Defense Weapon (GAU-5A), the 7-pound, 5.56 mm caliber rifle is based on the M4 carbine and was designed by the Gunsmith Shop in close coordination with the small-arms engineer to provide downed aircrew with additional firepower while they wait for rescue.

  • POTUS congratulates Air Force’s newest members at Daytona 500

    The mass enlistment took place on stage in the center of the track. Lt. Gen. Brad Webb, Air Education and Training Command commander, conducted the oath to the Air Force’s newest members. Moments later, the group moved to a private gathering where the president gave a brief speech before the race.

  • AFIMSC engineer honored with Bronze Star Medal

    Capt. Shane Lockridge received the award for his performance as the director of operations and engineer adviser for Operation Freedom’s Sentinel in Kandahar, Afghanistan, from March 2018 to February 2019.

  • 2020 to be pivotal year in maintenance, logistics training transformation

    The 82nd delivers more than 65,000 graduates annually in more than 900 maintenance, logistics, civil engineering and some cyber and missile maintenance courses. These courses cover not only initial skills training, but advanced and specialty courses delivered at 60 locations around the globe.

  • AF Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.

  • Air Force makes special delivery at Daytona 500

    Air Force Recruiting Service is entering its 12th consecutive season partnering with Richard Petty Motorsports. The Air Force’s involvement with NASCAR, and its partnership with RPM helps AFRS meet its mission of inspiring the nation’s brightest young men and women to serve.

  • Joint forces kick off Cope North 2020

    More than 100 aircraft will soar over the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia as U.S. forces, Koku Jieitai (Japan Air Self-Defense Force) and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) collaborates during exercise Cope North, Feb. 12-28.

  • Instructor pilots: Creating world-class aviators

    At Columbus Air Force Base, more than 300 instructor pilots are responsible for graduating close to 350 student pilots a year from programs such as Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training, Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals and the Aviation Leadership Program.

  • Newest F-35A squadron brings fifth-generation capabilities to Red Flag

    The exercise, which takes place from Jan. 27-Feb. 15, is meant to give at least 10 combat-representative sorties to younger pilots to better prepare them for real combat against very capable adversaries. The 421st Fighter Squadron is the most recent squadron to transition to the F-35A in the 388th

  • Child care app wins AFIMSC Innovation Rodeo

    Maj. Jacque Vasta, executive officer for Air Force Materiel Command’s deputy commander at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, will receive a share of $1 million in funding from AFIMSC to develop her idea for potential implementation across the Air Force and Department of Defense.

  • 388th, 419th Fighter Wings serve as core wing at Red Flag 20-1

    From Jan. 27-Feb. 15, air and ground units from across the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, Royal Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force, are learning how to fight and win together in a realistic combat environment. As the core wing, the 388th FW is the hub for integration, support and resources for the

  • Hurricane Hunters fly atmospheric rivers

    The Hurricane Hunters are scheduled to perform “AR recon” from January through March. Scientists, led by Scripps Institution of Oceanography at University of California, San Diego, working in partnership with the 53rd WRS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service

  • AF Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.

  • Digital Directorate sets new pace for Phase II SBIR awards

    The Digital Directorate at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., recently awarded seven Phase II Small Business Innovation Research Program contracts to some of the startups who participated in the July 2019 UAS and Kessel Run Pitch Days.

  • Air advisor receives 2019 Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award

    Lt. Col. Carl Miller, now the deputy chief of the special missions division at Headquarters, Air Education and Training Command, won the award for his achievements while deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan, leading the execution of a $1.5 billion security assistance program as commander of the 538th Air

  • Airfield Pavement Evaluation team ensures mission-ready airfields

    The Air Force Civil Engineer Center’s Airfield Pavement Evaluation team set a milestone while supporting not only typical flight operations around the world, but also in response to three natural disasters, including Hurricane Michael, a hurricane that slammed into Tyndall AFB in 2018.

  • Using science to stay ahead of the weather

    Weather-flight Airmen assigned to the 9th Operational Support Squadron propel the 9th Reconnaissance Wing’s operations through discipline and attention to detail of the skies.

  • AETC, AMC team up on VR solutions for modern C-130 training

    Headquarters Air Force, Air Mobility Command, and Air Education and Training Command have been working on a virtual-reality platform for maintenance training through Mass Virtual, a contractor that scans real-world objects to create virtual environments.