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  • Army UH-1H finds new home with Air Force

    The Inter-American Air Forces Academy at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland recently landed a new training tool that upgrades the helicopter maintenance courses it offers to students from Latin American partner nations.The arrival of an Army UH-1H helicopter at IAAFA's 318th Training Squadron is

  • Academy cadets to conduct 'Flightline of the Future' research

    The U.S. Air Force Academy's Dean of the Faculty Brig. Gen. Dana H. Born signed a cooperative research and development agreement with officials from Lockheed Martin recently for a "Flightline of the Future" initiative and three other research-related projects.The Flightline of the Future program, a

  • Brig. Gen. Witham nominated as ANG deputy director

    Brig. Gen. James C. "JC" Witham has been named the next deputy director of the Air National Guard. Witham had served as the chief of staff of the California National Guard and the commander of that state's Air National Guard."I am thrilled and humbled for the opportunity to lead the best Air

  • AF nominates AFMC, AFSPC civilians for DOD award

    Two Air Force civilians have been nominated for the Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award.Dr. Boris Tomasic, Air Force Research Laboratory, Air Force Materiel Command, and Angelica M. Collazo, 92nd Information Operations Squadron, Air Force Space Command, will represent the Air

  • 'Vortex surfing' could be revolutionary

    Migrating birds, NASCAR drivers and Tour de France bicyclists already get it. And now the Air Force is thinking about flying gas-guzzling cargo aircraft in formation -- 'dragging' off one another -- on long-haul flights across the oceans.Flight tests with C-17s "vortex surfing" at Edwards Air Force

  • Tail swap enables Afghan mission support and humanitarian effort

    A 317th Airlift Group C-130J and aircrew already assigned to deploy to Afghanistan on a tail-swap mission were given the perfect opportunity to conduct their mission and help the people of Afghanistan as well by participating in the Denton Program and transporting school supplies to students and

  • Fort Smith ANG Airmen Head Home

    Arkansas Air National Guard A-10 Thunderbolt II aircrews and maintainers began their journey home this week after successfully completing a three-month deployment with the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing where they provided close air support to coalition forces in Afghanistan.Due to the close knit

  • 1952 C-124 crash descendant finds closure in Alaska

    In November 1952, Airman Isaac Anderson sealed the envelope on a letter to his bride.  "I will be getting on a plane for Alaska in two hours. I love you, take care of my son," he wrote. Airman Anderson and 51 other passengers and crewmembers aboard the C-124 Globemaster enroute to Elmendorf Air

  • F-15 test force celebrates 10 years of Eagle improvements

    On Oct. 12, the F-15 Operational Flight Program Combined Test Force celebrates its 10-year anniversary.The members of the unit, many of whom were there at the inception, recalled the major accomplishments and changes they've seen after 10 years.The OTP CTF is a unit composed of active/reserve

  • Discovery Channel series highlights C-17

    The show "Mighty Planes" took aim at a new plane, the C-17 Globemaster III, and the Discovery Channel was here to film the versatile cargo plane from Sept. 20 to Sept. 26. "The whole show Mighty Planes is exactly what it is, it's planes that are 'mighty;' that are big," said Stephen Grant, the

  • Elmendorf P38 Lightning

    Flying through a January sky in 1945, U.S. Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Robert Nesmith was piloting a P-38G Lightning - one of the Air Force's best aircraft during World War II. The plane, equipped with two engines and relatively long wings, was a beautiful sight, and Nesmith worked hard to be in a

  • Airmen showcase C-17 to New Zealanders

    Thousands of New Zealanders visited the Christchurch International Airport for a chance to get a glimpse inside the cockpit of a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, which deployed to Christchurch from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Sep. 29 in support of Operation Deep Freeze 2012.Airmen from the 62nd

  • AF leaders encourage energy savings in latest 'Letter to Airmen'

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley, Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Roy issued a tri-signature "Letter to Airmen" on Sept. 28.As part of Energy Action Month this October, the Air Force's top three leaders

  • Wolfenbarger: AFMC 5-Center reorganization on track

    After some 18 months of planning and careful transition, Air Force Materiel Command officials are ready to declare initial operational capability of AFMC's 5-Center reorganization Oct. 1.In early July, the command began activating its new centers and consolidating others as it transitioned from

  • Airman missing from WWII identified

    The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors. Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Samuel E. Lunday, of Marianna,

  • Crew chiefs shine under dangerous conditions

    Two Airmen from the 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron were recently coined by wing leadership for their work in helping to prevent the spread of a potentially disastrous fire involving a B-52H Stratofortress. The situation all began during a routine B-52 landing procedure when crew chiefs Senior

  • Former SAC commander dies

    Retired Gen. Bennie L. Davis, former commander in chief of Strategic Air Command and director of the Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff, with headquarters at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., died Sept. 23 in Georgetown, Texas. He was 84 years-old.Davis assumed his position as the SAC commander in

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Hero's story comes to life

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)He was 13 years old when he received a copy of the book "Into the Mouth of the Cat" from his father. Capt. Jason Powell didn't know it then, but the

  • Carter visits F-16 international training school

    Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter visited the 162nd Fighter Wing at Tucson International Airport here Sept. 26 to learn about international F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft pilot training.The Arizona Air National Guard was one of several stops Carter made throughout the Tucson area."It was very

  • Nellis helps Make-A-Wish come true

    There are many people who wish for the opportunity to see the home of the fighter pilot.With the help of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Georgious Kalevrosoglou, an 18-year-old from Greece, diagnosed with leukemia, was able to do just that.Members of the 57th Wing gave Kalevrosoglou and his family a

  • Space shuttle arrives home for one last 'endeavor'

    For the Edwards community who has been actively involved in NASA's Space Shuttle program since flight testing began in the 1970's, it was a bittersweet day when Space Shuttle Endeavour arrived one last time Sept. 20, piggy-backed on NASA's Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft.When the SCA departed

  • FEVER 11 wins Tunner award

    The aircrew of FEVER 11 received the William H. Tunner Award at the Annual Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition award ceremony here,Sept. 17. FEVER 11 received the award, which is presented to the most outstanding airlift crew in the U.S. Air Force for a rescue alert, for a casualty

  • Comptroller outlines continuing resolution, sequestration

    The continuing resolution the Senate approved Sept. 22 and the president is expected to sign this week will affect short- and long-term Defense Department spending in coming months, a senior defense official said today.Pentagon Comptroller Robert F. Hale spoke on "Financing Defense: Strategies for

  • U.S. military inspires South African youth

    The sun was shining almost as brightly as the smiles on the faces of hundreds of children stepping onto a C-17 Globemaster III for the first time, Sept. 20.The children arrived at the Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition, here to participate in a Youth Development Program. The program partners

  • 734th AMS supports Valiant Shield 12

    Airmen from the 734th Air Mobility Squadron brought their support during Exercise Valiant Shield 2012 here, Sept. 11 to 17.This year, the 734th AMS received and downloaded 416 tons of cargo, 796 passengers and received 48 inbound aircraft."We all feel a great deal of pride from participating and

  • Airmen certified for F-35 engine runs

    An Airman seated in an aircraft, surrounded by electronic displays, surveys the cockpit of an F-35A Lightning II and begins rehearsed procedures that now feel comfortable. He feels the jet's familiar rumble below as the engine roars to life on the flightline. If you imagined the person in the seat

  • U.S. participates in South African Exposition

    More than 130 U.S. military members were invited to demonstrate the air and ground capabilities of American forces as they partnered with the South African air force during the 2012 Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition here, Sept. 22-23."This was a tremendous opportunity for the U.S. military to

  • World War II veterans share memories during conference

    The first snow of the winter blanketed the German landscape below his P-51 Mustang, and as the young World War II pilot flew alongside others in formation, he noticed an important detail. "There were two silver aircraft and two painted with the green camouflage flying alongside me," said retired

  • Never forget: World War II Airman, POW shares story of resiliency

    Two flags wave in the wind of his front yard. The first is the U.S. flag, the symbol of his country. The second is the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flag, the symbol of his sacrifice.His living room is decorated in combat medals, including the Purple Heart and Prisoner of War medal. They are

  • Comptroller: Sequestration Would Devastate Defense Spending

    Sequestration will devastate every aspect of Defense Department spending, from fighting the war in Afghanistan and supporting troop health and morale to training, maintenance and modernization, and carrying out the defense strategic guidance, Pentagon Comptroller Robert F. Hale said here Sept.

  • KC-46 enters critical design review phase

    The Air Force KC-46A program director described the critical development phases of the next-generation refueling aircraft during the 2012 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington, D.C., Sept. 18.Maj. Gen. John F. Thompson, program executive officer for

  • IDS agencies team up to teach life skills to new Airmen

    The opportunity for approximately 150 Airmen to learn more about personal finance, team building, stress management and relationships was made possible by a new pilot program aimed at providing Airmen with tools to enhance their overall life-skills knowledge base.Through collaboration between the

  • Carter: Sequestration would have effect of 'hidden tax'

    Because it would lead to inefficiencies, the sequestration mechanism built into the Budget Control Act would amount to a hidden tax, Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter said here Sept. 20."If sequestration happens, it is not only disruptive in many ways I'd love to describe, but it's a hidden

  • 36th Wing provides consistent evac support in Asia-Pacific

    With tsunami threats recently pervading the Asia-Pacific region, the 36th Wing here has been actively exercising its capabilities of providing evacuation support to neighboring bases while simultaneously accommodating some of the largest joint and coalition exercises in the region."This year the

  • AFLINK mobile app keeps people connected to everything Air Force

    Staying connected and keeping up with the latest news and information has never been easier for America's Airmen. On the Air Force's 65th birthday, Sept. 18, officials announced that the service has released a mobile application designed to keep Airmen, families, retirees, recruits and the public

  • First week of RARO 12 wraps up

    The first week of live training at Ramstein Rover 2012 ended Sept. 16 here. RARO 12 is a NATO exercise focused on preparing forward air controllers to support ground commanders in Afghanistan within the next year. Multiple nations are participating, including the U.S., Czech Republic, United

  • Welsh: 'The only way to move forward is together'

    The active-duty Air Force, its Reserve and the Air National Guard must work together to move forward, the chief of staff of the Air Force said here last week."I have trouble seeing lines between components of services, because I believe on the air side we have an Air Force -- it has three

  • Donley talks sequestration, explains AF budget plans

    The threat of sequestration continues to overhang "all budget decisions across the federal government," said Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley here Sept. 17.During his keynote remarks at the 2012 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition, Donley conveyed the

  • Shinseki: VA honors 'exceptional Americans'

    The Airmen of today's United States Air Force display the same guts, determination and skill as their forebears in the wars of earlier eras, Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki said today at the Air Force Association's annual meeting.Service members stepped forward to repel the surprise

  • SecAF highlights 'state of force' at AFA conference

    In his keynote address at the 2012 Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 17, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley discussed major service accomplishments over the last 12 months and the Air Force's strategic way ahead.Donley said the Air Force's

  • Public trust requires apolitical military, Dempsey says

    The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff wants service members and veterans to consider what using the uniform for partisan politics does to the trust Americans have in their military.Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey has maintained throughout his 38-year career that the American military, as a whole,

  • Leaders to committee: Air Force on track for 2014 auditability deadline

    Leaders from each armed service and the Defense Department testified Sept. 14 to the House Armed Services Committee about the DOD's efforts to become auditable by 2014.The original auditable date was 2017, but Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta accelerated that goal in late 2011 by setting a DOD-wide

  • Total force effort brings people home after Libyan attack

    A C-17 Globemaster III answered the urgent call to fly 36 passengers to safety out of Libya following the attack on the U.S. consulate Sept. 12 that had resulted in the death of the U.S. ambassador and three others. The aircraft was under the command and control of the 618th Air and Space Operations

  • Air Force Marathon breaks another attendance record

    The 2012 running of the Air Force Marathon was the largest ever and sold out in record time. The race has grown to a field of more than 15,000 runners, doubling in size since 2008, representing all 50 states, 15 countries, all military services, and a diversity that included world-class marathoners,

  • F-35A maintenance training on track

    As the Air Force begins its Operational Utility Evaluation of the F-35A Lightning II, maintenance training to support the joint strike fighter is also preparing for key program milestones.Though the first "pipeline" students -- basic military training graduates -- don't begin training until January

  • AF joins NATO partners in Ramstein Rover 2012

    The U.S. Air Force joins 15 other nations in Ramstein Rover 2012 here from Sept. 5-22. RARO 12 is a NATO exercise focusing on forward air control and close air support capabilities. A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, out of Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, are flying throughout the

  • National Guard vital to Africa Command mission

    "We in Africa Command rely on members of the Army and Air National Guard every day to accomplish our mission," Army Gen. Carter Ham told attendees at the 134th National Guard Association of the United States General Conference."The National Guard -- its Soldiers and Airmen -- are essential

  • Airmen wrap up Winfly on the 'ice'

    Despite operating in harsh conditions and experiencing multiple weather delays, the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, comprised of Airmen from the 62nd and 446th Airlift Wings at McChord Field, completed its winter flying period into McMurdo Station, Antarctica Aug. 29, in support of the U.S.

  • First F-35 training commander: 'This jet is our future'

    Five months of flying the Air Force's newest fighter jet has left one Airman convinced of the aircraft's substantial combat capability.Lt. Col. Lee Kloos is the commander of the 58th Fighter Squadron, the Defense Department's first F-35 Lightning II training squadron, located at Eglin Air Force

  • Safety at center of growing RPA requirement

    Gen. Hap Arnold may have startled even his most visionary contemporaries when he said on V-J Day, "The next war may be fought by airplanes with no men in them at all. Take everything you've learned about aviation in war, throw it out of the window, and let's go to work on tomorrow's aviation."No one

  • Air Evac Airmen test capabilities on new airframe

    Airmen from the 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron tested their aeromedical evacuation capabilities on a new airframe here Sept. 3.The civilian Gulfstream III, or G3, provides the range and speed needed to reach different parts of Africa and Eurasia in a day, something the C-21 and some of the

  • 731st AMS completes MRAP mission

    Airmen from the 731st Air Mobility Squadron were key players recently in the first delivery of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles to U.S. Forces in Korea. The squadron helped deliver the first five MRAP vehicles to U.S. Army units stationed on the peninsula in early July 2012 for use in

  • New AFSC coming for AFSOC enlisted aircrew

    Almost 470 flight engineers, aerial gunners and loadmasters who fly Air Force Special Operations Command's CV-22, AC-130 and Non-Standard Aviation aircraft are transitioning to one Air Force specialty code, 1A9X1 Special Mission Aviation starting in November. Master Sgt. Ben Lerman, AFSOC's aerial

  • F-35A reaches 'huge milestone' in program development

    Air Force officials begin their F-35A Lightning II Operational Utility Evaluation Sept. 10, an instrumental step in beginning Joint Strike Fighter pilot and maintenance training for the service. Two 33rd Fighter Wing pilots at Eglin AFB, Fla., along with two Air Force test pilots, will conduct the

  • Fighting birds with birds

    The 22nd Air Refueling Wing Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard program is being overhauled with new contractors employing the use of a falcon to keep skies clear from avian adversaries.The BASH program is in place to reduce bird strikes by introducing a natural predator into the area to ward off smaller

  • Wolf Pack Defenders go virtual to train

    One might assume the term "gunship" would most likely be overheard on a documentary for 20th century naval engineering.It is, however, what Airmen from the 8th Security Forces Squadron and members from the Republic of Korea Army heard during "call for fire" training last week, which included

  • ANG, Coast Guard complete joint rescue mission

    California Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing, in a joint mission with the U.S. Coast Guard, successfully completed the rescue of two distressed fishermen aboard a fishing vessel about 1,400 miles off the coast of Acapulco, Mexico. On Sunday, Sept. 2, the Air Force Rescue Coordination

  • Warner Robins C-130 team earns DoD top maintenance honor

    When the Department of Defense announced its top maintenance awards for depot and field-level units, recognizing outstanding achievement in weapon system and military equipment maintenance, it was a Robins Air Force Base, Ga., unit earning top honors.The 2012 Robert T. Mason Depot Maintenance

  • Andersen and Australian EOD work together in Tri-Crab 2012

    Team Andersen's Explosive Ordnance Disposal participated in the biennial multinational EOD exercise Tri-Crab 2012 from Aug. 20-31 on and around Guam.Tri-Crab is a combined engagement that focuses on strengthening relationships within the Asia-Pacific region through training and information

  • Iraqi air force F-16 training takes off in Arizona

    While the Republic of Iraq anticipates an initial deliveryof F-16 Fighting Falcons in September 2014, the pilots who will fly themembark on a historic partnership with the Arizona Air National Guard's 162ndFighter Wing here to learn how to fly the multipurpose fighter.Already, two Iraqis have joined

  • Afghan airmen learn language of flight

    Whether an Afghan airmen needs to fly an aircraft safely, communicate with air traffic controllers, or maintain and fix equipment, he must first learn the language of flight.English is the language of flight used around the world, and Afghan airmen are learning to speak it fluently at the Kandahar

  • Operational F-22's employ small diameter bombs during WSEP

    During a Combat Hammer exercise Alaska F-22 Raptors became the first operational F-22 unit to drop GBU-39 small diameter bombs.Although small diameter bombs have been employed by test pilots, Combat Hammer, a weapons system evaluation program sponsored by the 86th Fighter Weapons Squadron, provided

  • African air chiefs pledge cooperation, trust, solutions

    The 2012 Regional Air Chief Conference wrapped up here Aug. 30, leaving military leaders from multiple North and Western African nations excited about progress and resolutions involving an increase in regional coordination.One of the main points was, "The need to share information," said Ghana air

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Pushing through pain like a Spartan

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Airman 1st Class Adam Orton is far from the ultra-endurance athletes, military special operators and seasoned adventure athletes typically found at the

  • Coincidence sparks memories of storm's past

    On this date in 2005, aircrews with the Air Force Reserve's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, better known as the "Hurricane Hunters," evacuated aircraft and personnel from Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., only to turn around,  flying into Hurricane Katrina as it barreled down on the Gulf Coast.

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman becomes 'pin up' girl for charity

     (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Military members often help their local communities with volunteer work, but one Nellis Air Force Base Airman is aiding her favorite charities as an

  • World War II vet awarded Distinguished Flying Cross

    Family, friends, senior leaders and pilots gathered Aug. 24 to honor a World War II B-17 Flying Fortress pilot during an award ceremony at Randolph's famed Taj Mahal where he was award the Distinguished Flying Cross medal.Second Lt. Samuel Smith was assigned to the 360th Bombardment Squadron at RAF

  • Hurricane Hunters provide critical data during major storms

    As the Air Force Reserve's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, better known as the "Hurricane Hunters," wrap up their mission flying through Hurricane Isaac, one of the unit's pilots provided an insight into who they are and some facts and figures about how they perform during their dangerous

  • Americans, British long-time partners united in Operation Enduring Freedom

    The 62nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron has a unique role where Airmen from the British Royal Air Force and the U.S. work together to support the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission for Operation Enduring Freedom. The primary mission of the 62nd is to launch and recover

  • AF C-130 firefighting efforts reach milestone

    Air Force Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130s reached a major mission milestone Aug. 24 by dropping the 2 millionth gallon of retardant for the season.MAFFS 5, assigned to the Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Airlift Wing here, dropped the record-breaking gallon during its third

  • Fighter jets protect skies during republican convention

    Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region fighters are protecting the skies during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla.Air Force fighter jets will be on alert during the convention, which runs from Aug. 27 through Aug. 30, enforcing the Federal Aviation

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Heavy Metal Airman

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)A dim room, a single blue light and a heat source hot enough to melt metal may not sound like an ideal work environment for a women, but for one Airman

  • Military Units in Southeast Prepare for Isaac's Impact

    Military units in the southeastern United States are preparing for Tropical Storm Isaac, which is barreling past the Florida Keys and may grow to a hurricane by the time it makes landfall on the northern Gulf coast sometime Tuesday.National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officials say Isaac

  • Air Force prepares for Isaac, Bolaven

    While the Air Force has moved aircraft out of Florida in advance of the possible path of Tropical Storm Isaac, Airmen half a world away brace for Typhoon Bolaven as it heads toward the Japanese island of Okinawa.Pentagon spokesman George Little said 22 Air Force Reserve F-16 fighters from Homestead

  • B-52s bring persistent airpower to Exercise Pitch Black 12

    The 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., took to the skies of Australia's Northern Territory Aug. 2 to 18 as the lone U.S. Air Force unit flying in Exercise Pitch Black 12.With more than 2,200 personnel and up to 100 participating military aircraft, Exercise Pitch Black 12

  • Hurricane Hunters track Isaac as SOUTHCOM, NORTHCOM prepare

    With Tropical Storm Isaac bearing down on the Dominican Republic and Haiti and threatening to strengthen over the eastern Caribbean, the "Hurricane Hunters" from the Air Force Reserve's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron are in the air, relaying critical data to National Weather Service

  • B-52 takes part in joint training 'down under'

    The Air Force will send a B-52 and KC-135, operating from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin later this week to take part in short term joint training with the RAAF. The B-52 is assigned to Andersen AFB as part of U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Air Force

  • England ceremony marks 70th anniversary of Eighth Air Force

    U.S. and Royal Air Force leadership; local community leaders from Kettering, United Kingdom; and veterans marked the 70th anniversary of the first 8th Air Force bombers participating in World War II with a ceremony at Boughton House and a memorial service at Grafton Underwood Aug. 17. At Boughton

  • SecAF discusses East Africa mission during Djibouti visit

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley made his first trip here as secretary Aug. 22 to visit service members and civilians, and discuss operations in East Africa with Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa leaders.Donley conducted an all call during his visit here, in which he discussed the

  • CJCS Army Gen. Dempsey: Political activity erodes public trust in military

    Using the uniform for partisan politics erodes the trust the American people have in their military, Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey said today.During a discussion with reporters aboard a C-17 returning from Afghanistan and Iraq, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff addressed a question about a

  • Airmen learn hospitality of New Yorkers during AF Week

    Air Force Week in New York City cranked into high gear during its second day as about 50 Airmen from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. toured the 9-11 memorial and the Freedom Tower Aug. 20. "We here today at the tribute center," said Master Sgt. Charles Kramer, first sergeant of the 732nd

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Hawaiian Airman brings in-your-face refueling to OEF

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Looking out the window of his boom pod at 30,000 feet, in the middle of nowhere, with himself and the open air -- that is what Master Sgt. Eric Faurott

  • McChord C-17 crews begin WinFly to Antarctica

    The 62nd Airlift Wing began the winter flying period Aug. 20 as part of its support of the U.S. Antarctic Program and the National Science Foundation.The period, known as WinFly, is scheduled to last until Aug. 28 and will deliver advance teams and cargo for the upcoming main season of Operation

  • Ramstein hosts international jump week

    Six countries provided more than 150 paratroopers to participate in International Jump Week hosted by the 435th Contingency Response Group from Aug. 12 - 17 near Ramstein.The paratroopers came from the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the U.S. Air Force and Army and jumped

  • Nuclear enterprise experts train and attend symposium

    Approximately 16 general and flag officers, led by the commander of U.S. Strategic Command, took part in an airborne emergency action officers exercise and Strategic Deterrence Conference at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., Aug. 6-9.Gen. C. Robert Kehler, commander of U.S. Strategic Command, is

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Maxwell officer builds historical database

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)What started as a solution to an information collection problem six years ago has grown into a substantial database that documents air power through

  • Airman nets $10,000 through IDEA program

    The Air Force presented a check for $10,000 to a 31st Maintenance Squadron Airman recently for creating a new process that used less manpower and resources without sacrificing quality.Tech. Sgt. Jesse Swiderek, 31st MXS aircraft metals technology craftsmen, received the money as part of the

  • Behind-the-scenes look at saving lives

    It was his first deployment to Afghanistan, and to make matters worse, he was assigned to one of the busiest trauma centers in the region. Staff Sgt. Caleb Gibson felt a sense of shock, pride and satisfaction as he watched U.S. military medical personnel treat injured troops. "It was shocking to see

  • Airmen's heroic acts featured in Portraits in Courage

    Climbing a glacier for 24 straight hours, delivering medical care while taking enemy fire or chasing an armed murderer through a crowded airport; these are the actions of some of the 20 Airmen featured in the latest volume of Portraits in Courage.As the Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley

  • Showcasing America's Airmen in New York City

    Air Force Week returns to New York City this Sunday, Aug. 19, providing flyovers, concerts and opportunities to meet Airmen serving in the U.S. Air Force.The purpose of Air Force Week is to build relationships outside the local base community, reach out to those who are unfamiliar with the Air Force

  • Air National Guard helicopter crews join California wildfire fight

    Air National Guard members from the 129th Rescue Wing have demonstrated their dynamic life-saving capabilities by fighting fires in California since Aug. 12.Two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and aircrews are battling the Jawbone Complex Fire in Kern County, Calif., outside Bakersfield. The aircrews

  • USFJ commander focuses on bilateral operations

    With the Department of Defense's rebalance of military forces to the Asia Pacific region, the focus on bilateral operations is more critical now than ever, said the new U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander."We plan to increase our bilateral and multilateral cooperation throughout the

  • SecAF shares AF, DoD energy goals at summit

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley presented a keynote address on the Department of Defense's energy initiatives at the 2012 National Clean Energy Summit here August 7.The fifth annual summit gathered leaders from government, business, non-profit organizations and academia to discuss the

  • Air Force looks to put wings on enlisted retrainees

    Enlisted Airmen have the opportunity to earn a pair of wings and go fly, fight and win America's wars.Air Force officials are looking for retrainees to become career enlisted aviators as flight engineers, aircraft loadmasters, flight attendants, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance

  • Combat training supports 21st century strategy

    As the nation winds down from a decade of combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Department of Defense is shifting its focus to the future and recently introduced new strategic guidance describing the projected security environment and key military missions for which the department will

  • EOD tech school puts 'battlefield' into PT

    Physical fitness workouts for Air Force explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) candidates now have a battlefield twist at Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (NAVSCOLEOD), as the 366th Training Squadron Field Training Detachment 3 here has revamped their fitness program to turn Airmen into

  • Forest Service requests more aircraft for firefighting operations

    More forest fires in the western United States have prompted the U.S. Forest Service to call in two additional C-130 Hercules aircraft equipped with the Mobile Airborne Fire Fighting System.Those aircraft, expected to be operating by tomorrow, will come from the Wyoming Air National Guard's 153rd