NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • AMC simulator linking initiative making pilot training better

    Air Mobility Command is not only training its pilots, it's doing it better. The command is linking its aircraft training simulators through numerous bases to make a good flight crew an even better flight crew. This simulator linking initiative is part of an Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st

  • Oct. 2 airpower summary: Tankers refuel 246 aircraft

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles flew armed overwatch in the Asmar area.

  • McChord Airmen deliver equipment to American Samoa

    A C-17 Globemaster III from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., touched down at Pago Pago International Airport late Oct. 1, bringing nine Federal Emergency Management Agency members and 17,000 pounds of cargo to American Samoa in support of relief operations. The mission was McChord's first humanitarian

  • Committee discusses status, plans for joint jet pilot training

    Members of the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program Steering Committee finished their week-long meeting Sept. 25 where they discussed the current status and future plans for the program. They also reflected on the flow of student pilots, instructor pilot training, leadership and command

  • AMC officials blend Guard, Reserve, active-duty units

    Air Mobility Command officials here continued their total force integration efforts Oct. 1 with the stand up of three active associate units that now combine active-duty units and Airmen who accomplish the KC-135 Stratotanker air refueling mission with their Reserve and Guard counterparts. The three

  • Wounded warriors get heros' welcome at Andrews

    Minutes after the hulking C-17 Globemaster III rolled to a stop on the tarmac here Sept. 28, two oversized ambulances backed up to its rear loading ramp to receive its precious cargo: 23 wounded warriors and sick or injured servicemembers in need of advanced medical care. Most of the patients

  • Wright Flyer replica crashes

    An authentic replica of the 1905 Wright Flyer III crashed at the Huffman Prairie Flying Field here at approximately 9:30 a.m. Oct. 1. Vintage aircraft builder and pilot Mark Dusenberry, was flown by CareFlight helicopter to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton where his injuries were initially identified

  • UAS career field decisions, ISR organization discussed at summit

    Air Force leaders met at an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance summit here Sept. 29 to discuss ISR organizational plans and further refine a blueprint for unmanned aircraft systems career fields. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and

  • Oct. 1 airpower summary: A-10s silence enemy activity

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 1, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft flew armed overwatch in the

  • Chief of staff calls for harmony between technology, doctrine

    The Air Force chief of staff discussed the complementary roles of technology and doctrine during a major conference here Sept. 30."Our success today relies on both the technology that enables advanced systems and, believe it or not, the doctrine that articulates our institutionally held beliefs on

  • First M-ATVs arrive in Afghanistan

    Two mine-resistant, ambush-protected all-terrain vehicles arrived at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, on Oct. 1, after being offloaded from a C-17 Globemaster III. The M-ATVs arrived less than a day after leaving Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., Sept. 30. The M-ATV's are the first of their kind in

  • Air Force demilitarizes big backlog of nuclear weapons-related components

    Air Force officials here have undertaken a massive effort to demilitarize more than 100,000 nuclear weapons-related legacy assets from its intercontinental ballistic missile, aircraft and space test programs. Under a $35 million, five-year plan funded by the Air Force chief of staff, Air Force

  • NORAD fighters escort troubled aircraft

    Two F-16 Fighting Falcons intercepted a civilian aircraft Sept. 30 over Muncie, Ind., at the North American Aerospace Defense Command's direction and stayed with the aircraft and its unconscious pilot until it crashed, NORAD officials reported. NORAD scrambled the Air National Guard F-16s at about

  • Vandenberg officials battle fire on base

    Emergency responders as of 9 p.m. PDT were working to contain a fire that started near Vandenberg Middle School here at approximately 11:45 a.m. Sept. 30.  As of that time, 20 fire engines, 10 aircraft and six bulldozers were being used to fight the fire, that has burned approximately 350 acres on

  • Charleston Airmen supply CENTCOM first M-ATV shipment

    Charleston Airmen began the distribution Sept. 30 of a new version of the mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle from here. The MRAP All-Terrain Vehicles, or M-ATVs, were the first to be delivered to the Afghanistan theater for operational use, and many more are to come said, David Hansen, deputy

  • Scott AFB wing changes name, adds new mission

    The 375th Airlift Wing here officially became the 375th Air Mobility Wing Sept. 30 as a result of the Air Force's most recent Total Force Integration effort.The TFI effort called for the creation of an associate unit consisting of active duty KC-135 pilots, boom operators and maintainers who will

  • Iraqi air force assumes control of their C-130 operations

    Iraqi air force officials officially began fully independent C-130 air operations Sept. 29, marking the end of the U.S. C-130 air advisory mission here. A ceremony deactivating the U.S. Air Force's 321st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron and marking assumption of C-130 operations, maintenance and

  • Critical Care Air Transport Team mission to save lives

    A critical care air transport team, or CCATT, with the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, received an urgent call the morning of June 24. A Marine had been severely injured by an improvised explosive device while on patrol in Afghanistan and needed immediate evacuation

  • Strategic Airlift Capability conducts first flight in support of ISAF

    Members of the Strategic Airlift Capability conducted its first mission in support of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan Sept. 29. The first ISAF-related flight by SAC's operational component, the Heavy Airlift Wing based in Papa Air Base in Hungary, delivered materiel to

  • Predator passes 600,000 flight hours

    Airmen of the 432nd Air Expeditionary Wing here surpassed the 600,000 flight hour mark in the MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft system Sept. 4 here. The Predator fleet passed 250,000 hours in June 2007, after 12 years of flying, and it only took a year and eight months for the aircraft to fly an

  • Sept. 28 airpower summary: C-130s deliver for warfighters

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 28, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II and coalition aircraft flew armed

  • Sept. 29 airpower summary: F-15Es strike enemy

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, coalition aircraft responded to a request for assistance in the

  • Thunderbirds take show down under

    The U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Team, the Thunderbirds, took to the Australian sky Sept. 26 showcasing the power and precision that embodies Air Force Airmen worldwide. Flying wingtip-to-wingtip formations and in solo maneuvers, the Thunderbirds put on a show for a crowd of more than 70,000

  • AMC office seeks to solve problems in 8 steps

    In life, it can take as many as eight steps to solve a problem. However, according to the Air Force's Smart Operations for the 21st Century program, eight steps to solve any problem is all it should take. "The eight-step process is a more disciplined approach to problem solving," said Col. Mark

  • Science, technology awards recognize Air Force's sharpest minds

    More than 30 top scientists and research teams were honored at the Air Force Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Awards banquet on Sept. 23 here. The ceremony was held at the U.S. Air Force Academy in conjunction with the first Air Force Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

  • Airman sketches his way into Air Force history with UAS wings design

    A toddler's first artistic expressions often surface in the form of well-intended wall defacement or notepad squiggles -- but every now and then, a doodle becomes a hobby, and that hobby becomes a part of history. Staff Sgt. Austin May, a public affairs craftsman from the 100th Air Refueling Wing,

  • Sept. 27 airpower summary: Predator missile strike destroys enemy position

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an MQ-1 Predator responded to a request for support in the Sangin

  • Air Force officials release F-16 accident report

    A pilot's failure to recognize his altitude during night, low altitude high-angle strafing training caused the crash of an F-16 Fighting Falcon at the Utah Test and Training Range June 22, according to an Air Combat Command Accident Investigation Board report released Sept. 28 here. The pilot, Capt.

  • Reserve, retired rated officers given active-duty opportunity

    ­The secretary of the Air Force has initiated two voluntary recall to active duty programs and expanded the number of eligible Air Force specialties for an existing one to help minimize the service's critical shortage of rated officers. "The rapid expansion of unmanned aircraft systems as well as

  • Sept. 25 airpower summary: KC-135s fuel fighters

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles responded to a request for support

  • Sept. 26 airpower summary: HH-60Gs transport wounded warriors

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons responded to a request for support

  • Iraqi, U.S. Air Force work hand in hand to support drawdown of forces

    The Iraqi air force commander and the director of the Iraqi Training and Advisory Mission-Air Force visited the 407th Air Expeditionary Group Sept. 24 at Ali Base to conduct a site survey of the airfield and facilities, and to speak with members of the media from the local city of An Nasiriyah about

  • UAS mission enters new chapter with graduation

    Ten pilots and nine sensor operators graduated Sept. 25 from initial qualification training at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., where they learned to operate the MQ-1 Predator. Among the graduates were eight pilot candidates from nonpilot career fields. The group was part of a Beta-test class to train

  • Sept. 24 airpower summary: B-1B protects coalition forces

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 24, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, coalition aircraft responded to a request for support in the

  • Gunfighter Flag wraps up at Mountain Home AFB

    Gunfighter Flag wrapped up Sept. 24 in what one commander deemed a "grand slam." "We don't often have the opportunity to practice large-force employment on this scale," said Col. John Bird, commander of Mountain Home AFB's 366th Fighter Wing. "What we did here over the last two weeks rivals what you

  • AMC commander welcomes news of KC-X tanker request for proposal

    The announcement of the KC-X tanker request for proposal Sept. 24 in a Pentagon briefing is welcome news for Air Mobility Command. "This is a great day not only for Air Mobility Command, which operates our nation's fleet of aerial refueling aircraft, but also for our country as this is a capability

  • McChord Airmen head for 'the ice' as Operation Deep Freeze season kicks off

    Thirty-seven McChord Air Force Base Airmen left Sept. 24 in a C-17 Globemaster III loaded with more than 90,000 pounds of cargo destined for Antarctica to begin another season of Operation Deep Freeze. The 2009-2010 season of Operation Deep Freeze, the Defense Department's support of the U.S.

  • Air Force officials begin search for new aerial tanker

    Senior Department of Defense and Air Force officials announced the rollout of the KC-X Acquisition Program at a Pentagon briefing Sept. 24. Air Force leaders are seeking a replacement for the KC-135 Stratotanker that has been a stalwart of the tanker fleet for more than 53 years. Today, the

  • Final KC-135E retires at Davis-Monthan

    It was a historical day on the flightline here Sept. 23, as the last KC-135E model touched down after its final flight. The aircraft, which served the Air Force for more than 50 years, will now spend its days basking in the sun in the 'Boneyard' and providing much needed parts to the rest of the

  • Sept. 22 airpower summary: B-1s provide overwatch for friendly forces

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons responded to a request for

  • Sept. 23 airpower summary: A-10s strike enemy positions

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs responded to a request for

  • DOD officials announce requirement for new aerial tanker competition

    The needs of warfighters and value for taxpayers are at the heart of the new draft request for proposal for aerial refueling capability, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn said here Sept. 24. Mr. Lynn, Air Force Secretary Michael Donley and Ashton B. Carter, defense undersecretary for

  • Bombers complete long-range exercise with Australia

    Three B-52 Stratofortresses stationed here completed 13-hour flights to an Australian training range Sept. 21 and 22 as part of Exercise Green LightningIn addition to training for long-duration flights, aircrews from the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron teamed with Australian joint terminal air

  • Shaw Airman saves boy's life

    As an air traffic controller with the 20th Operations Support Squadron here, Tech. Sgt. Daniel Sluss is always observant of his surroundings while watching for incoming aircraft. This situational awareness helped him save a life while on vacation with his family in North Carolina when he and other

  • 'Today's Air Force' features views from the top

    In this edition of "Today's Air Force," key leaders discuss the future of the air force and aerospace development, members of an all new enlisted career field talk about their job, and two brothers enjoy a virtual reunion.Several top Air Force officials were in the nation's capitol for the 2009 Air

  • Airmen ensure communications capability for joint, coalition success

    A team of five Airmen from the 1st Communications Maintenance Squadron from Kapaun Air Station, Germany, have been traveling throughout England since Aug. 24 performing annual preventative maintenance inspections on antenna systems belonging to Royal Air Force Base Croughton and RAF Barford. The

  • Aviano Airmen open doors to new NATO terminal

    Airmen of the 724th Air Mobility Squadron here processed their first passengers following the opening of the new passenger and air freight terminal Sept. 10 at Aviano Air Base. The new predominantly NATO-funded terminal cost more than $10 million and is a 34,000-plus square-foot facility that

  • Sept. 21 airpower summary: F-16s display shows of force

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations September 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons responded to a request for

  • CMSAF visits exercise participants on Navy ship

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force toured USS Mesa Verde at sea in the Caribbean and met Airmen at the Air Force Command Center at Tocumen Airport in Panama City, Panama, during Fuerzas Aliadas Panamax 2009, a 12-day security training exercise involving 20 countries in the Panama region

  • Air Guard planners host first domestic ops conference

    Air National Guard planners kicked off Sept. 22 with what they hope will become an annual conference for drafting a domestic operations strategy. "We're leading the way to help build a formal document for the Air Force," said Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, the director of the Air National Guard. The

  • Air Force officials release Predator accident report

    An MQ-1 Predator flying a mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom lost contact with its ground control station and presumably crashed in a forward operating area May 13, according to an Air Combat Command accident investigation board report released Sept. 22 here. The Predator, assigned to

  • Changes ahead for Air Force acquisition

    More than 275 Air Force and defense industry leaders met here Sept. 3 to discuss military technology acquisition challenges and opportunities facing the nation. The Air Force Association Technology Symposium was timed to immediately follow the semi-annual Air Force Materiel Command Senior Leaders

  • Randolph Airmen expose at-risk students to today's Air Force

    More than 150 Fox Technical High School ninth and 10th-grade students from inner-city San Antonio visited Randolph Air Force Base Sept. 11 to learn about  positive Air Force career opportunities as part of the Giving Americans Motivational Education for the Real world program. GAMER is the

  • Kandahar Airmen use AFSO 21 at war

    Members of the 451st Expeditionary Maintenance Group here took the first steps on its continuous process improvement journey by initiating a rapid improvement event in the A-10 Thunderbolt II phase inspection shelter. Using Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century principles, the Airmen took

  • Sept. 20 airpower summary: F-15Es respond to coalition calls for assistance

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles responded to a request for support

  • Sept. 19 airpower summary: C-17s deliver for warfighters

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft responded to a request for

  • Sept. 17 airpower summary: F-16s protect coalition forces

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs responded to a request for support

  • Sept. 18 airpower summary: C-130s continue to deliver throughout theater

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft responded to a request for

  • Former Kadena commander and spouse receive 2009 O'Malley Award

    The former Kadena Air Base, Japan, wing commander and his wife received the 2009 General Jerome F. O'Malley and Diane O'Malley Award Sept. 11 at a ceremony in the Pentagon. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz presented the award and Sharon O'Malley Burg made two special presentations of

  • Original cadre of C-130 Weapons Instructor Course discuss growth of training

    Five of the original cadre members of the U.S. Air Force Weapons School's initial C-130 Hercules Weapons Instructor Course came together Sept. 11 to attend the retirement of a fellow 29th Weapons Squadron comrade here. During their visit, Cols. Glen Downing, Kevin Jackson, Kirk Lear, Greg Otey and

  • Commander of newest MAJCOM defines success, introduces command at AFA

    The commander of Air Force Global Strike Command stressed the importance of skilled and dedicated Airmen to the nuclear enterprise during a question-and-answer session following his address at the Air Force Association's Air & Space Conference and Technology Exhibition Sept. 16. Praising Airmen who

  • Lakenheath aircrews train with Estonian forward air controllers

    Several F-15E Strike Eagles aircrews participated in a two-day NATO training event helping to train Estonian forward air controllers in calling in close-air support Sept. 14 and 15 near Tallinn, Estonia. The event, titled Baltic Region Training Event IV Alpha, gave the aircrews from the 494th

  • One-time enemies become brothers in Iraq

    The moon was full the night of Jan. 17, 1991, and then-Capt. Bill Iuliano, an F-111 bomber weapon systems officer, was in the air. It was the second night of Operation Desert Storm, a U.S.-led combat operation in opposition to Saddam Hussein's forces. "We were flying from Incirlik Air Force Base in

  • Holloman officials host joint-service aircraft for testing

    Army, Navy and Marine Corps officials recently conducted a multiplatform countermeasure effectiveness test at White Sands Missile Range, completing a total of 16 missions, with all aircraft hosted by Holloman Air Force Base. Holloman AFB was selected as the aircraft host because of its ability to

  • Pacific Air Forces commander focuses on future

    The commander of Pacific Air Forces spoke with national media members to outline his responsibilities during the 2009 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 16 at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. Gen. Gary North discussed his role as the Pacific Air Forces

  • Air Force commander 'ecstatic' at Iraqi coordination

    For the last two months, U.S. Airmen with Multinational Division South have been training Iraqi airmen to be the "eye in the sky" for Iraqi ground forces. That mission was accomplished during a Sept. 12 training exercise at Camp Wessam, Iraq. "Today, we brought the Airmen out to Wessam to work with

  • Air Force Association honors Doolittle Raiders, Tuskegee Airmen

    Several members of the Doolittle Raiders and original Tuskegee Airmen were honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards from Air Force Association officials Sept. 16 at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. During a special dinner at the 2009 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology

  • Air Force officials announce criteria for basing of joint strike fighter

    After extensive internal review, Air Force officials released Sept. 17 their basing criteria that will be used to determine the future basing of joint strike fighters. The basing criteria were approved by the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Air Force. The basing criteria are airspace, flight

  • RED HORSE Airmen bring combat outpost into fight

    Before the arrival of the 809th Expeditionary Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron, the servicemembers here were living in a British compound lined with tents and relying solely on supplies brought in from convoys and air drops. Now, the vital role of the RED HORSE mission is

  • Sept. 16 airpower summary: Strike Eagles stop enemy action

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles responded to a request for

  • Sept. 15 airpower summary: B-1B performs precision attack

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, coalition aircraft responded to a request for support in the

  • Team Excellence Awards presented to five teams

    The Air Force chief of staff presented his Team Excellence Awards at a ceremony Sept. 15 during the Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here. The awards recognize teams who used a systematic approach to enhance mission capability, improve operational performance

  • Sept. 14 airpower summary: Tankers fuel fight

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft responded to a strike request

  • Air Force has solid future capabilities, Secretary Gates says

    The foundation of America's airpower rests on a broad and versatile mix of capabilities, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here Sept. 16. Speaking at the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference, Secretary Gates addressed the range of things the Air Force must be able to do in the

  • Sept. 13 airpower summary: Super Hornets sting enemy forces

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided armed overwatch for

  • Sept. 12 airpower summary: A-10s strafe enemy positions

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force B-1B Lancers provided armed overwatch for friendly

  • CSAF addresses AFA convention

    Gen. Norton Schwartz, chief of staff of the Air Force, spoke Sept. 15 on his vision for the future, jointness, the Year of the Air Force Family and honored heroic sacrifices of Airmen. The general made his comments in a keynote address at the Air Force Association's Air & Space Conference and

  • Predator crashes in central Iraq

    An Air Force MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft crashed in central Iraq at approximately 12:45 p.m. Baghdad time on Sept.14. The crash was not due to hostile fire. The crash site has been secured and there were no reports of civilian injuries or damage to civilian property. The aircraft is a

  • General takes to the sky in Afghanistan

    The commander of the Air Force's newest air expeditionary wing in Afghanistan is taking a hands-on approach to his duties. Brig. Gen. Guy Walsh, a Maryland Air National Guardsman from the 175th Airlift Wing in Baltimore, is flying at least two missions a week in the A-10 Thunderbolt II from Kandahar

  • Air Force officials recognize 12 Outstanding Airmen of Year

    The 2009 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year were recognized in a special ceremony during the 2009 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 14 at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy hosted the evening's events that

  • Osan air mobility squadron aids in helicopter swap out

    Airmen from the 731st Air Mobility Squadron and Soldiers from the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade worked side by side on the Osan Air Base flightline Sept. 9 when a C-17 Globemaster III arrived with three new AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters. They are the first of 24 new upgraded Block II helicopters

  • Donley highlights Guard's contributions, emphasis on 'total force'

    Sept. 11 was appropriate for the opening ceremony of the 131st National Guard Association of the United States conference, since the National Guard is the original defender of the homeland, the secretary of the Air Force said during his opening remarks. "You were the first responders to defend

  • Air Force chief calls for collaboration between Guard, active duty

    Citing evolving missions and shrinking budgets, the Air Force chief of staff called for the Air National Guard and active duty forces to work closer together. "The skill-set of National Guard members is critical to sustaining worldwide partnerships," said Gen. Norton Schwartz during his speech at

  • Air Force Week Sacramento ends with air show

    Amid tumble dives and barrel rolls, vintage aircraft and modern fighters, the California Capital Air Show concluded Air Force Week here Sept. 12 and 13. The event, which took place at Mather Airport, the site of former Mather Air Force Base, drew more than 50,000 people and offered a variety of

  • Sept. 11 airpower summary: F-15Es provide air support

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 11, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs responded to a strike request in

  • Reaper crashes in Afghanistan

    An Air Force MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aircraft crashed in Afghanistan Sept. 13 at approximately 5:30 a.m. Kabul time.   The aircraft was flying a combat mission when positive control of the aircraft was lost. When the aircraft remained on a course that would depart Afghanistan airspace, a U.S. Air Force

  • C-5M Super Galaxy unofficially sets 41 world records

    A Dover aircrew flying a C-5M Super Galaxy, named The Spirit of Normandy, unofficially set 41 world records in a single flight, taking off from the base before dawn Sept. 13. The results are pending certification by the National Aeronautic Association and should be finalized in about a month, said

  • MQ-1 Predator crashes at Holloman AFB

    An Air Force MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft crashed Sept. 11 at 8:58 a.m. here. The aircraft was assigned to the 432nd Wing at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., and was part of the MQ-1 training mission. No one was injured and no private property was damaged. The accident is under investigation.

  • Kids experience Air Force careers during Air Force Week Sacramento

    Students from a local middle school here were able to experience some of the sights and sounds of the Air Force Sept. 10 during an aerospace career day at the Discovery Museum of Sacramento. The event was part of Air Force Week Sacramento, a weeklong event designed to highlight the Air Force's

  • History shows strong response on 9-11 by AMC people

    If you thumb through the volumes of Air Mobility Command history, many significant events are documented. The terrorist attacks on the United States on Sept. 11, 2001, are among them. On the morning of Sept. 11, 19 Al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial passenger jet airliners and

  • Tacit farmers return to their roots at air base

    Life in Okinawa was difficult in the aftermath of World War II. For one Okinawan, recalling a single good memory from his childhood is a challenge. At the age of 13, Chosei Hamamoto was a boy with the skills of a soldier and little knowledge of books; in school, he learned to disable tanks. His

  • Sept. 10 airpower summary: B-1Bs provide show of force in Afghanistan

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft provided armed overwatch for a

  • 1st Air Force Airmen better prepared for homeland defense 8 years after 9/11

    On Sept. 10, 2001, Airmen assigned to 1st Air Force here were wondering just how much longer their air defense organization might last. They knew the organization's lifespan was possibly at risk, fostered by a widespread belief that major conventional military air threats to the U.S. homeland were

  • Aircraft maintenance facility dedicated to Tuskegee Airman

    Airmen at Keesler AFB celebrated the life of retired Col. Lawrence Roberts Aug. 28 with a ceremony here dedicating the 403rd Wing's consolidated aircraft maintenance facility in his honor. The new $22.6 million structure is used to perform maintenance on equipment for aircraft assigned to the 53rd

  • Improvement plan realigns acquisition wings as directorates

    Air Force officials will implement a new organizational construct for weapon systems acquisition that includes designating directorates, divisions and branches in place of some current wings, groups and squadrons. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz

  • Photo essay: Flying a Hawk home

    Members of the 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron load and secure an HH-60G Pave Hawk here for transit home on a C-17 Globemaster III Sept. 9, 2009.  The Pave Hawk is attached to the 56th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, with a primary wartime mission of combat search and rescue.  View