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U.S. Air Force News

  • Fire task force mission becomes 'wait and see'

    With the latest California wildfires mostly under control, Army and Air National Guard aircrews supporting the firefighting effort can finally begin to breathe, as many aircraft are pulled from active support to a stand-by role. Since the California fires began June 21, Army and Air National Guard

  • AFSOUTH, AFNORTH host air chiefs conference

    Lt. Gen. Norman Seip, the 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) commander, and Maj. Gen. Henry Morrow, the 1st Air Force (Air Forces North) commander, hosted a Central American Air Chiefs Conference here July 25 for six air chiefs from Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama.

  • Pilot killed in F-15 Eagle crash on Nellis range

    A pilot from Nellis Air Force Base was killed after an Air Force F-15D Eagle crashed on the Nevada Test and Training Range approximately 50 miles east of Goldfield, Nev., at approximately 11:30 a.m. July 30. The F-15D, a two-seater, assigned to the 65th Aggressor Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base,

  • B-52H reaches retirement

    The first B-52H Stratofortress reaches retirement after more than 45 years of dedicated service to the country July 24 here on its final flight to Davis-Monthan  Air Force Base, Ariz. "It is a truly sad time when we decommission a plane," said Lt. Col. Bill Stahl, 5th Maintenance Group deputy

  • No cargo too large for Sather aerial port Airmen

    Sometimes good things come in big packages, and occasionally they come in very big packages. For the aerial port Airman assigned to the 447th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, there is no package that's too big or cargo that they can't handle. With only a day's notice, these Airmen

  • July 29 Airpower Summary: C-17s provide heavy airlift

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb

  • Pope medics train Travis Airmen for deployment

    As the C-130 Hercules makes its final approach on the torn-up runway, the 15 Airmen kneeling on the grass 100 feet away rise as one, making sure the litter they are carrying is stable, and walk toward the flightline. At the back of the aircraft, the litter team is directed where to load their

  • July 28 airpower summary: A-10s strike enemy targets

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 28, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles fired cannon rounds onto

  • July 27 Airpower Summary: Tankers ensure global reach

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Navy F/A-18C Hornet dropped a guided bomb unit-38

  • July 26 Airpower Summary: F-15Es deter enemy forces

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations July 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, near Gardez, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles

  • July 25 airpower summary: C-130s provide heavy airlift

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations July 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Royal Air Force GR7 Harriers dropped Enhanced

  • July 24 airpower summary: A-10s hit enemy targets

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations July 24, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force Reaper MQ-9A fired a hellfire

  • NORAD officials keep constant vigil for threats to homeland

    Defending North America's borders is no easy task. The threats are continuous and can come from anywhere -- by land, in the air, on the sea or even through information systems. Anticipating these threats and warning of them is the job of the men and women of the North American Aerospace Defense

  • F-22s deploy to Guam

    Approximately 130 Airmen and five F-22 Raptors from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, are deployed to Guam for two weeks to fulfill security requirements in the Asia Pacific region.During the deployment, the Airmen will participate in exercises Jungle Shield and Cope Thaw. Exercise Jungle Shield

  • July 23 airpower summary: Predator strikes enemy combatants

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb unit-31 and

  • Airmen ready for Dolly's aftermath

    As Hurricane Dolly continues to pound the Texas-Mexico border with heavy rains and strong winds, Airmen remain on standby to help when needed. The hurricane made landfall July 23 as a Category 2 storm, with 85-mile-an-hour winds. Weather forecasters expect the storm to deposit 15 inches of rain

  • July 17 airpower summary: A-10s fire multiple weapons

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s onto an

  • Female pioneers of military aviation gather at McChord

    One woman flew military aircraft in the waning days of World War II while another woman is the first operational and combat-ready female F-22 Raptor pilot. Dorothy Olsen, a former member of the Women Airforce Service Pilots, met July 20 at the McChord Air Expo 2008 with Capt. Jammie Jamieson, who

  • July 18 airpower summary: F-15Es bomb enemy snipers

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Royal Air Force GR-9 Harriers dropped an Enhanced Paveway II

  • July 19 airpower summary: F-16s provide armed aerial security

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers dropped an Enhanced Paveway II

  • Hurricane Hunters track Dolly

    Hurricane Hunters from the Air Force Reserve Command's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron flew repeatedly through Hurricane Dolly as it headed toward the Texas coast, relaying critical data to National Weather Service forecasters in Miami. Six-person crews from the squadron have been tracking the

  • Officials name downed B-52 aircrew members

    Air Force officials have released the names of the Barksdale crew members of the B-52 that crashed July 21 off Guam's northwest coast.  Five of the six crew members were stationed here. They are Maj. Christopher M. Cooper, 33, aircraft commander; Maj. Brent D. Williams, 37, navigator; Capt. Michael

  • July 20 airpower summary: C-17s support heavy airlift missions

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-31s

  • July 21 airpower summary: F-15Es deter anti-Afghan activities

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped guided bomb unit-38s

  • Search effort shifts from rescue to recovery

    Air Force officials here determined July 23 that none of the six crewmembers survived the B-52 Stratofortress crash July 21 off Guam's northwest coast. Search and rescue teams have now shifted their focus from rescue operations to recovery of the aircrew. The joint civilian and military rescue teams

  • July 22 airpower summary: B-1Bs hit enemy targets

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s onto

  • Senate committee reviews Air Force nominees

    Senate Armed Services Committee members presented a number of questions and challenges to Air Force civilian and military leader nominees July 22 on Capitol Hill. Michael Donley, the acting secretary of the Air Force, and Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, nominated to become the next chief of staff of the

  • 18 nations gather for Conference of the American Air Chiefs

    Air chiefs and representatives from 18 Western Hemisphere nations arrived July 19 for the 48th annual Conference of the American Air Chiefs in San Antonio. Lt. Gen. Norman R. Seip, the 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) commander led the AFSOUTH delegation during the week-long event. Attendees at

  • Multitude of new ideas emerge from Randolph's Lean Week

    A final summation regarding "Lean Week" at Randolph, a period set aside for a brainstorming of ideas on how to create a more efficient base, was delivered last week. An outbrief following the May 19-23 Lean Week spotlighted a multitude of ideas brought forth by Randolph members concerning not only

  • Tuskegee Airmen honored at McGuire ceremony

    McGuire Air Force Base members honored the Tuskegee Airmen with a rededication of Tuskegee Avenue July 17 here. "Team McGuire did extremely well," said Col. Samuel Douglas, the Air Mobility Command operations division chief. "They went above and beyond with the ceremony. It was great having both

  • Predator crashes in Afghanistan

    An Air Force MQ-1 Predator crashed in southern Afghanistan July 21. The aircraft is a medium-altitude, long-endurance, remotely piloted aircraft. The MQ-1's primary mission is conducting armed reconnaissance. A board will be convened to investigate the incident. Comment on this story   (comments may

  • Search effort continues following B-52 crash

    A joint-agency search continues for missing crew members following the crash July 21 of a B-52H Stratofortress bomber 25 miles off the northwest coast of Guam. The bodies of two of the six Airmen on board the aircraft have been recovered. Identities of the crew members are being withheld pending

  • Duke Field Airmen drop last 15,000-pound bomb

    Duke Field Airmen from the 711th Special Operations Squadron dropped the last operational Bomb Live Unit-82 from an MC-130E Combat Talon I July 15 at the Utah Test and Training Range. Nicknamed "Commando Vault" in Vietnam and "Daisy Cutter" in Afghanistan, the BLU-82 is a 15,000-pound bomb, and

  • Air Force Marathon registration fees to increase Aug. 1

    Runners looking to participate in this year's Air Force Marathon Sept. 20 here are running out of time to register for one of the event's five races before prices increase Aug. 1. Until July 31, the full- and wheeled-marathon registration fee is $75, the half-marathon is $60, the 10K individual and

  • Original Tuskegee Airmen share experiences

    The public learned more about the original Tuskegee Airmen during an open forum at the Tuskegee Airmen Convention July 19 here. Seven Tuskegee Airmen pilots spoke about their personal experiences as some of the first African-American pilots and answered questions posed by the audience. The Airmen

  • 302nd AEG conducts 23rd day of California wild fire support

    Aircraft of the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group began their 23rd day of aerial firefighting support missions July 18 in a coordinated effort to control wildfires in California. On July 17, aerial assets of the 302nd AEG did not perform aerial firefighting missions. Eight Marine and Navy Reserve

  • Air National Guard members save lives by land, sea

    Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing launched a search and rescue mission from here July 16 to save a fisherman experiencing a medical emergency aboard a Canadian fishing boat off the coast of California. Responding to a pararescuemen headed to the 85-foot Ocean Marauder fishing boat

  • California firefighting commander: 'Great job' by Airmen

    People in California noticed the job Airmen at McClellan Airfield performed in fighting California's wildfires and could not stop telling the commander of U.S. Northern Command during his July 17 visit to Sacramento. "State leaders are stumbling over each other trying to thank you guys!" said Gen.

  • U-2 nose art honors fallen Soldier

    Airmen added chalk art to a U-2 fuselage to honor the late brother of an Airman serving here as a crew chief July 14 at a Southwest Asian air base.The art was a tribute to Army Cpl. Gunnar W. Zwilling, 20, brother of Airman 1st Class Alexander Zwilling, who was deployed here as a member of the 99th

  • 302nd AEG conducts 22nd day of California wild fire support

    Aircraft and firefighters of the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group began their 22nd day of aerial firefighting support missions July 17 in a coordinated effort to control wildfires in California. On July 16, the 302nd AEG military aviation assets performed a total of four air drops, delivering 5,600

  • Firefighting mission takes C-130 to its limits

    Airmen in the sky are giving firefighters on the ground the upper hand in battling the blazes across the state, California forest officials said. Flying specially equipped C-130 Hercules, members of the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group are a valuable resource for firefighters in helping slow down the

  • Air Force officials buy 'offices in the air'

    Air Force officials recently approved the purchase of pallets that will provide work and rest areas for senior leaders traveling aboard mobility aircraft. The service is purchasing two types of removable mobile command workspaces for use by military and senior civilian leaders who are required to

  • Officials offer incentive pay at Creech

    Air Force officials have authorized assignment incentive pay, or AIP, for Airmen assigned to and performing duty at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., effective immediately. Airmen who meet the eligibility criteria will receive $300 AIP per month for the first 36 months assigned to a Creech AFB unit, and

  • Air National Guardsmen called to assist ground firefighting

    The 129th Rescue Wing is mobilizing approximately 30 Airmen to provide direct ground support to help the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection with the current wildfire threat in northern California. The department will train the Airmen on firefighting techniques beginning later next

  • 302nd AEG conducts its 21st day of California wild fire support

    Aircraft and firefighters from the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group began their 21st day of aerial firefighting support missions July 16 in a coordinated effort to control wildfires in California. On July 15, aerial assets of the 302nd AEG did not perform aerial firefighting missions due limited

  • July 16 airpower summary: A-10s conduct shows of force

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb unit-31 and

  • AETC first to receive new acquisitions authority

    Air Education and Training Command became the first major command authorized to pursue services acquisitions valued at up to $500 million, following the signing of an agreement between the command and Air Force Acquisitions officials. The new agreement is expected to help streamline the acquisition

  • 'Send it our way, we'll get the job done!'

    Air Mobility Command Airmen in Southwest Asia work around the clock to ensure passengers and cargo move in and out of the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility, proudly proclaiming, "You need it, we move it." The 255 members of the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron, a tenant unit of

  • Raptors set to deploy to Guam

    Six F-22 Raptors from the 90th Fighter Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, are set to deploy to Andersen AFB, Guam, July 18 to Aug. 2. The F-22s, along with associated maintenance and support personnel, will deploy to Guam to participate in the Jungle Shield exercise and conduct Cope Thaw

  • Iranian threat justifies missile defense, general says

    Iran's launch of a missile with a 2,000-kilometer range last week is a concrete example of the threat the world faces from missile proliferation, the chief of the Missile Defense Agency said here July 16. Lt. Gen. Henry A. "Trey" Obering, said the United States is concerned specifically about the

  • Gates recommends McKinley to be Guard's first four-star general

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has recommended the Air National Guard's director for a promotion that would make him the first four-star general in National Guard history. Pending nomination by President Bush and confirmation by the Senate, Lt. Gen. Craig R. McKinley would become the chief of the

  • Airframes transform to save lives

    Fixed wing aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules, KC-135 Stratotanker and C-17 Globemaster III, can transform into aeromedical evacuation, or "aerovac," airframes, allowing medical personnel to care for larger patient loads, over longer distances, at higher altitudes, with a greater ability to care

  • Coast Guard provides maintenance support to 302nd AEG

    Coast Guardsmen from Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento opened their hangar doors for maintainers from the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group, making it easier for them to work on the modular airborne fire fighting system-equipped C-130 Hercules aircraft that are assisting with fighting wildfires in

  • July 15 airpower summary: F-15Es disrupt enemy activities

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped guided bomb unit-12s

  • 302nd AEG conducts its nineteenth day of California wild fire support

    Aircraft and firefighters from the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group stand ready to begin their 19th day of aerial firefighting support missions July 14 in a coordinated effort to control wildfires in California. July 13, aerial assets of the 302nd AEG did not perform aerial firefighting missions due

  • Air Force Reserve rescuers change role, still save lives

    Air Force reservists from the 920th Rescue Wing are taking on a different kind of role and saving lives in Afghanistan. Since arriving in February, they have saved 132 people flying U.S. Army medical evacuations, said Maj. Kevin Merrill, director of operations for the 305th Expeditionary Rescue

  • 302nd AEG conducts its twentieth day of California wild fire support

    Aircraft and firefighters from the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group stand ready to begin their 20th day of aerial firefighting support missions July 15 in a coordinated effort to control wildfires in California. On July 14, aerial assets from the 302nd AEG did not perform aerial firefighting missions

  • July 14 airpower summary: B-1Bs bomb enemy compound

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s

  • Iraqi air force reaches 2,000-flying hour milestone

    The Iraqi air force reached 2,000 flying training hours here July 13, with the help of Airmen from the 52nd Expeditionary Flying Training Squadron. The milestone comes 11 months after Lt. Col. Mark Bennett, the 52nd EFTS commander, arrived at Kirkuk. "This is very significant across the entire

  • 'The Swoose' finds new home at Air Force museum

    The Swoose, the oldest surviving B-17 Flying Fortress and the only "D" model still in existence, was transferred from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Shipment of this unique aircraft from Washington, D.C., is in progress and it is expected

  • Military aircrews continue California wildfire suppression support

    Airmen from the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group began their 18th day of aerial firefighting support missions July 12 in a coordinated effort to control wildfires in California. The Airmen and their military airborne assets performed 26 air drops delivering more than 67,200 gallons of fire retardant

  • NASA researchers evaluate sensor technology

    NASA researchers are evaluating an advanced, fiber optic-based sensing technology that could aid development of active control of wing shape. Controlling a wing's shape in flight would allow it to take advantage of aerodynamics and improve overall aircraft efficiency. The Fiber Optic Wing Shape

  • Giant squids land at Dover AFB

    A Reserve aircrew from the 326th Airlift Squadron landed July 11 at Dover Air Force Base, Del., with two giant squids in their cargo compartment. The two sea creatures were transported in a C-17 Globemaster III from Europe and will be delivered to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

  • July 13 airpower summary: A-10s fire on anti-Afghan forces

    Coalition airpower integrated with Coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit 31s and 38s

  • Airpower Summary for July 12: bombers fly close-air support

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, near Orgun-E, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided

  • July 11 airpower summary: F-15E drops bomb on target

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 11, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-31s

  • Airmen use explosives to dismantle C-130 in Iraq

    Airmen used explosives to dismantle a C-130 Hercules stuck in a barren field northeast of Baghdad International Airport, July 7. The transport aircraft has been there since June 27, when its crew was forced to perform an emergency landing. The aircraft was deemed a security concern and it was

  • Military aircraft provide surge capability for wildfire response

    A continuing heat wave and an ongoing need for aircraft to support ground firefighters will likely keep Department of Defense aircraft very busy for the foreseeable future in support of the national wildland firefighting effort, the Army colonel in charge of coordinating that support said July 9.

  • Chief of staff retires after 37 years

    In a ceremony filled with military tradition, the 18th chief of staff of the Air Force, General T. Michael Moseley, retired July 11 after 37 years of service. "We honor here today the career of a warfighter, diplomat, historian and Airman," said former Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne, who

  • Fire retardant reload operations moved to Channel Islands

    The 302nd Air Expeditionary Group moved some critical fire retardant reloading equipment to the Channel Islands Air National Guard Station July 8 to increase the efficiency of modular airborne firefighting systems-equipped C-130 Hercules in battling wildfires in California. The purpose for setting

  • Hurricane Hunters fly first storm of 2008 season

    As the Hurricane Hunters prepared to fly their first storm of the 2008 hurricane season July 11, Hurricane Bertha lumbered on a wide path toward Bermuda. At the time, the category 1 hurricane kicked up winds of 85 mph. It was about 350 miles south southeast of the island, churning northwest at about

  • Beale Airmen prepared to welcome 450 of their neighbors

    Like Airmen at many other Air Force bases, the Airmen of Beale Air Force Base, Calif., are constantly working to be good neighbors with the civilian communities outside their front gate. The Beale community may soon have a chance to demonstrate just how far they will go as they make preparations to

  • Iraqi air force acquires new aircraft from U.S. forces

    U.S. forces transferred ownership of 11 aircraft to the Iraqi air force July 9 during a ceremony at New Al Muthana Air Base. Army Lt. Gen. Frank Helmick, commander of Multi-National Security Transition Command Iraq, signed over eight Cessna 172s and three Cessna Caravan 208s worth more than $9

  • New MH-53M helicopter exhibit opens at AF museum

    Several high ranking officials from Air Force Special Operations Command, industry and the community recently joined personnel from the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force for the official opening of the museum's new MH-53M Pave Low IV helicopter exhibit. Air Force special operations forces used

  • System helps determine 'health' of Air Force aircraft

    Military aircraft must be safe, reliable, and ready at a moment's notice to complete their mission. Unexpected maintenance, and even scheduled maintenance checks, can keep an aircraft out of service when needed most. That's where Integrated Systems Health Management, or ISHM, comes in. ISHM is a

  • July 10 airpower summary: F-15Es provide close-air support

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-12s

  • Officials release MH-53 PAVE LOW accident report

    Accident investigation board officials have determined the failure of the mounting nuts and studs that secured the intermediate gearbox to the tail pylon of the helicopter as the cause of last year's crash of an MH-53M Pave Low. The MH-53, assigned to the 20th Special Operations Squadron, 1st

  • AFOTEC officials hold first space summit

    Maj. Gen. Stephen T. Sargeant, commander of the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center here, hosted the organization's first space summit July 1 and 2. Senior leaders from AFOTEC, the Under Secretary of the Air Force Directorate of Space Acquisition, the National Geospatial and

  • Maintainers keep C-130's flying during wildfire operations

    As the fires in California continue to threaten lives and property, maintainers from the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group ensure that the modular airborne fire fighting system-equipped C-130 Hercules aircraft are ready to fly and drop fire retardant on time and on target. When it comes to getting the

  • MAFFS 'safety man' keeps people, environment safe

    Since firefighting operations started June 26, Airmen from the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group have been busy on the ground, keeping operations running smoothly at McClellan Airfield, Calif. The job to keep those Airmen safe goes to Senior Master Sgt. Aaron Smith, from Cheyenne, Wyo. Sergeant Smith is

  • July 9 airpower summary: F-16s perform shows of force

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 9, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s

  • Senate recognizes Berlin Airlift anniversary

    The U.S. Senate recognized the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift with an official resolution recently. Introduced by Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina and Sen. Evan Bayh of Indiana, the resolution passed the Senate by unanimous consent with no recorded vote and without objection June 26. The

  • PC-12 crashes at Hurlburt Field

    An Air Force PC-12 Pilatus crashed at approximately 11:30 p.m. July 8 on the runway here. The aircraft, which is leased to and assigned at Hurlburt Field, was conducting a routine training mission. Initial reports show the aircraft encountered wake turbulence shortly before the accident. Three

  • Pentagon officials reopen bidding on tanker contract

    Defense Department officials have reopened the bidding process for a multibillion-dollar midair refueling tanker contract, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today. The announcement comes after Government Accountability Office officials last month found improper practices related to the $35

  • California fire support missions continue July 4

    Airmen from the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group launched their ninth day of Aerial support missions July 4 in a coordinated effort to control wildfires in California. The aircrews, flying Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems-equipped C-130 Hercules aircraft, focused their firefighting efforts on the

  • Airmen continue California firefighting support

    Aimen from the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group launched their eighth day of Aerial support missions July 3 in a coordinated effort to control wildfires in California. The C-130 aircrews focused their firefighting efforts on the Gap fire in the Los Padres National Forest and the Piute fire located in

  • C-130s continue aerial firefighting operations in California

    Aircraft from the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group continued aerial firefighting support missions July 5 in a coordinated effort to control wildfires in California. C-130 Hercules aircraft flew 25 sorties in approximately 50 flight hours. Twelve sorties flew to the Goleta, or Gap, fire located

  • July 8 airpower summary: Reaper drops bomb on enemy

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds onto enemy

  • California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger visits 302nd AEG

    During a visit to the California National Guard fire fighting training facility at McClellan Airfield here, California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger paid a brief visit to the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group to wish Airmen a happy 4th of July and thank them for their service in assisting with

  • Teamwork helps Airmen fight fires

    Airmen of the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group continued to work with national agencies July 5 to support firefighting efforts in California. Launching from McClellan Airfield, eight Modular Airborne Firefighting System-equipped C-130 Hercules aircraft flew a total of 40 sorties July 5 and dropped a

  • Air traffic controller supports California wildfire effort

    As a C-130 Hercules from the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group rolls down the ramp here ready to take off to fight California's wildfires, an air traffic controller in the tower at McClellan Airfield ensures each flight takes off and lands safely. William Grava looks over the airfield and scans the

  • Air Force officials release F-16 accident findings

    Air Force officials here on July 3 completed its investigation of the March 14 F-16 Fighting Falcon accident in Arizona that resulted in the death of the pilot.2nd Lt. David J. Mitchell, 26, of Lorain, Ohio, was assigned to the 62nd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. The accident

  • July 7 airpower summary: C-130s help sustain SWA operations

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 7, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s onto

  • Air Force, Boeing officials upgrade C-130 cockpits

    Members of the 418th Flight Test Squadron here working with Boeing officials are currently conducting communication, navigation, radar and air data testing on two C-130 Hercules aircraft here as part of the Avionics Modernization Program. The Avionics Modernization Program, or AMP, upgrade includes

  • Airmen fight California fires for 12th day

    Airmen of the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group here began their 12th day of aerial firefighting support missions July 7 in a coordinated effort to control wildfires in California. The 302nd AEG military airborne assets performed 69 airdrops delivering more than 100,300 gallons of fire retardant and

  • 'Today's Air Force' features Joint Precision Airdrop System

    This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights members of the 777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron and how their efforts are keeping our Airmen out of harm's way. Also featured is the Joint Precision Airdrop System. See how the combined efforts of the Air Force and Army are improving

  • July 6 airpower summary: A-10s deter anti-Afghan forces

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired canon rounds and

  • July 5 airpower summary: F-15s patrol Afghan, Iraqi skies

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 5, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb

  • July 4 airpower summary: B-1s perform shows of force

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-9A Reaper dropped guided bomb unit-12s to