Chairman of Joint Chiefs visits Pope

Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited Pope Air Force Base and Fort Bragg March 31. While at Pope, he toured Pope's Green Ramp, visiting with warfighters from many of Pope's squadrons. He met with an aeromedical evacuation crew from the 43rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron;

Lakenheath Airmen support NATO summit

The 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron's aircraft and Airmen currently are projecting airpower and establishing air superiority from Bulgaria in support of the NATO summit as part of Operation Noble Endeavor in Bucharest, Romania. F-15 Eagles deployed from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, are

Iraqi air force receives new aircraft

Ramstein Airmen participate in Exercise Thracian Spring

Airmen from the 86th Airlift Wing and the 435th Air Base Wing at Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany, as well as master jumpmasters from the 5th Quartermasters at Rhein Ordnance Barracks, Germany, joined forces with Bulgarian military forces to conduct Exercise Thracian Spring here from March 26 to

Airmen expand Air Force global reach with KC-10s

Providing 1 million gallons of jet fuel weekly, the KC-10 Extender and the Airmen of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing who support it give global reach to U.S. and coalition aircraft supporting operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. "The common theory on tankers is that we are a force

Logistics key to deployed NATO mission

Logistics Airmen from the 404th Air Expeditionary Group have worked day and night to prepare the airfield here for Operation Noble Endeavor. F-15 Strike Eagles from the 492nd Fighter Squadron at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom, will augment Romanian forces in an air policing mission over

March 31 airpower summary: C-17s provide heavy airlift

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 31, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped a guided bomb

Air Force reaps dividends from scanning electron microscope

Since receiving the largest-known scanning electron microscope in the world in September 2007, Air Force officials here said the documented savings to date on less than eight components exceeds $70,000. Tinker Air Force Base officials project annual savings to the Air Force of up to $1 million, plus

Upgraded B-52 still on cutting edge

The B-52 Stratofortress is continually modified with new technology making the 50-year-old airframe one of the Air Force's most effective long-range heavy bombers. Modified B-52 aircraft with modern technology are capable of delivering a full range of joint-developed weapons and will continue to be

March 30 airpower summary: A-10s support ground forces

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed shows of force in

Tinker maintainers aid Saudi air force with E-3 repair

Representatives from the Royal Saudi air force arrived to collect their newly repaired E-3 March 24 from Tinker Air Force Base officials. After members of the 566th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron's E-3 Maintenance Flight here replaced a bearing between the rotodome and aircraft, an aircrew from the

Permanent Global Logistics Support Centers stands up

A new, permanent headquarters overseeing Air Force global logistics support is now in operation at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. General Bruce Carlson, commander of Air Force Materiel Command, formally stood up the Air Force Global Logistics Support Center in ceremonies March 28 at Scott AFB. He also

Coalition maintainers keep C-130 in the fight

Aircraft maintainers from the U.S. Air Force, Japanese Air Self-Defense Force and South Korean air forces teamed up during the Coalition Maintenance Exchange Program to keep deployed C-130 Hercules aircraft ready for combat recently at a Southwest Asian air base. The exchange program matched

March 28 airpower summary: C-130s support coalition forces

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Mar. 28, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle performed shows of force

Phoenix Rally celebrates 60th Anniversary of Berlin Airlift

Air mobility leaders gathered for the annual Phoenix Rally to acknowledge past and present accomplishments while celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift March 24 through 28 here. The theme of Phoenix Rally was "A legacy of global reach and hope," chosen to recognize the Air Mobility

March 27 airpower summary: A-10s destroy enemy targets

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds onto

Air Force Web site can prevent air mishaps for civilian pilots

Air Combat Command officials here currently are reaching out to private civilian pilots by publicizing a Web site designed to prevent mid-air collisions with military aircraft. The Web site, called www.seeandavoid.org, allows users to locate their flight path and determine how they can avoid flying

Airmen augment Romanian security for NATO summit

Airmen from across U.S. Air Forces in Europe converged on locations throughout the continent this week to support Operation Noble Endeavor, a Romanian-led effort to police the sky above the upcoming NATO summit in Bucharest, Romania. Hundreds of support, maintenance, operations and medical Airmen

The writings on the wall for a leaner Air National Guard

Improvement. For Col. Billy Asbell it often starts with a dozen or more slightly anxious Air National Guard members seated in their conference room. They clutch cups of coffee or water and find some comfort in the familiar walls. Before long, those walls are hidden behind layers of yellow sticky

Airmen destroy UXOs risen from the desert depths

Plums of smoke rose in the sky as Airman from the 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron used C4 to detonate 13 piles of ordnance here March 26.The ordnance was discovered over a 159 acres area of the base by a six-Airman explosive ordnance disposal team and six augmentees.The team looks for

Holloman units combine to refurbish fire truck

Members of the 49th Maintenance Squadron Aircraft Metals Technology Shop and the 49th Civil Engineer Squadron's Station No. 2 here recently came together and completed the refurbishing of a fire truck, combining the abilities of two trucks into one."We were trying to come up with new ways of doing

AFNORTH provides support to flood areas

The numbered air force responsible for ensuring the air defense of the continental U.S. has also been supporting civilian and military authorities working to provide relief from the recent floods in the U.S. Maj. Gen. Henry C. "Hank" Morrow, the 1st Air Force (Air Forces Northen) commander at

March 25 airpower summary: KC-10s provide vital refueling support

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, French 2000 Mirages conducted shows of force over enemy

Chief master sergeant of the Air Force visits Kunsan Airmen

The chief master sergeant of the Air Force spoke with Kunsan Air Base Airmen about recapitalization, modernization and quality of life for Airmen and their families March 24 here. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley also discussed force shaping challenges and emphasized why it's

Dyess AFB model of energy conservation

Dyess Air Force Base is going green. Take a tour of the base and it's easy to see how. In one building, water is pumped from a small pond, turned into ice and used to cool several dormitories; the landscaping is irrigated using effluent water purchased from the city of Abilene, Texas; and eight

Lightweight litter system initiative yields promising results

As initiatives go, this one for the Air Force Expeditionary Center's Air Mobility Battlelab may "litter"-ally save lives. AMB set out to prove the feasibility of using a lightweight, man-portable litter system that can be hand-carried by aeromedical evacuation, or AE, teams and used on Air Mobility

March 23 airpower summary: F-16s keep vigilant

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

March 22 airpower summary:F-15s suppress enemy fire

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the Interntional Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted a show of force

March 21 airpower summary: A-10s deter enemy activities

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, French 2000 Mirages performed shows of force in order to

Airmen minimize DOD weather-related losses

The 26th Operational Weather Squadron here helped minimize Department of Defense losses during severe regional weather recently that resulted in more than 20 civilian deaths and power outages affecting millions. The 26th OWS, which provides Air Force and Army installations weather watches, warnings

AMC commander reinforces need for new tanker

While many are focused on the formal protest of the recent KC-45A contract award, the needs of the warfighter -- and the nation -- remain unchanged. The Air Force's nearly 50-year-old KC-135 Stratotanker must be replaced with a newer, more capable aircraft as soon as possible. "This is a matter of

March 20 airpower summary: KC-135s provide sortie support

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer, Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers and

NORAD to celebrate 50th Anniversary

North American Aerospace Defense Command is celebrating a milestone this year, 50 years of a rich and colorful history between two countries that formally acknowledged a mutual commitment to defend their citizens from air attacks. Although NORAD originally stood up at Ent Air Force Base, Colo., on

FAA lauds Air Force synthetic fuel team

The Air Force team that developed a blend of petroleum and synthetic fuel for the B-52 Stratofortress received the Federal Aviation Administration's 2007 Excellence in Aviation Research Award at a ceremony March 14 in the Air Force Research Laboratory's Propulsion Directorate here.Barry Scott, the

March 19 airpower summary: F-16s bomb enemy targets

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force in

B-1B achieves first supersonic flight using synthetic fuel

A B-1B Lancer from the 9th Bomb Squadron here became the first Air Force aircraft to fly at supersonic speed using an alternate fuel March 19 in a flight over Texas and New Mexico. The fuel, a 50/50 blend of synthetic and petroleum gases, is being tested as part of an ongoing Air Force program to

Little, but strong: Burned Iraqi child overcomes odds

Editor's Note: The names of the Iraqi mother and son in this article have been changed, at the mother's request, to protect their identities from terrorists who would harm them if it was known that the pair received help from American servicemembers and the U.S. government. A photo of an adorable

T-6A accident investigation complete

Air Force officials have completed the investigation of the Nov. 28, 2007, T-6A Texan II mid-air collision near Gunshy Auxiliary Field, Miss., which resulted in the loss of both aircraft. The accident investigation board determined the cause of this mishap was a result of pilot error. A T-6A flown

Airmen ease Marines move to Afghanistan

With last year's operations in Afghanistan among the highest since they began in 2001, Airmen here are acutely aware of the mission importance to refuel aircraft supporting those operations, as well as provide world-class service and care to transiting passengers, said Col. Harrison Smith, the

March 18 airpower summary: B-1B deters enemies

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped a guided bomb unit-31

Pilot inducted into women's aviation hall of fame

In the months since her last flight as the Thunderbirds No. 3 right wing pilot, Maj. Nicole Malachowski has had a hard time putting her accomplishment of being the first woman to fly on a U.S. military flight demonstration team into a proper perspective. At the San Diego Air & Space Museum March 14,

Airmen integral part of unmanned aerial system milestones

The Global Hawk unmanned aerial system recently reached its 10 year and 20,000 flight hour milestones. More than 15,000 of those hours and most of those years have been amassed in support of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, providing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to

Military Channel films at Langley for upcoming episode

The Discovery Military Channel filmed an episode March 11 at Langley Air Force Base, Va. The episode, which is part of the series "Showdown: Air Combat," will focus on the F-22 Raptor and its capabilities. The 10-segment series will highlight different military aircraft, and is scheduled to premiere

Iraqi air force attains tenfold increase in sorties

Iraq's air force, with help from a U.S. transition team, attained a tenfold increase in its number of weekly sorties and doubled the size of its fleet over the past year, a military official said today. Maj. Gen. Robert R. Allardice, commander of the Coalition Air Force Transition Team, said the

Conference addresses air, ground synchronization issues

More than 100 coalition members met March 3 to 5 at Al-Faw Palace in Baghdad to discuss ways to better synchronize airpower with future ground operations across Iraq. Dubbed simply the Air Synchronization Conference, the meeting brought together ground operators and planners from the Army-led

C-130 aircrews, Army riggers reach airdrop record

February marked an airdrop record for the C-130 Hercules of the 774th Air Expeditionary Squadron, but not without the support of the Army's 11th Quartermaster Rigger Detachment and Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force riggers here. The joint team delivered approximately 1 million pounds of

UAVs aid force protection efforts

RQ-11 Raven unmanned aerial vehicles may be easily mistaken for an unorthodox version of a model airplane, but Airmen here use the UAV to secure the base and surrounding neighborhoods. Weighing in at less than 5 pounds, the Raven is operated from the ground via a remote control unit that can send

March 16 airpower summary: A-10s destroy enemy targets

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II and a B-1B Lancer dropped

Identity of fallen pilot released

An Air Force student pilot, 2nd Lt. David J. Mitchell, 26, from Amherst, Ohio, and assigned to the 62nd Fighter Squadron here, was killed March 14 when his F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft crashed in a remote area three miles south of Alamo Lake, Ariz. Lieutenant Mitchell was on a two-ship student

March 15 airpower summary: C-17s support, move warfighters

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

March 14 airpower summary: F-16s continue shows of force

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

March 13 airpower summary: C-130s give Herculean effort

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped a guided bomb

Officials detail scope, units of AFCYBER command

The work of building Air Force Cyber Command continues with officials releasing details of what the scope of the command will look like and how it will function in lieu of having a permanent base named for its headquarters location. "We are aggressively moving forward with plans for having initial

Top leaders testify on '09 budget

The Air Force's top two leaders testified before the House and Senate Committee on Appropriations subcommittees on Defense during hearings about the fiscal 2009 budget March 11 and 12. While the main topic of discussion among congressmen and senators remained the KC-45A contract award, Secretary of

C-130J tailor-made for mission over Afghanistan

A 746th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron C-130J Hercules aircrew operating out of Southwest Asia dropped leaflets over Afghanistan encouraging its citizens to reject violence and embrace their government as part of an integrated operation with NATO's International Security Assistance Force March 6.

Space Command hall of fame inductee honored

The Navy rejected him for far-sighted vision he "might" develop later in life. So he graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a Bachelor of Science degree on D-Day, June 6, 1944. By 1946 he was selected to serve in the super secret Manhattan Engineer District -- the

Dutch air chief predicts continued cooperation

His air force has a history of training pilots in the United States that dates back to 1941. It's a long relationship Lt. Gen. Hans de Jong would like to continue. General de Jong, commander of the Royal Netherlands Air Force, said he expects his country to not only maintain its aircrew training

RC-135 surpasses 50,000 flying-hour mark

A 763rd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron RC-135 Rivet Joint surpassed the 50,000 flight-hour mark during a mission supporting Operation Enduring Freedom March 12. RC-135 Tail No. 132 boasts an impressive resume of tours over the years including Vietnam, operations Southern and Northern Watch to

Rwandan Defense Force air traffic controllers visit Ramstein

Ramstein Air Base officials recently hosted four air traffic controllers from the Rwandan Defense Force, giving them a first-hand look at how the U.S. Air Force takes care of business on the airfield. The Rwandans visited the 86th Operations Support Squadron Airfield Operations Flight and the 1st

March 12 airpower summary: C-130s support coalition forces

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer, an F-15E Strike Eagle and an

Instinctive action by Bagram Airman prevents catastrophe

An Airman's quick action following an explosion of a jet fuel starter Feb. 26 that sent shrapnel across the Bagram Air Base flightline averted a possible explosion of an F-15E Strike Eagle.Staff Sgt. Jonathan Billie was working on the flightline near a fellow Airman prepping an F-15E when the small

Fighters respond to Temporary Flight Restriction violation

Two F-16 Fighting Falcons and a Coast Guard helicopter under the direction of North American Aerospace Defense Command intercepted a small Cessna aircraft flying through the Temporary Flight Restriction zone March 12 over the National Capitol Region. The civilian aircraft entered the TFR from the

Air Forces Central general visits deployed Airmen

The general charged with ensuring the success of air mobility directly supporting the war on terrorism visited Airmen March 8 at a Southwest Asia air base. Brig. Gen. Thomas Haynes, the U.S. Air Forces Central director of mobility forces, visited various units throughout the 386th Air Expeditionary

Balad Airmen rescue U.S. teachers in Iraq

Airmen from the 64th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron here were called out to rescue two American citizens lost on a hiking trip March 2. "We initially started hearing information about a possibility of American citizens getting lost during a hiking trip at around 4 a.m.," said Navy Lt. Evan Scaggs, a

March 11 airpower summary: F-15s bomb enemy combatants

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 11, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped a guided bomb

U-2 squadron continues to fly high

Airmen of the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron here continue to add to the U-2's 51-year history by being the only U-2 squadron in the area of responsibility supporting operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Since its introduction in 1957, the U-2 and the Airmen who support it have

Stealth fighter honored at Wright-Patterson

The Air Force-industry team responsible for providing program oversight to the F-117A Nighthawk stealth fighter aircraft said farewell during a ceremony March 11 here. More than 350 Airmen, base employees, industry partners and family members gathered for one last close-up look at the F-117, which

Multi-location, simultaneous sortie a success

Four B-52 Stratofortress aircraft and 26 crew members assigned to the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron made history at 10:15 a.m. local time March 6 as they simultaneously hit targets at four separate locations throughout the Pacific. Deployed to Andersen Air Force Base as part of U.S. Pacific

556th becomes newest UAS squadron

The 556th Test and Evaluation Squadron became the Air Force's first operational test squadron for unmanned aircraft systems during a ceremony March 5 here. The stand-up is concurrent with the inactivation of the 53rd Test and Evaluation Group Det. 4. The Airmen, employees and equipment of the

Aircrew brings WW II comrades back from watery grave

A Kansas Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker crew from the 190th Air Refueling Wing returned the human remains March 3 to American soil after a recovery team recovered from a downed B-24 Liberator shot down near the Pacific island nation of Palau Sept. 1, 1944. According to military reports, the

Airmen aid coalition ground forces one leaflet at a time

American Airman here and members of the Australian Defence Force recently teamed up to deliver critical information to Iraqi civilians in southern Iraq. Flying in a C-130 Hercules, Airmen from the 737th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, worked in conjunction with Australians from Overwatch Battle

March 10 airpower summary: B-1Bs conduct show of force

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

Officials highlight training vision to industry leaders

More than 70 representatives from 44 corporations met here March 6 to consider ways the civilian industry might partner with Air Education and Training Command officials to make the vision of the future of education and training a reality. Attendees at the AETC Industry Forum came from all parts of

March 9 airpower summary: C-17s deliver supplies to front

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 9, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped a general-purpose

Aerial porters receive advanced training

Airmen in the Air Force air transportation career field, also known as "aerial porters," can advance their training and capabilities here through the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center's Aerial Port Operations Course. Held approximately 12 times a year at either Fort Dix or an away location such as

'Today's Air Force' features modernizing the force

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights how Air Force officials are modernizing more than just aircraft.  Air Force officials are using anthropometric surveys to design gear, supplies and crew ensembles. The surveys were necessary to determine the safety requirements of ejection seats,

March 8 airpower summary: Shows of force deter enemy

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Mar. 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped a general-purpose

March 7 airpower summary: A-10s provide close-air support

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Mar. 7, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped a guided bomb

Women prove they have the 'right stuff' to fly

Throughout history, women have made a lasting impression on the fabric of the United States. In colonial times, women helped their husbands defend their farms from Indian attacks. During the American Revolution, women such as Mary Hays McCauly (better known as Molly Pitcher) took care of their

Academy, Singapore university team up for research

Singapore's Nanyang Technological University may seem worlds away from the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. But thanks to a new cooperative research and development agreement, or CRADA, between Nanyang and the Academy, the world has gotten a lot smaller. The agreement, signed Feb. 28, by Dean of the

March 6 airpower summary: C-130s support coalition forces

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, in order to deter enemy activities an Air Force A-10

NFL players kick off USO tour in Kyrgyzstan

Three National Football League stars and a senior sports writer visited Manas Air Base Airmen as part of a United Service Organizations tour March 4 here. San Diego Chargers Luis Castillo, Chicago Bears Tommie Harris, Carolina Panthers Mike Rucker and Sports Illustrated writer Peter King arrived in

Teamwork puts F-15E back in the fight

Airmen here worked together, and with outside agencies, to turn an unforeseen setback around and quickly bring a combat asset back to the fight. In late-January, Staff Sgt. Chris Petty, a 335th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Unit electro-environmental specialist, was troubleshooting an issue

Deployed Airman breaks Air Force refueling record

Gas, gas, gas ... Nope, this isn't a chemical warfare drill; this is what's been on Airman 1st Class Zechariah Coe's mind the entire month. Airman Coe, deployed here from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., as a fuels distribution operator with the 380th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, broke the

ESC officials make digital air support possible

Electronic Systems Center officials here are giving Air Force tactical air control party Airmen on the ground and in the fight every available advantage to help win the war on terrorism. Tactical air control party Airmen, known as TACPs, must be able to communicate precise coordinates to pilots

March 5 airpower summary: Predator destroys enemy target

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 5, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-1 Predator dropped a hellfire missile in

Replace aging aircraft or risk irrelevancy, general says

The commander of Air Force Materiel Command, which is responsible for delivering war-winning capabilities to the rest of the Air Force, said during a visit to Air University here that Air Force officials must develop and buy new aircraft or risk the service becoming irrelevant. The Air Force must be

Global Hawk marks 10-year anniversary

A Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle landed after an eight-hour mission Feb. 28 that marked 10 years since base officials witnessed its first flight at Edwards Air Force Base. On that first flight, the aircraft flew for one hour at an altitude of 32,000 feet, and today the Global Hawk has logged

March 4 airpower summary: C-17s help sustain operations

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped a guided bomb unit-38

GPS helps troops locate targets, one another

Members of the Joint Service System Management Office here provide global positioning systems-enabled technology in direct support of warfighters worldwide.Part of the 752nd Combat Sustainment Group, the JSSMO has representatives from all military branches. The unit maintains GPS receivers in the

March 3 airpower summary: A-10s deter enemy activities

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-9A Reaper fired hellfire missiles in

Maintainers in Pacific gain top-down view of transformation

One of the top Air Force leaders involved in engineering a broad transformation in aircraft maintenance processes and organizational structures talked with senior leaders, wing commanders and maintainers throughout Pacific Air Forces March 3 here. "We're looking at the most fundamental

Exercise Balikatan '08 tests ability to deliver

Moving large amounts of equipment, personnel or humanitarian relief supplies can be a daunting task. But it's a task tactical and strategic airlifters like the C-130 Hercules and the C-17 Globemaster III are made for. That's why they were instrumental in Exercise Balikatan '08 held here. The joint

Coalition search, rescue teams locate missing helicopter

March 4 at approximately 11:56 a.m., coalition combat search and rescue teams located the wreckage of an Iraqi Mi-17 helicopter north of Lake Thar Thar. Recovery operations have been completed and there were no survivors. One coalition force member was among the eight personnel onboard. Identities

Air Force JTACs train on leading edge technology

Approximately 20 Air Force joint terminal attack controllers from 16 different locations throughout the U.S. and other countries arrived here Feb. 23 to perform training with the mobile Air Support Operations Center Gateway in preparation for deployment. The JTACs will be at Shaw Air Force Base for

Legendary pilot visits Kadena

A surviving pilot of a legendary aviator group of determined black men at the forefront of historic social change during World War II spoke Feb. 25 at the Rocker NCO Club here. Retired Lt. Col. Charles Dryden was one of 992 Tuskegee Airmen who answered the call to serve his country when blacks were

New tanker to bring increased capabilities to warfighter

Air Force officials here announced Feb. 29 the selection of the Northrop Grumman Company to replace the aging KC-135 Stratotanker fleet. After months of reviewing and evaluating proposals from vendors, the source selection team chose Northrop Grumman to produce up to 179 of the new air refuelers.

Intermediate-repair facility keeps tankers flying in theater

The central intermediate-repair facility, the only KC-135 Stratotanker brake shop in theater, gets 30 to 50 brakes back into service every month, saving the time and money it would take to ship worn parts back for repairs. The tankers are responsible for the in-flight refueling of most of the U.S.

March 2 airpower summary: Airmen keep mission rolling

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force Reaper MQ-9A dropped guided bomb unit-12s in

Air Force personnel chief addresses lawmakers

The Air Force deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services answered questions from members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committee subcommittees on personnel Feb. 27 and 28. Lt. Gen. Richard Y. Newton III joined sister service representatives, as well as Dr. David Chu, the