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  • AFPC officials automate ADSC process

    Air Force Personnel Center officials here are developing new procedures for leveraging information technology to automatically transfer completed Active Duty Service Commitment acknowledgement statements into the Automated Records Management System.The current ADSC processing method includes a few

  • Air Force Week in Photos

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

  • Leaders issue Air Force birthday message

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy issued the following message to the Airmen of the United States Air Force:As we celebrate the United States Air Force's 65th birthday, we salute all of the

  • Alaska Reserve F-22 unit becomes fully operational

    The 477th Fighter Group here reached a readiness milestone Sept. 9 when Col. Bryan Radliff, 477th FG commander, announced that the group had achieved fully operational capable status."Fully operation capable means that we are ready and able to execute our wartime tasking," said Radliff. "With our

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: NCO finds restorative hobby

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)If you ask, most men will tell you that their "man-cave" is their sanctuary. The man-cave is mostly a place to hang out with friends or simply "be boys."

  • Vandenberg launch unit 'small squadron with big responsibilities'

    3...2...1... and we have lift off. Members of the 4th Space Launch Squadron know the feeling of launch day excitement and stress and are currently preparing to get revved up again for the Atlas V launch scheduled for Sept. 13."We are a small squadron," said Maj. Joseph Howerton, 4th SLS Atlas V

  • F-35A maintenance training on track

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

  • Deployed Airmen build Azerbaijan partnership through mutual respect

    A traveling contact team consisting of 10 435th Contingency Response Group Airmen and the U.S. Air Force Europe Country Desk Officer journeyed to Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 2-8. The team led an exchange event focusing on airfield management, airspace management and base communication architecture to

  • AF joins NATO partners in Ramstein Rover 2012

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

  • National Guard vital to Africa Command mission

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

  • Airmen wrap up Winfly on the 'ice'

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

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

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

  • Security forces Airmen train with British counterparts

    Airmen from the 100th Security Forces Squadron joined ranks with British counterparts from 15 Squadron, RAF Honington; No. 2 Tactical Police Squadron, RAF Henlow; and No. 7 Force Protection Wing Headquarters, RAF Coningsby Aug. 28 to Sept. 6 at Stanford Training Area, more commonly known as STANTA,

  • Airmen urged to reenlist, extend before MilPDS upgrade

    Air Force officials are urging Regular Air Force Airmen who are eligible to reenlist or extend their current enlistment in December and early Jan. 2013 to complete these personnel actions through the myPers website and their base military personnel sections or force support squadrons by Nov. 15 to

  • Air Evac Airmen test capabilities on new airframe

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

  • 731st AMS completes MRAP mission

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

  • New AFSC coming for AFSOC enlisted aircrew

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

  • Silver Star presented for fallen Airman's 'gallantry in action'

    Dressed in a silver and black dress, 3-year-old Chloe Smith stood beside her mother, Tiffany, as they accepted a Silver Star award today in honor of Senior Airman Bradley R. Smith who was killed in action at the age of 24 in Afghanistan Jan. 3, 2010.Maj. Gen. Lawrence Wells, 9th Air Force commander,

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

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

  • AF finishes strong at end of 'critical days of summer'

    The Air Force 2012 Critical Days of Summer campaign ended Sept. 4 with zero fatalities for the Labor Day weekend for the first time in five years. "We at the Safety Center always have a Quest for Zero mission," said Bill Parsons, Air Force Chief of Ground Safety. "It is, and always should be, our

  • Deployed firefighters train Kyrgyz counterparts

    Fairchild firefighters deployed with the 376th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron at the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, conducted a capabilities demonstration with their Kyrgyz Republic counterparts Aug. 29. The exercise was part of a continuing informational exchange program familiarizing

  • Fighting birds with birds

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

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: AF pilot helps Iraqis earn their wings

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Mounted aboard an armored suburban with a pistol at his side, one of Laughlin's own begins his days in Iraq checking in on classes miles apart, filled

  • Wolf Pack Defenders go virtual to train

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

  • Air Force Week in Photos

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

  • ANG, Coast Guard complete joint rescue mission

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

  • AF releases September supplemental promotion list

    Air Force officials notified hundreds of Airmen today that they have been selected for promotion as part of the September enlisted supplemental promotion process, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.To see the list, go to

  • 'Preparedness Month' a year-round responsibility

    With September designated as National Preparedness Month, Air Force Emergency Management experts are emphasizing the tools available to help Airmen and their families "Be Ready."National Preparedness Month is an annual campaign to raise awareness on the importance of disaster preparedness. The event

  • Largest exercise wraps up in South Korea

    Airmen, along with 30,000 participants from South Korea and other nations, took part in one of the largest Joint Staff exercises in the world here date to Aug. 30. Exercise Ulchi Freedom-Guardian is an annual computer-simulated, U.S. Combined Forces Command defense-oriented exercise, designed to

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

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

  • Mentorship program offers support to recovering Airmen

    The Recovering Airmen Mentorship Program connects wounded, injured or ill Airmen who are well along in their recovery with those who are just beginning the journey.The program is one of several implemented to help care for wounded warriors during their recovery, said Air Force Wounded Warrior

  • Airmen, Kyrgyz students ring in "First Bell"

    The first day of school across the Kyrgyz Republic is a welcome celebration known as "First Bell" and is deeply rooted in a Russian tradition that takes place each year on Sept. 1st.First Bell marks a rite of passage where seniors, in their last year of studies, escort first-year students in a

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Unconventional repairs

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)While on a deployment, everyone on base comes to realize how important every other job is because you can't do your job without the other shops doing

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

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

  • Afghan airmen learn language of flight

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

  • First Family Readiness Center opens doors in AOR

    The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing is now home to the first Airman and Family Readiness Center in the Southwest Asia area of responsibility. The center opened its doors and added family members to those they serve, following the ribbon cutting ceremony Aug. 29, 2012.Daniel Ginsberg, the Assistant

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

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

  • One month remains for NCOs to volunteer for retraining

    Noncommissioned officers in unrestricted career fields affected by the fiscal year 2013 NCO Retraining Program have a month to volunteer for retraining, Air Force Personnel Center officials said Aug. 30. Affected Airmen in restricted fields, however, have until today to volunteer.NCOs who volunteer

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: A coin to remember

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)It was just past 11 o'clock at night, July 30, and Airman 1st Class Mariah Alexander was beginning to fall asleep in her dorm room. Suddenly, the phone

  • Air Force Week in Photos

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

  • Air Force restores moves to Keesler AFB

    Permanent change of station and temporary duty reporting has been restored for Airmen and civilians traveling to Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., Air Force Personnel Center officials said.The 81st Training Wing commander implemented the stop movement order in response to Hurricane Isaac. The stop

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: HVAC Airman's legacy

     (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Master Sgt. John Anderson likes The Beatles. However, unlike most who serve in today's military, Anderson remembers The Beatles from his youth."Yeah,

  • Coincidence sparks memories of storm's past

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

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

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

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman receives Bronze Star with Valor

    In August of 2011, exactly two days after celebrating his birthday, Master Sgt. Gene Jameson, III, found his combat communications training put to use inside a compound at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.One year later, he was recognized for his heroism with a Bronze Star Medal with Valor during a

  • Typhoon Bolaven can't stop Osan Airmen

    Osan Air Base weathered Typhoon Bolaven relatively unscathed Aug. 28, 2012, in part due to robust planning and preventative measures ahead of the storm. The base entered Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness (TCCOR) 1 in the morning, with maximum gusts of winds at 50 knots during the day. All

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

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

  • Maxwell, FEMA prepare relief supplies for Tropical Storm Isaac

    As residents along the Gulf Coast of the United States prepare for Tropical Storm Isaac, Airmen and representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are busy setting up an emergency staging site on Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. Beginning Saturday, more than 120 semi-trucks filled with

  • 7 Inter-American Air Forces Academy SOS slots available

    Seven slots are available for eligible captains interested in attending the Inter-American Air Forces Academy Squadron Officer School Program, with applications due to the Air Force Personnel Center the last week of October, AFPC officials said.The school mirrors the SOS at Maxwell Air Force Base,

  • Connecting America, Ghana through music

    Throughout the summer, the U.S. Air Force Band featured guest conductors at performances, enhancing international partnerships.The concert Aug. 24 at the Air Force Memorial here was another example of this as Col. Sampson Ebonyi, guest conductor from Ghana, took the crowd on a musical journey,

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Captain makes mark in Afghan culture

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)With his rugged beard and long hair, Air Force Capt. Nick Plante is not your typical service member serving overseas in Afghanistan. Dressed like a local

  • AF senior leaders stress safety over Labor Day weekend

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy issued the following message to all Air Force personnel:As our Nation pays tribute to American workers during Labor Day weekend, we thank all Airmen for your

  • AFPC temporarily stops PCS to Keesler

    Air Force Personnel Center officials have temporarily halted permanent change of station moves and most temporary duty assignments to Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., based on the projected arrival of Hurricane Isaac this week.The stop movement order, initiated by the 81st Training Wing commander, is

  • Idea brings $10,000 for McConnell AFB civilian

    A civilian member of the 22nd Operations Group was presented a check for $10,000 from the Air Force at the 22nd Air Refueling Wing staff meeting Aug. 27, here.James Shores, the 22nd OG short range scheduling chief, received the money as part of the Innovative Development through Employee Awareness

  • New BTO to help Airmen make USAFE processes more efficient, effective

    Before becoming the Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Mark A. Welsh challenged the U.S. Air Forces in Europe to find more efficient and effective ways to use its resources."Current fiscal realities require commanders to take a hard look at how to most efficiently support and execute our missions within

  • Fighter jets protect skies during republican convention

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

  • Days in the dark: Retired AF NCO receives POW Medal

    Returning to work after celebrating his 30th birthday the day before, then-Staff Sgt. James 'O'Neil' Hughes could see a growing group of disorderly demonstrators gather outside the U.S. Embassy. Chanting and singing, the bellicose crowd grew agitated. They held up signs displaying anti-American

  • Redesigned program eases Airmen's transition to civilian life

    A redesigned program will help ease every Airman's transition to civilian life and better apply their military experience, Air Force officials said. The program is the first major overhaul of the transition assistance program for military members in nearly 20 years. The effort began in response to a

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Heavy Metal Airman

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

  • Military Units in Southeast Prepare for Isaac's Impact

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

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: The way back home

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)At a young age, Master Sgt. Nicole Culverhouse, 60th Medical Support Squadron element chief, was kidnapped off the streets of Bogota, Colombia. Her

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Academy cadet selected as a USA Rugby All-American

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Cadet 2nd Class Jackson Bristol has kept his passion for rugby alive with a simple approach: he never stops playing the game. January through December,

  • Air Force prepares for Isaac, Bolaven

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

  • Air Force's newest air advisor publication leverages 'best practices'

    The Air Force's newest tactics, techniques and procedures publication, AFTTP 3-4.5 Air Advising, became an official document after being signed by Maj. Gen. Brett Williams, Headquarters Air Force director of operations, and Maj. Gen. Bill Bender, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander,

  • Air Force Week in Photos

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

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman steps up, fills AFCENT Band's vacancy

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)When Senior Airman Jamie Horner first stepped off the airplane in Southwest Asia, she had one mission in mind: to prepare the installation for natural

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

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

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Irish Twins reunite while deployed

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)When most people think of military reunions, they may think of service members returning home from an extended deployment to reunite with their loved

  • England ceremony marks 70th anniversary of Eighth Air Force

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

  • Air Force Spice testing lab goes full throttle

    The Air Force Spice Testing Lab  located at the Air Force Drug Testing Laboratoy at Joint Base San-Antonio - Lackland, Texas, became fully operational on Aug. 1, in support of the Air Force's focus on quality Airmen. The new lab establishes a robust urinalysis testing program as part of the Air

  • 101 faces of Air Force Week New York

    New York City was this year's stage for one of the Air Force's grandest outreach programs, Air Force Week. The three-day showcase took place in locations throughout the city's five boroughs and included flyovers, interactive displays, Air Force band performances, meet and greets, a movie screening

  • SecAF discusses East Africa mission during Djibouti visit

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

  • CMSAF Roy helps wrap up successful Air Force Week in New York

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy spoke to New York City civic leaders during a Heroes Luncheon sponsored by Operation Homefront on Tuesday, Aug. 21 to wrap up Air Force Week in New York City.During an interview before the luncheon, Roy stressed the importance of Air Force Week as a

  • Airmen learn hospitality of New Yorkers during AF Week

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

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

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

  • Ramstein hosts international jump week

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

  • Drill Team members reflect on where they came from during AF Week

    The Ambassadors in Blue for the Air Force Recruiting Service performed during the Air Force Week events Aug. 19 at Pier 86 in New York CityThe ceremonial unit, otherwise known as the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team, tours worldwide to demonstrate the commitment to service and excellence every

  • Knowing where to request records saves time, money

    In an effort to save time and money, the master personnel records branch staff at the Air Force Personnel Center wants retirees and former Airmen to know the correct procedures for requesting medical and personnel record information."Knowing the correct procedures can not only cut down on the

  • Transit Center passenger experience realigned to centralized location

    Whether a service member is heading to Afghanistan or redeploying back to their home station, they want their transient experience to be simple.A consolidation of the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan's Passenger Terminal and U.S. Customs Processing Center into a centralized location is aimed at

  • AFPC officials streamline PCS orders process

    Air Force Personnel Center officials here have centralized how Permanent Change of Station orders are processed, validated and authenticated. Since Oct. 2011, the Total Force Service Center-San Antonio has been managing the PCS orders process and has authenticated more than 82,000 orders and 19,000

  • Opening ceremonies kick off Air Force Week activities

    The Air Force kicked off one of its biggest outreach programs in America's largest city Aug. 19 with a combination of opening day remarks, flyovers, interactive displays and performances by Air Force bands.The opening ceremony at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum on Pier 86 marked the start of

  • Photos: Rescue Airmen train in the open seas

    A team of pararescuemen with the 38th Rescue Squadron at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., conducted a water rescue exercise in the Gulf of Mexico on Aug. 14. During the exercise, pararescuemen had to locate downed victims several miles apart and provide self-aid and buddy care as needed. The

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

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

  • Airman nets $10,000 through IDEA program

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

  • Behind-the-scenes look at saving lives

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

  • USAF Honor Guard, Band represent Airmen at Air Force Week

    The premier U.S. Air Force ceremonial units, the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and U.S. Air Force Band, are returning to New York City as part of Air Force Week 2012 with several performances and concerts scheduled for August 18-22.Two of the USAF Band's ensembles - the rock band, Max Impact, and The

  • Supporting warfighters from space

    Air Force Space Command Vice Commander Lt. Gen. John Hyten spoke at the 15th Annual Space and Missile Defense Conference here Aug. 14 and discussed how the American way of war has fundamentally changed thanks to space.He used historical examples to illustrate his point and contrasted those with

  • Alaska Reserve unit rebuilds tornado-ravaged school

    An Alaska Reserve unit has just returned from Tennessee where the task at hand was rebuilding a school that was destroyed by a tornado in 2011. Members of the 477th Civil Engineer Squadron installed lighting units, rewired the facility to meet code, hung sheet rock, and painted the interior of the

  • Airmen's heroic acts featured in Portraits in Courage

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

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman inspires through music

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Born and raised in Newton, Miss., a real life "small town," he had watched many of his family members join the military and knew he would soon follow."My

  • Hotel tax exemptions could help AF save millions of dollars

    During a time of increasing Department of Defense budget constraints, the Air Force continuously looks for innovative solutions that save money and positively impacts the mission. Air Education and Training Command's Financial Management office said Air Force travelers could help save millions of

  • High year of tenure changes take effect in 2013

    High year of tenure changes announced in December will go into effect in September 2013, Air Force Personnel Center officials reminded affected Airmen on Aug. 16. Changes will affect senior airmen, staff sergeants and technical sergeants, said Lt. Col. Tara White, AFPC retirements and separations

  • Welsh talks 'leadership' with NCOs

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III shared his perspective on leadership during the 2012 Air Force Sergeants Association Convention and Professional Airmen's Conference here Aug. 15.Welsh spoke about what it takes to be a great leader and NCO, sharing insight and personal stories from

  • Air Force Week in Photos

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

  • Total force seminar builds 'bold leadership'

    Nearly 200 Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine service members took part in a full-day leadership seminar hosted by the Kaiserslautern Military Community Top III Total Force Development Council here Aug. 3.From junior enlisted to senior officers, all members who attended the seminar learned about the