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  • AF nominates 111 for astronaut candidate program

    The Air Force has nominated 111 Airmen for the 2012 NASA Astronaut Candidate Program, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.The Air Force candidate selection panel met in April to review 192 applications, selecting 110 officers, ranging from captain to colonel, and one senior master sergeant.

  • AFCENT band rocks for the troops in Afghanistan

    Being deployed can often feel like Groundhog Day. Each day is a repeat of the day before, and the only variable is whether or not they'll have bacon or turkey sausage at the dining facility in the morning.Members of the U.S. Air Forces Central Band Nightwing are currently on tour, playing for joint

  • Fallen honored at EOD memorial ceremony

    Hundreds of people paid homage to fallen explosive ordnance disposal technicians May 5 during the 43rd annual EOD Memorial Ceremony here.The names of five Soldiers, three Sailors, five Marines and five Airmen were added to the memorial wall in a solemn ceremony attended by family, friends and

  • Air Force captures 18 medals at Warrior Games

    The Air Force brought home a team-record 18 medals April 30 through May 5 during the 2012 Warrior Games here.Athletes representing the Air Force medaled in volleyball and wheelchair basketball for the first time, earning bronze medals in both as well as earning two silver medals and one gold medal

  • First refueling unit to reach 25,000 missions in single AOR

    Members of the 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron here reached a milestone of 25,000 air refueling missions May 4.During the past year, 22nd EARS sortie support has grown 23 percent, allowing them to quickly eclipse the 25,000th mission mark."Like their squadron mascot, the mule, the 22nd

  • 'Blue' NCO temporarily goes 'green', wins Army NCO of quarter

    He's a spot of Air Force blue surrounded by Army green at a deployed location in Southwest Asia.Staff Sgt. James Springer, a Joint Expeditionary Tasking Airman in the 387th Expeditionary Support Squadron, decided to try on a bit of "green" when he competed against Army NCOs for a quarterly award in

  • CRWs join forces to span coasts, globe

    The Air Force's two contingency response wings will join forces in a ceremony May 29 at Travis Air Force Base, Calif.As part of the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center's restructuring plan announced by Air Mobility Command officials Nov. 2, 2011, the 615th Contingency Response Wing at Travis AFB

  • 10 Air Force teams compete for top dog honors

    The U.S. Air Force selected 10 of its best military working dog handler teams to compete in the 2012 Department of Defense Military Working Dog K-9 Trials here May 3-5.The Air Force makes up 10 of the 43 teams for the first DoD competition to be held in the past 10 years.The Air Force traditionally

  • ACC confident in F-22

    Gen. Mike Hostage, commander of Air Combat Command, talked with media here April 30 about the national security imperative for the F-22, the status of efforts to identify a root cause for unexplained physiological incidents, and risk mitigation efforts since the Raptor's return to flying operations

  • Airmen attend 'survive and operate' university

    With JB McChord's operational readiness exercise just days away, the 627th Air Base Group provided Airmen an opportunity to practice their "Ability to Survive and Operate" skills April 30 through May 2, 2012.According to Tech. Sgt. Troyann Ernle, 627th Civil Engineer Squadron noncommissioned officer

  • Key leader in Air Force nuclear enterprise passes away

    A top Air Force senior advisor and leader involved in the integration of nuclear capabilities into Air Force, as well as joint and coalition, operations passed away May 3 following a lengthy illness.Charles R. "Ron" Henderson, the deputy assistant chief of staff for strategic deterrence and nuclear

  • Military working dog handlers come together for joint competition

    The 2012 Department of Defense Military Working Dog K-9 Trials kicked off here May 4 and will continue through May 6.The competition allows 43 teams from the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps to demonstrate their handling skills with their canine partners.The competition was designed to

  • Air Force leader talks about future of ISR

    Air Force leadership reinforced the critical nature and future of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions April 26 to a group of civic and industry leaders as well as media members attending the Air Force Association's monthly breakfast in Arlington, Va.The Air Force Association's

  • Motorcycle May for a safe summer

    As May brings warmer days and plenty of sun, it is also guaranteed to bring many motorcyclists back onto the nation's roadways.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration encourages motorcycle riders and all other traffic participants to gear up and use May, the National Motorcycle Awareness

  • AFNORTH Airmen hone hurricane response skills

    Air Forces Northern Airmen are putting their hurricane preparedness skills to practice during exercise Ardent Sentry '12 May 2 through 9.The exercise is conducted by U.S. Northern Command and is focused on defense support of civil authorities. Designed to validate existing plans, policies, and

  • Officer development program applications due

    Officers considering 2013 advanced academic degree and experience broadening programs have a narrow application window, with some applications due within the next few weeks, Air Force Personnel Center officials said. Public affairs and chaplain corps candidates have submitted their applications,

  • 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 chaplain faces unique challenges

    Editor's Note: This "Through Airmen's Eyes" personal account focuses on Chaplain (Capt.) Christian LaPaul Williams, a chaplain at Arlington National Cemetery, Va. His first-person account provides an inside look at the important role he plays in providing comfort and solace to the families of those

  • AF officials release May supplemental promotion list

    Fifty-six Airmen have been selected for promotion as part of the May enlisted supplemental promotion process, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.Go to here to see the list. Those on the supplemental promotion list are Airmen who tested outside of their required cycle because of an

  • Air Force accepts final F-22 Raptor

    Senior Air Force officials attended a ceremony here May 2 commemorating the delivery of the final F-22 Raptor to the service.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz was joined by Sen. Johnny Isakson of Georgia and other industry, Air Force and civilian leaders as they were welcomed to Dobbins

  • Little Rock AFB members say goodbye to last C-130E

    Airmen gathered for a ceremony here May 1 to say goodbye to the first C-130E Hercules ever produced and the last one to be retired.Tail No. 61-2358 will retire to Edwards AFB where it will be used as a static display after more than 50 years of service. Leaders and Airmen from three different wings

  • Top Air Force chaplain retires after 40-year career

    Air Force Chief of Chaplains Maj. Gen. Cecil R. Richardson concluded a nearly 41-year career with his retirement ceremony April 30 here.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz recounted how retired Marine Gen. Anthony Zinni at U.S. Central Command once told him that "Richardson has the

  • Assistant vice chief of staff retires after 34 years

    After serving in the Air Force for nearly 34 years, Lt. Gen. Richard "Dick" Newton III retired in a ceremony here April 27.Newton had served as the Air Force's assistant vice chief of staff since December 2010. With his retirement, Lt. Gen. Frank Gorenc is the new assistant vice chief of staff,

  • 'Impossible' comeback for retired Airman

    The fire had gone out for the retired technical sergeant, but one television celebrity helped bring it back.After 21 years in the Air Force, Ken Lee followed his lifelong dream of opening a restaurant. Working with another retired Airman, he opened Mama Lee's Soul Food in San Antonio in 2007. It was

  • Obama thanks service members in Afghanistan

    During his surprise trip to Afghanistan today, President Barack Obama found some time -- between signing a strategic agreement with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and delivering a speech to be broadcast back to the United States - to speak with U.S. service members at Bagram Airfield.The commander in

  • Programs exist to minimize RIF impact on employees

    As demonstrated by the announcement of a third round of Voluntary Separation Incentive Pay and Voluntary Early Retirement Authority beginning 1 May, the Air Force is committed to maximizing voluntary separation measures to the greatest extent possible. Despite this, some bases may find the need to

  • AF boom operator finalist for military fatherhood award

    When they called his name -- his actual name, not the invective often spewed at new recruits -- Senior Airman Jonathan Jackson was sure the news was bad.Instructors aren't interested in feelings at basic military training. It's their job to shape Airmen for the fight, so to be called by his name and

  • Airmen honor fallen air advisors through ruck march

    Walking almost 90 miles, 36 Airmen completed the Air Advisor Memorial Ruck March from New York City to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., April 26-27.The march, which started at the One World Trade Center and ended at the Air Advisor Academy, was in remembrance of the deaths of nine U.S. air

  • Mobile app connects Airmen to their base

    Want to connect with friends and family? There's an app for that. Need to find the best restaurant around? There's an app for that. Want to see what movies are playing nearby? There's an app for that.Discovering what events your base is hosting on a particular day? Now there is an app for that,

  • AF captain lauded for innovative sexual assault awareness training

    An Air Force Captain was recognized at the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes April18 for her actions as sexual assault response coordinator while at the 8th Fighter Wing, Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea Feb. 16 through Dec. 31, 2011.Captain Terri Zuber, Air Mobility Command Headquarters officer

  • PRT Laghman closes, Afghan district ready to stand on own

    After nearly seven years of working with the local community in the Laghman Province of Afghanistan, Provincial Reconstruction Team Laghman is closing and officials are handing the reins over to the Afghan people in the district. PRT Laghman was activated in 2005, and its mission was to help build

  • Airmen who exceed deployed time get added time off

    Airmen who serve in excess of the Secretary of Defense's established rotation goals are now eligible for additional time off, as written in the newly updated Post Deployment or Mobilization Respite Absence policy, officials said here April 25. Contained in Guidance Memorandum 4 to Air Force

  • AF Reserve, FBI train together during 'Patriot Sands'

    Five Reserve units and a federal agency teamed up April 26-29 in Florida for Patriot Sands, an airlift training exercise simulating deployed bare base conditions with limited support.Reservists with the 512th Airlift Control Flight, Dover Air Force Base, Del., 452nd ALCF, March Air Reserve Base,

  • AFTN releases newest version of Today's Air Force

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of Today's Air Force on April 27. In the first segment, Airman 1st Class Mari Mosteller shows viewers how an unmanned aircraft played an important role in the rescue of two lost civilians. Also, Tech. Sgt. Roberto Velez heads to the Amazon to cover

  • Air Force Specialty Code changes take effect in May

    Various officer and enlisted Air Force Specialty Code changes will take effect in May, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.Updated Air Force officer and enlisted classification directories have been posted on the Air Force Personnel Services website (see link below). These updates include AFSC

  • Dental technicians aid ailing Afghan

    The mission readiness of Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines in the Afghan theater is a top priority to dental technicians from the 502nd Dental Company, Area Support, 1st Medical Brigade at Kandahar Air Wing, Afghanistan. The professionals are dedicated to keeping warriors fit for duty and they

  • Warrior Games set to start

    The 3rd Annual Warrior Games begins Monday, April 30 - May 5 at the Air Force Academy and Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. Wounded, ill and injured servicemen and women from the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard will participate in the Warrior Games, which is hosted by

  • SecAF visits Wolf Pack

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley visited the Wolf Pack here April 27 to talk to Airmen about their role in the region and get a firsthand glimpse at Kunsan's mission to defend the base, accept follow-on forces and take the fight north.During Donley's visit, he met with Airmen in the 8th

  • Air Force officials to launch myPers

    Air Force officials are launching a new name for online personnel services and human resources knowledge: myPers.Rebranding the Air Force Personnel Services website, previously known as AFPERS, requires more than just a flip of the switch. Members of the Air Force Personnel Center are in the process

  • DJ Jazzy Jeff spins up deployed Airmen

    Airmen deployed to Southwest Asia aren't allowed to go to dance clubs."So we brought the club to you."DJ Jazzy Jeff, the famous disc jockey who gained popularity in the '90s alongside Will "Fresh Prince" Smith, visited the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing April 25 to entertain the troops with a mix of

  • Enlisted early retirement applications due Monday

    Airmen eligible for the Temporary Early Retirement Authority have until Monday to complete and submit their applications, Air Force Personnel Center officials said today.TERA is one of several programs the Air Force is using to size and shape the force to meet current and future mission

  • VCSAF shares words of wisdom with AFDW leaders

    A small group of Air Force officers had the opportunity to hear words of wisdom directly from one of the Air Force's top senior leaders during a special visit here April 26. Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Phil Breedlove spoke at the Air Force District of Washington's Commander's Course to a

  • Airmen, Marines share training, culture

    Recently a few 451st Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron members enjoyed a cultural exchange of a somewhat different kind. It wasn't between Air Force service members and coalition forces, but an inter-service training exchange between the 451st EAMXS C-130J maintenance Airmen and the Marine

  • Air Force delivers precision resupply to the joint warfighter

    The 317th Airlift Group successfully completed a precision airdrop capability demonstration to a distinguished panel of visitors at Fort Hood, Texas, during the U.S. Transportation Command Component Commander's Conference on April 24.The mission objective was to display combat aerial resupply by way

  • U.S., Bangladesh airmen switch seats during exercise Cope South 12

    U.S. and Bangladesh air force flight engineers traded seats in a U.S. Air Force C-130H Hercules cockpit for a subject matter expert exchange here, April 25, as part of exercise Cope South, a bilateral tactical airlift exercise conducted between the two air forces. Cope Cope South participants

  • AF network techs support missions throughout East Africa

    Far from camp here, U.S. service members stationed in austere conditions in forward operating areas around Africa have regular access to communications, thanks to the Tactical Networking team of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa's communications directorate. CJTF-HOA's TACNET allows

  • 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.

  • SecAF discusses force structure, 35 FW contributions during Misawa visit

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley met with Airmen and toured several 35th Fighter Wing units April 23 during a trip to Misawa Air Base.During his visit, Donley held an Airman's Call where topics of discussion included the 35th FW's contributions to Misawa, the new Department of Defense

  • Planning continues for new Airman Heritage Museum

    Efforts are underway to expand the Air Force's enlisted heritage museum here. The Lackland Gateway Heritage Foundation plans to modernize the USAF Airman Heritage Museum with a new facility to be located on what is becoming Lackland AFB's Heritage Campus. The site location, at the North end of the

  • F-16s, MiGs engage over Bulgarian skies

    U.S. pilots from the 555th and 510th Fighter Squadrons based out of Aviano Air Base, Italy, have been given a rare opportunity to train and share experiences with Bulgarian air force MiG-21 and MiG-29 pilots during their deployment here in support of Thracian Star 2012.Since the start of the

  • SecAF addresses Airmen at Yokota, discusses future challenges

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley addressed more than 300 Airmen April 24 during an all call at the Taiyo Community Center here. Donley thanked the Airmen for their work during Operation Tomodachi and also discussed the future of the Air Force in the Pacific region during the call. "All of

  • CSAF emphasizes readiness, teamwork at Kandahar

    The men and women of the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing and Kandahar Airfield welcomed Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz to Southern Afghanistan April 24.During his stop, Schwartz addressed a large number of Air Force personnel from throughout the installation at an all-call conducted in a

  • Fallen Airman's family accepts medal for a hero

    Karen Hollon accepted the posthumous Airman's Medal on behalf of her husband Tech. Sgt. Steven A. Hollon during a ceremony, here April 23. The award presented by Air University Commander Lt. Gen. David Fadok was received for actions including voluntary risk of life under circumstances other than

  • Air Force guitar made to honor fallen Airmen

    An Air Force guitar is making its rounds across the U.S. with rock band Lillian Axe after an Airman and the band's lead guitarist collaborated on a way to honor nine Airmen who were killed April 27, 2011, at the Kabul International Airport in Afghanistan. Maj. Henry Cecil, an Air Force

  • PJ's rescue fallen ice climber in Denali National Park

    Two Air Force Reserve pararescuemen from the 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., assisted in the rescue of a climber who fell more than 150 feet while climbing Moose's Tooth in Denali National Park April 21.The 11th Air Force Rescue Coordination Center received  the rescue call at 2:20

  • Free 'Cross Cultural Communication' course offers CCAF credit

    The Air Force Culture and Language Center, part of Air University's Spaatz Center, is now taking applications for the summer session of its "Introduction to Cross-Cultural Communication" course. The course, including all instructional material, is provided at no cost, and delivered via AU's

  • CSAF discusses 'evolving force' with deployed Airmen

    The Air Force chief of staff visited Airmen from the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing and the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command April 23 at Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan, to talk about current Air Force issues.Gen. Norton Schwartz started his remarks with an exercise

  • Air Force officials clarify Bronze Star approval process

    Recent heightened interest in the Bronze Star Medal has led Air Force Central Command and Air Force Personnel Center leaders to further explain the criteria and approval process for its recipients.Col. Scott Arcuri, AFCENT director of manpower, personnel and services, said candidates can expect a

  • Two Kirtland AFB officers receive Distinguished Flying Cross

    Capt. Christopher Palmer, 512th Rescue Squadron, chief of standardization and evaluation, and Capt. Marcus Maris, 512 RQS, student flight commander, were presented the Distinguished Flying Cross by Col. James Cardoso, 58th Special Operations Wing commander, during a Warrior Call on April 20 at

  • American citizenship: One Airman's dream becomes reality

    A contracting specialist from the 92nd Contracting Squadron here fulfilled his dream of becoming an American Airman -- literally, March 27 when a Spokane, Wash., judge swore him in as a legal citizen."The most important thing about citizenship for me is that I can finally get a secret clearance to

  • Airmen partner with TSA for working-dog training

    Loud barks could be heard yards away as military and Transportation Security Administration dog handlers prepared their assigned K-9 for the weekly joint working dog training. Staff Sgt. Matthew Byrnes, 673d Security Forces Squadron military dog handler led the training for TSA personnel to

  • Kentucky Airman shares tactical knowledge in Bangladesh

    One U.S. Air Force Airman shared his knowledge of heavy equipment airdrop procedures with an audience of more than 20 Bangladesh air force airmen at Kurmitola Air Base, Bangladesh, April 22, 2012. Tech. Sgt. Joshua Selby, loadmaster, Kentucky Air National Guard, is one of more than 65 U.S. Air Force

  • Incirlik identified Airman killed in accident

    Airman First Class Floyd Glover, 21, died at approximately 1 p.m. April 22 following an on-base motor-vehicle incident at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey.Glover was transported from the scene to a local hospital where medical professionals pronounced him dead. Medical officials treated and released

  • Missing personnel records impact more than promotions

    When Senior Master Sgt. Randy Scanlan wasn't promoted to his current rank the first time his records met the board, he was a little confused. As a maintainer and an aerial gunner, he deployed often and received many decorations. When he was asked if he wanted to review his records before they met

  • Airman tackles NFL dream

    At 6 foot, 6 inches tall and 305 pounds, 2nd Lt. Ben Garland looks more like a football player than a typical Air Force officer. That's because he's a defensive lineman contracted to play for the Denver Broncos and currently attending the team's conditioning and tryout camps which last through

  • Andersen AFB welcomes 69th Exeditionary Bomb Squadron

    The 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., has arrived to support U.S. Pacific Command's continuous bomber presence here.Since 2004, members of Andersen Air Force Base have played host to the CBP after Pacific Air Forces began routinely deploying B-1 Lancer, B-2 Spirit and

  • Air Mobility Command staff sergeant earns AF operational security award

    Managing a command-wide operations security program was just one area that led to a staff sergeant here earning the 2011 Air Force Operations Security NCO of the Year.Staff Sgt. Robert Perecko, is the information operations fused communication NCO in charge at the 618th Air and Space Operations

  • Science teacher flies with Thunderbirds

    An award winning Bossier City teacher got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fly with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds during the 2012 Barksdale Air Force Base Defenders of Liberty Air Show Saturday.Elizabeth Vance, a science teacher at Cope Middle School, was offered the chance to fly with the

  • Damaged C-17 move truly a joint effort

    When a C-17 Globemaster III, recently landed and overran the runway due to inclement weather, the landing gear and other critical parts were damaged. Through months of planning and teamwork by the joint forces located on Forward Operating Base Shank, this 282,500-pound aircraft was moved with no

  • AF vectors 38 to regional affairs strategist positions

    More than 36 line officers have been selected for development as regional affairs strategists, under the International Affairs Specialist Program, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.Regional affairs strategist is a developmental initiative offered to Airmen who have 7-10 years of

  • ISR chief outlines future programs

    While visiting deployed Airmen April 15-18, Brig. Gen. John Horner addressed the future of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission programs.As Air Force Director of ISR Capabilities, Horner spent a few days with Airmen of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing to view the work of the many

  • AF officials plan for scheduled downtime to upgrade MilPDS

    The Air Force Personnel Operations Agency here is upgrading and transferring the Military Personnel Data System to the Defense Information Systems Agency's Defense Enterprise Computing Center later this year. During the scheduled 23-day upgrade project, MilPDS will not be available.Upgrades to

  • CSAF discusses national security space at symposium

    The Air Force chief of staff spoke to leaders from industry, academia and the government about the current state of national security space and the U.S. aerospace industrial base at the 28th National Space Symposium here April 19.In his remarks, Gen. Norton Schwartz also recognized the efforts and

  • Robotics offer greener aircraft paint stripping

    The assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and logistics got a close up look at a new, cutting-edge technology here April 4 that's expected to reduce pollution and the exposure of Airmen to hazardous compounds.Terry Yonkers' visit to the headquarters of Concurrent

  • Doolittle raid sparks nation during early days of WWII

    It was 1942 and the world was at war for the second time that century. American morale was as low as it had ever been and Japanese forces began an all-out assault on United States and Filipino troops on the Bataan Peninsula.It was also the year when a pilot, Lt. Col. James Doolittle, would lead a

  • 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.

  • AF leaders gather to address sexual assault prevention, response

    Air Force leaders from around the globe gathered at the 2012 Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Leader Summit here April 17 and 18 to learn about service-wide SAPR issues and programs.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Phil Breedlove both spoke at

  • Career opportunities available for those up to the challenge

    Interesting career opportunities exist for enlisted Airmen who are ready for new challenges and have a desire to take their careers in a whole new direction.Airmen who want to stay in their career field but want to try something outside their comfort zone can apply for various joint, Department of

  • USAF Honor Guard Drill Team recognized as 'best of the best'

    The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team outperformed the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Merchant Marines and Coast Guard teams in the fourth annual Joint Service Drill Team Competition here April 14.In a symphony of discipline and precision, the U.S. armed forces' most elite drill teams gathered at the

  • New housing website prepares Airmen for moving

    With the summer moving season just around the corner thousands of Airmen and their families can now use a new housing website to help prepare for their move. The website,www.housing.af.mil, provides dormitory information for unaccompanied Airmen while detailing housing options and support services

  • Lightning strikes twice for deployed AF weatherman

    There's an old saying that lightning doesn't strike twice in the same place, but it did for one U.S. Air Force Airman.Tech. Sgt. Gregory Spiker, joint meteorology and oceanography operations weather forecaster, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, was named the 2011 Air Force Weather

  • Statuette honors AF honor guard, core values

    A 30-inch replica of the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard statue at the Air Force Memorial went on display at the Pentagon here April 13. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz accepted the replica on behalf of the service from Air Force Association leaders during a Pentagon ceremony. The AFA

  • Discovery flies for last time, ends chapter in aerospace history

    After almost 27 years and 39 flights in Earth's orbit, the space shuttle Discovery arrived at Dulles Airport in Washington, D.C., April 17 on its way to its final resting place. The last moments in the air for Discovery began at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., mounted on top of a modified Boeing 747.

  • Airdrops could play key role in eventual Afghanistan transition

    During 2011, mobility Airmen airdropped more than 80 million pounds of cargo for troops deployed throughout austere locations in Afghanistan. In the future, the Air Force expects airdrops to continue as troops move out of Afghanistan in coming years.In March, Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen,

  • Global Strike Command earns 2011 maintenance excellence award

    The Air Force Chief of Staff presented the Gen. Wilbur L. Creech Maintenance Excellence Award for 2011 to Air Force Global Strike Command commander Lt. Gen. James Kowalski in a ceremony at the Pentagon April 16.The award is presented to the major command that demonstrates the most improved

  • From Vietnam to OEF: Pilot flies last mission of career

    Lt. Col. James Routt, a pilot deployed with the 71st Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, flew the last combat air mission of his 33-year military career over the skies of Afghanistan, April 12.During his career, Routt has witnessed several operations -- from Vietnam to Operation Enduring Freedom in

  • U.S., Maylasia air forces conclude exercise Cope Taufan 2012

    After completing more than 140 sorties and several hundred flying hours, the U.S. Air Force and Royal Malaysian Air Force concluded exercise Cope Taufan 2012 at the Royal Malaysian Air Force base here, April 13. The Pacific Air Forces-sponsored, live-flying exercise, that included F-15 Eagles from

  • Seymour Johnson AFB Airmen launch F-15Es to honor WWII victory

    Airmen from the 4th Fighter Wing honored their heritage by launching nearly 70 F-15E Strike Eagles in a Turkey Shoot training mission April 16 here. The Strike Eagles taxied one after the next down the base flightline before heading to bombing ranges across North Carolina to destroy more than 1,000

  • Earth Day calls for broader focus at all levels

    Each year when Earth Day rolls around, I make a commitment to pay greater attention to our natural environment, to shift focus from seemingly inconsequential daily activities to the greater task of preserving and improving our natural environment. But this way of thinking misses the mark.Earth Day

  • Barksdale Airmen test alternative jet fuel

    Airmen here assisted the Air Force's Alternative Fuels Certification Program staff in evaluating a new jet fuel blend known as alcohol-to-jet, March 26-30, 2012 here. Specialists from the Alternative Fuels Certification Division at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and the TF34 Engine Program

  • Space Command officials eliminate flight suit, jackets

    Air Force Space Command officials announced April 13 that Airmen assigned to the command will cease wearing flight suits, the green flight jacket and the A-2 Leather Jacket by the end of the fiscal year.Directed by Gen. William L. Shelton, the AFSPC commander, the move is designed to standardize

  • 4th FW Airmen to launch aircraft to honor WWII history

    Members of the 4th Fighter Wing will pay homage to World War II history here April 16 by launching 70 F-15E Strike Eagles in a training mission to destroy more than 1,000 targets on bombing ranges across North Carolina.During World War II on April 16, 1945, the 4th Fighter Group destroyed

  • Air Force seeks Earth Day innovations

    In its 42nd year, Earth Day provides an international opportunity every April 22 to voice appreciation for the planet and unite for a sustainable future. Across the Air Force, installations are taking measures to enhance sustainability in support of the Earth Day theme "Conserve Today. Secure

  • Chief's perspective: Now is the time for bold leadership

    Enlisted Airmen,A week ago I sent an email message titled Leadership vs. Policy to Command Chiefs and Career Field Managers. You may have seen that message, or parts of it, but I'd like to take the opportunity to address it with you directly.The theme of the message was that too much arbitrary

  • AFA officials announce team of the year

    The Airborne Operations career field is the Air Force Association 2012 Team of the Year, Air Force officials announced April 13.Annually, AFA recognizes a specific enlisted career field (as well as Airmen in that specialty) that personifies professionalism, technical expertise and leadership.The

  • Overcoming sexual assault: A victim's candid story

    Living has always been a challenge for Senior Airman Jane Smith. Seemingly born into an uphill world, physically and emotionally tested at every step, spirituality had continually strengthened her and still propels her forward in life, she said.Smith was nearly driven to suicide after being sexually

  • 45 Airmen selected for promotion

    Nearly four dozen Airmen have been selected for promotion as part of the April enlisted supplemental promotion process, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.Click here to see the list. Those on the supplemental promotion list are Airmen who tested outside of their required cycle because of

  • Academy cadet honored during White House ceremony

    An Air Force Academy cadet who cofounded a non-profit organization that supports daughters of military members was honored during a White House ceremony on April 11.Cadet Staff Sgt. Moranda Hern spoke at the White House during ceremonies marking the first anniversary of "Joining Forces," a national

  • Minot AFB officials work to improve Airmen resiliency

    Officials at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., will admit the northern-tier base poses several inherent challenges for the Airmen stationed there. Its high-tempo nuclear mission coupled with the base's isolated location and large population of young Airmen can test the resiliency of every member. Base