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  • C-27 program cut explained, budget aligned with strategy

    The Air Force deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and programs discussed the reasoning behind the C-27J Spartan program cut from the fiscal 2013 budget request during the Air Force Association's monthly breakfast seminar here March 27."It's not because it isn't a good aircraft, and it's not

  • U.S., Thai airmen and soldiers partner, jump for freedom

    More than 240 Thai and U.S. airmen and soldiers took part in a personnel drop over Lop Buri, Thailand to close out this year's Cope Tiger 2012 multilateral air exercise between the U.S., Thailand and Singapore which was held here March 12 through 23.Coined by combined exercise leadership as the

  • Air Force installations host 'Cook It Up' events

    Air Force installations worldwide are organizing local cooking contests to foster and instill a sense of community and promote a healthy lifestyle.Known as 'Cook It Up', Air Force community centers are hosting food challenges to draw participants from the entire community and highlight culinary

  • Eglin Airman wins Marquez award as top maintenance technician

    Senior Airman Alexander Blench, an avionics specialist with the 46th Maintenance Squadron here, recently won the 2011 Lt. Gen. Leo Marquez award in the technical category.The Air Force level award recognizes Blench's excellence in technical maintenance.Blench called receiving the award

  • DOD identifies Air Force casualty

    The Department of Defense announced today the death of an Airman who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Capt. Francis D. Imlay, 31, of Vacaville, Calif., died March 28 from injuries received in an accident involving an F-15 aircraft near a base in Southwest Asia. He was assigned to the 391st

  • U.S., Thai service members conclude Cope Tiger

    More than 240 Thai and U.S. airmen and soldiers took part in a personnel drop over Lop Buri, Thailand, to close out this year's Cope Tiger 2012 multilateral air exercise, which was held here March 12-23.The mission between the U.S., Thailand and Singapore aimed to improve U.S. and Royal Thai Air

  • Schriever AFB dodgeballers set world record

    Twenty-five jammed fingers, 10 rolled ankles, at least 20 blisters, numerous sore shoulders and a world record. Twenty Schriever Air Force Base members got all that and more after playing dodgeball for more than 40 consecutive hours March 22-23, beating the Guinness Book of World Record for the

  • Air Defense Command commences operations at Yokota AB

    A crowd of senior-ranking U.S. and Japanese military leaders gathered here March 26 to celebrate the beginning of Air Defense Command operations at Yokota Air Base.The Air Defense Command headquarters, which conducts command and control operations to defend Japanese airspace, was relocated 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.

  • Combat controller recognized for leadership on, off battlefield

    A combat controller with the 24th Special Tactics Squadron recently received Air Force recognition for his leadership in his personal and professional life. Technical Sgt. Nathaniel Hoag was awarded the Lance P. Sijan Junior Enlisted of the Year Award for 2011. "I was honored to be nominated," Hoag

  • Top five things Airmen should know about energy

    In a soon-to-be released video, an Air Force senior leader shared key elements of the service's efforts to change the culture of energy and give Airmen a more personal stake in energy conservation as it relates to national security.In the video, entitled "The Five Things Every Airman Should Know

  • New radar helps Airmen defend Arabian Gulf

    Airmen defending the Arabian Gulf have another arrow in their quiver thanks to a new radar system installed at the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing here March 18.The TPS-75, or "Tipsy-75" as the 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron calls it, is a powerful air surveillance radar capable of providing

  • Senior leaders discuss future of Air Force Reserve

    Senior leaders from Air Force Reserve Command assembled here March 26-27 during the 2012 Senior Leader Conference to discuss the future of the command. The theme of this year's conference was "Full Operational Capability: Full Spectrum Combat Capability with Unparalleled Efficiency" and how the Air

  • Air Force Reserve Pipe Band performs for president

    Military bagpipers are a unique sight in Washington, D.C., especially clad in official Air Force tartan kilts and lining the steps of the U.S. Capitol. So unique, in fact, the pipe band of the Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve is the only professional pipe band in the Department of Defense. On

  • Exceptional performer promotion nominations due by April 6

    Stripes for Exceptional Performers nomination packages meeting the Central STEP Board and the Combatant Command Board are due to the Air Force Personnel Center enlisted promotions section by April 6, AFPC officials said.The fiscal 2012 central and COCOM boards will meet April 23-24, according to

  • First Air Force female four-star general confirmed

    The Senate confirmed Air Force Lt. Gen. Janet Wolfenbarger for promotion March 26, making her the first female four-star general in Air Force history.Wolfenbarger currently serves as the military deputy in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition here and she is one

  • Air Force officials expand electronic ADSC notifications

    Air Force Personnel Center officials are expanding automated notifications to Airmen of personnel actions requiring them to sign active duty service commitment acknowledgement statements.The automated ADSC notifications were successfully tested in November 2011 for more than 800 Airmen selected for

  • Coaches selected for 2012 Warrior Games

    An Air Force orthopedic surgeon has been tapped to be the head coach for the U.S. Air Force 2012 Warrior Games team during the competition slated for April 30 through May 5 in Colorado Springs, Colo.Maj. James Bales, 2010's Air Force Male Athlete of the Year, from Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.,

  • AF announces 2012 aviator continuation pay program

    Air Force officials released the details of fiscal 2012 Aviator Continuation Pay program this week, with continuing focus on retaining highly-qualified manned and remotely piloted aircraft rated crew members. The ACP program gives some pilots and combat systems officers the opportunity for a

  • U.S., African nations share techniques in partnership exercise

    Ghanaian, Benin, Togolese, Senegalese, Nigerian and U.S. air force members hit the flightline loading, guarding and marshaling aircraft March 21 during the African Partnership Flight 12-2 capstone event here. The capstone gave all nations involved in the partnership-building flight the opportunity

  • Pararescue Airmen aid avalanche victims

    A pararescue Airmen who went to the aid of avalanche victims nearly became a victim himself when the rescue helicopter dragged him and his patient across the steeply sloped mountain March 18. Air Force Reserve Staff Sgt. Darrell Williams, a pararescueman with the 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick Air Force

  • Bataan Death March Memorial marks 70th anniversary of deadly march

    Frank Hewlett once wrote: We're the battling bastards of Bataan;No mama, no papa, no Uncle Sam.No aunts, no uncles, no cousins, no nieces,No pills, no planes, no artillery pieces.And nobody gives a damn.Nobody gives a damn.This poem has been spoken year after year to those in attendance at the

  • Davis-Monthan AFB wins installation excellence award

    Air Force leaders announced the winners of the 2012 Commander-In-Chief's Annual Awards for Installation Excellence and Special Recognition program March 26.Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., won this year's award and will receive $1 million for quality-of-life improvements. Four personnel and 8

  • Enlisted bestow highest honor on Academy superintendent

    The Air Force Academy's enlisted corps inducted Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Mike Gould into the Order of the Sword during an emotional ceremony here March 19.The award, established by Military Airlift Command's enlisted corps in 1967, is presented to individuals whom the NCO corps wishes to

  • Air Force ends pilot travel card program

    The Air Force recently decided to transition existing Controlled Spend Account travel cards to an enhanced Government Travel Card by the end of fiscal 2012. "The CSA, a pilot travel card program, provided some enhancements for travelers, but also brought about significant challenges for our most

  • SecAF: Cyberspace is an Air Force priority

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley highlighted cyberspace as an important Air Force priority and joint force enabler during remarks to Airmen, industry officials and Air Force Association members March 23 at the Air Force Association's 2012 CyberFutures Conference and Technology Exposition

  • EOD Airman receives fourth Bronze Star

    Master Sgt. Brandon Livingston, 7th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight superintendent, was awarded his fourth Bronze Star Medal during a ceremony at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, March 23. Livingston distinguished himself with exceptional meritorious service as the operations

  • AFTN releases newest 'Today's Air Force'

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of Today's Air Force on March 23. After a "Straight from the Top" segment, the show kicks off with a feature by Staff Sgt. Chris Pyles on the 50th anniversary of the B-52 Stratofortress. Later, Michelle Michael takes viewers to Dayton, Ohio, for a

  • Grand Forks EO director named top in AF

    The U.S. Air Force named Tech. Sgt. Tomeka Parker of the 319th Air Base Wing as the Solomon Starks Jr. Equal Opportunity Director of the Year for 2011.Parker arrived in Grand Forks in November 2010 and single-handedly filled a two-person EO office assignment responsible for more than 1,300 Airmen

  • White House official honors ANG unit with rare award

    One of President Barack Obama's top advisors praised the Kentucky Air National Guard for superior achievement March 18, calling the organization "second to none" during a ceremony honoring the 123rd Airlift Wing for winning a nearly unprecedented 15th Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.Also recognized

  • Architects of the AOR's air picture

    The massive golf-ball looking object perched on the tee-like tower at Kandahar Airfield isn't just a useless landmark; instead the information obtained from it helps provide higher headquarters and tactical commanders pertinent information about Afghanistan's air space. The 73rd Expeditionary Air

  • American300 Tour aims to inspire Malmstrom AFB Airmen

    Two visitors came to inspire change through determination to Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen stationed here March 21 and 22 . Robi Powers, the founder of the American300 Warrior Tours, was accompanied by Tom Whittaker, who shared his journey in becoming the first disabled person to climb to

  • AF leaders discuss planned force structure changes

    The Air Force secretary and chief of staff discussed planned force structure changes, and efforts to balance service active-duty and reserve components, during congressional testimony here March 20. During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air

  • Mountain Home AFB Airmen save DOD more than 800K

    Members of the 266th Range Squadron here saved the Defense Department approximately $872,000 by assisting Sailors from Naval Air Station Whidbey, Wash., a with two-week joint service exercise.Airmen assigned to the 266th RANS here have the unique and challenging mission of operating and maintaining

  • JB McChord Airmen set Operation Deep Freeze record

    Reservists from the 446th Airlift Wing and active-duty Airmen from the 62nd Airlift Wing completed a record-setting season for Operation Deep Freeze. As the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron aircrews and maintainers, from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., conducted 74 missions in support of ODF,

  • AEFIs ensure Airmen know deployment window

    Do you know your Air and Space Expeditionary Force Indicator, or AEFI? The two-digit code identifies when your deployment period occurs within an AEF Cycle. All Airmen should know their AEFI and be prepared to deploy during that time period.AEFIs also give the Air Force Personnel Center's AEF and

  • Air Force Culture and Language Center launches new field guides for Airmen

    The Air Force Culture and Language Center, located at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., is currently developing a series of Expeditionary Culture Field Guides on key countries to where U.S. forces are deploying.The ECFGs provide deploying forces of all U.S. military branches with language, region and

  • 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.

  • Florida high school student named Military Child of the Year for AF

    Operation Homefront's 2012 Military Child of the Year for the Air Force was recently awarded to Chelsea Rutherford, daughter of Technical Sgt. Kelly Herndon, 325th Medical Group education and training manager, and Technical Sgt. Charles Herndon, 43rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit F-22 avionics

  • History-making Op Deep Freeze 2011-2012 season concluded

    Following the redeployment of the last two C-17 Globemaster IIIs to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., and Stewart Air National Guard Base, N.Y., the personnel participating in the 2011-2012 edition of Operation Deep Freeze can lay claim to yet another successful and history-making season.ODF is the

  • Archaeologists unearth artifacts at Luke AFB

    Archaeologists here recently unearthed an ancient dwelling -- just one of thousands of artifacts found here that date back as far as 3,000 B.C.The excavation was part of the site preparation, including mitigation of surface archaeology and testing for subsurface archaeology, for a large solar array

  • 'Red Tail' member visits the Pentagon

    The Air Force hosted one of the original Tuskegee Airmen and his family March 16 during a tour of the Pentagon.Retired Lt. Col. Walter McCreary, his daughter Stephanie Lynch and grandson Nicholas Lynch were given a tour of the Air Force Art Gallery, the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial and the Tuskegee Airmen

  • AFGSC officials kick off Never Quit rowing challenge April 5

    Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen will learn how much pull it takes to get to the Olympics when the month-long Never Quit rowing challenge begins here April 5. The American300 rowing challenge, part of a command-wide initiative to strengthen and encourage Airmen, will begin with Lt. Gen. Jim

  • U.S. Airman increases Afghan AF capability

    Aircraft are useless without proper maintenance, pilots and the fuel needed to feed the beast.One senior NCO is working to improve the capabilities of the Afghan air force one fuel sample at a time.U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jeremiah Fentress, a fuels flight advisor with the 439th Air Expeditionary

  • AF extends retroactive stop loss application window

    Airmen eligible for the Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay Program who did not apply before the fall deadline will have another opportunity to do so, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.Airmen who were unable to submit a claim will be able to do so through Oct. 21, including active duty,

  • AFMC commander to receive highest enlisted honor

    Gen. Donald Hoffman, the commander of Air Force Materiel Command, will be inducted into AFMC's Order of the Sword in a ceremony March 30 at the National Museum of the United States Air Force."Induction into the order is the highest honor that enlisted Airmen can place on a leader," said Chief Master

  • CMSAF visits Incirlik AB, talks Air Force changes

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy visited here March 15-16 to meet Airmen performing 39th Air Base Wing missions and discuss current and future Air Force changes. Roy spoke to Airmen about topics such as education and training, Air Force budget cuts and resiliency.At one point he

  • CMSAF Roy visits Ramstein

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy visited team Ramstein March 14, touring various units here. Roy spoke with Airmen, keying in on resiliency, hazing, restructuring, training and the effectiveness of professional Airmen. Resiliency is not only about taking care of yourself, he said, it's

  • CMSAF visits 501st Airmen

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy spoke to Airmen of the 501st Combat Support Wing and observed how the wing supports its mission partners during a site visit to RAF Croughton March 12. This visit was the first opportunity for Chief Roy and his wife Paula to see some of the capabilities

  • CMSAF visits UK, paves way forward

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force visited RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath March 13, to discuss important Air Force topics with Airmen.CMSAF James Roy visited several locations on both bases and said he was impressed by the professionalism of Airmen."When you enter the gate at both bases,

  • CMSAF Roy visits 48th FW

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy arrived here March 13, 2012 to visit with Liberty Wing Airmen.The visit was his first to bases in the United Kingdom.The first Airmen to meet the CMSAF were members of the 48th Security Forces Squadron and 48th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance

  • Air Force officials: Check Professional Development Guide for errors

    Air Force officials announced today that some copies of the printed versions of the 2011 Professional Development Guide will need to be returned to unit Weighted Airman Promotion System monitors, as the documents may have a number of errors."Airmen and supervisors of Airmen using this version of the

  • Loadmaster soars on American Idol

    For one aspiring singer at Westover, 15 minutes of fame stretched out over weeks as a contestant on American Idol.The television show broadcast to millions gave Tech. Sgt. Blaire Sieber an opportunity to stand in front of the world and live out her dream."It's really hard to describe the

  • U.S.-Thailand-Singapore Airmen strengthen ties during Cope Tiger 12

    Airmen from the U.S., Thailand, and Singapore are stepping away from flight operations to strengthen relationships here with local Thai communities this week.The combined Airmen from the U.S. Air Force, Royal Thai Air Force and Republic of Singapore Air Force are participating in exercise Cope

  • NATO allies synch communication

    The Turkish and U.S. air forces successfully synched a communication system together during the bilateral training exercise Anatolian Falcon 2012 here March 13.Link 16 is a communication network developed to integrate signal detection into a data transfer shared among all members of the

  • One year later: Response by Airmen for Operation Tomodachi 'unprecedented'

    When the island nation of Japan was struck with an 8.9-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami on March 11, 2011, the world answered the call with an unprecedented response -- and so did mobility and contingency Airmen. Among those leading the worldwide effort that delivered aid and support to

  • Fallen pilot 'has come home'

    The pilot of a U-28A aircraft that crashed near Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, on Feb. 18 was laid to rest at the Air Force Academy Cemetery on March 12.Capt. Ryan Hall, 30, was a native of Colorado Springs and the son of 1970 Academy graduate Dennis Hall."By the size of the turnout, you can see Ryan

  • EOD Airman nominated for Bronze Star

    There is a bloodstain on his boot. He says it's a reminder of a day he probably couldn't forget, even if he tried. Staff Sgt. Kenneth Guinn, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician deployed here from the 354th Civil Engineer Squadron at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, has been nominated for 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.

  • Stop loss special pay extended

    Eligible Airmen, veterans and their beneficiaries now have until midnight Oct. 21 to apply for retroactive stop loss special pay following an extension in the continuing resolution authorized by Public Law 112-74. The new Oct. 21, 2012 deadline extends the original cutoff for applications and allows

  • 104 Airmen selected for supplemental promotion

    More than a hundred Airmen have been selected for promotion as part of the March enlisted supplemental promotion process, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.Those on the supplemental promotion list are Airmen who tested outside of their required cycle because of an extended temporary

  • Wingmen key to reducing sexual violence

    The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Wing Commanders' Guide was sent out to wing commanders recently and contains statistics, facts and talking points to help leaders encourage healthy conversations among their Airmen, which senior leaders say is paramount to eliminating sexual crimes in the

  • NASA legend returns to Holloman

    Gene Kranz, retired NASA flight director, returned to Holloman AFB March 8 after 52 years to revisit the 46th Test Group, where he researched and tested Surface-to-Air and Air-to-Ground missiles in the late 1950s."I worked at Holloman from 1958 to 1960 with the Quail program, where the principle

  • Nominations accepted for Portraits in Courage

    Now through April 13, nominations will be accepted and reviewed for inclusion in Portraits in Courage, Vol. 7.The upcoming edition marks the latest in a six-year series of stories chronicling Airmen's honor, devotion and sacrifice in a time of war. The collection highlights Airmen who have

  • Langley Airmen test new fuel delivery system

    Airmen at Langley Air Force Base, Va., are testing a new fuel delivery system that could revolutionize flightline operations and save the Air Force millions of dollars.Senior Master Sgt. Patrick Smith, 633rd Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels management superintendent, said the new Hydrant Mobile

  • Calif. ANG: Complex pararescue mission saves fishermen off Mexico coast

    California Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing based here successfully completed the rescue of two injured fishermen from a Chinese fishing vessel 700 miles off the coast of Acapulco, Mexico, March 12, 2012. The 129th Rescue Wing received a call from the U.S. Coast Guard March 9

  • Inaugural African Partnership Flight takes off

    U.S. Air Forces Africa Airmen participated in the opening ceremony of the inaugural African Partnership Flight event March 12 at Air Force Base Accra, Ghana.The event, hosted by the Ghanaian air force, is a two-week, military-to-military multilateral and regional engagement designed to improve

  • Cope Tiger trilateral exercise in full swing

    Readiness and continued development of multilateral interoperability remains a key priority for allies and partners participating in Cope Tiger 12, a field training and large force air employment exercise that began here Mar. 12.During the two-week exercise, more than 1,600 combined service members

  • AF announces intelligence leadership position matches

    More than 60 Airmen have been matched to specific major's leadership positions within the intelligence community, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.The intelligence career field developmental team met at AFPC last fall to review eligible officers' records and select candidates for

  • AF Undersecretary visits Travis

    Undersecretary of the Air Force Erin Conaton visited here March 8 to receive a first-hand look at Travis operations, which consists of the 60th Air Mobility Wing, the 349th Air Mobility Wing and the 615th Contingency Response Wing - a total integrated force that makes up one of the Air Force's

  • Air Force achieves historic ground safety milestone

    Air Force safety officials here today announced that since Feb. 17, 2011, the Air Force has now gone for more than 12 months without an on-duty ground fatality.After an exhaustive search of the Air Force Safety Center's safety mishap database, officials confirmed the service reached this milestone

  • Global Eagle combines AF, British forces

    The historical partnership between U.S. and British forces was evident yet again through a combined exercise between U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force Regiment Feb. 26 through March 2. Defenders from the 820th Base Defense Group and tactical air control parties from the 3rd and 18th Air Support

  • Developmental teams to consider 2013 command candidates

    Developmental teams from 11 different Air Force specialties will convene between May and September to consider eligible officers for calendar year 2013 squadron command, deputy logistics commander and deputy mission support group commander positions. Officers interested in command opportunities must

  • Iraqi air chief sees son graduate U.S. Air Force pilot training

    The top generals from the U.S. Air Force and Iraq Air Force united here March 9 to award silver wings to 23 of the countries' newest pilots. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Iraqi Air Force Commander Staff Lt. Gen. Anwer Hamad Amin Ahmad were the keynote speakers at the graduation

  • Combat truckers roll out for last time

    The guideon furled silently and slid into its sleeve, signifying the mission was officially complete for the 387th Expeditionary Logistics Squadron during its inactivation ceremony March 6.Since the mission began in 2003 at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, the Airmen and Soldiers of the

  • JB Andrews ranked top AF-led joint base

    In an annual Department of Defense evaluation of supportive joint-basing capabilities, Joint Base Andrews was ranked at No. 1 compared to every other Air Force-led joint base as of March 1.JB Andrews was awarded a grade of 96 percent during a Feb. 1-2 evaluation. In order to rack and stack these

  • Developmental education application deadlines set

    Applications for intermediate and senior developmental education for officers are due April 9, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.Civilians interested in basic developmental education or intermediate and senior developmental education will need to turn in their applications by May 1.Basic

  • 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 mobility maintainers help Air Force cut down fuel costs

    Air mobility maintainers are helping to secure the future by becoming more fuel efficient, officials said. Maintenance professionals are working to avoid future expenses by lightening loads on KC-135 Stratotankers and C-5 Galaxies; they're also cutting back on use of gas-guzzling aircraft auxiliary

  • FY 13 military construction requests outlined to Congress

    Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics discussed military construction projects contained in the service's fiscal 2013 President's Budget request during a congressional hearing March 8. "Our FY13 budget request responds to two main drivers: The Budget

  • Langley tests new fuel delivery system

    Airmen here are testing a new fuel delivery system that officials say could revolutionize flightline operations and save the Air Force millions of dollars.The new Hydrant Mobile Refueler has been in development for roughly a year and a half, and it could be implemented throughout the Air Force in

  • Bagram Airfield service members honor Air Force hero

    Men and women from every military service dedicated their day to honoring one of the Air Force's fallen heroes here March 4. The 455th Air Expeditionary Wing hosted a ruck march, remembrance ceremony and celebratory barbecue to honor the 10th anniversary of pararescueman Senior Airman Jason

  • Eglin AFB conducts first F-35 launch

    No matter what uniform they wear, service members of the 33rd Fighter Wing know the launch of the first F-35 Lightning II flight here March 6 is a small step into the next half century of air dominance.Morale was high even though the sortie was abbreviated by the pilot's determination of "in flight

  • Loftis remembered: 'Afghanistan lost its best friend'

    A funeral service was held here Monday for Lt. Col. John Darin Loftis, who died Feb. 25 from wounds received during an attack at the Interior Ministry, Kabul, Afghanistan.The solemn service was attended by approximately 250 of Loftis's family, friends and Airmen from across the Air Force. Among his

  • Maintainer plies his trade in Afghanistan

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)The anatomy of an aircraft system contains miles of wire, thousands of sensors, hundreds of dials, indicators and many switches.Like a

  • Air Force invests in robust Spice testing

    The Air Force is currently conducting urinalysis testing for Spice chemicals through a civilian laboratory and will field an in-house urinalysis testing capability for Spice in mid-March.Spice is a name brand and also a generic term for a large family of chemically unrelated "synthetic cannabinoids"

  • High year of tenure change continues to affect assignments

    The January return to pre-2003 enlisted high year of tenure rates continues to impact assignments, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced today.High year of tenure is the maximum number of years enlisted Airmen in each grade may remain on active duty. In 2003, HYT was adjusted upward to

  • AF officials announce manpower force structure changes

    Air Force officials released force structure changes and resulting manpower impacts from the new DoD strategic guidance and fiscal 2013 President's Budget Mar. 6.The fiscal 2013 President's Budget adjusts Air Force military end strength to 501,000, with net reductions of 3,900 Active Duty, 5,100 Air

  • VCSAF discusses benefits, uniforms, F-35 while at Luke

    The Air Force's vice chief of staff addressed a packed house during an Airmen's Call here March 2.Gen. Phil Breedlove, who visited Luke AFB for two days, covered a variety of issues during the all-call, to include military benefits, the F-35 Lightning II, and uniform policy.Breedlove began by

  • Deployed Airmen earn cavalry gold spurs

    Three Airmen from the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron displayed the true spirit of joint service partnership when they completed an Army tradition called a Spur Ride and successfully joined the Order of the Spur at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, February 21, 2012.The Order of the Spur is

  • AF expands drug testing to include abused prescription drugs

    The Air Force and other military services will expand their drug testing to include testing for commonly abused prescription drugs beginning May 1, 2012.On Jan. 31, 2012, the Secretary of Defense gave a 90-day advance notice of the drug testing expansion which aims to counter the nation's growing

  • Visionary receives namesake award for women's leadership

    The Air Force announced the creation of the Brig. Gen. Wilma Vaught Visionary Leadership Award to honor the accomplishments of female Airmen as a part of the 2012 Joint Women's Leadership Symposium here March 5. Lt. Gen. Janet Wolfenbarger, military deputy of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of

  • AF officials release video tutorial to educate civilians about AFPERS

    Air Force officials have created a video tutorial, or vodcast, to educate civil service employees, supervisors and human resources specialists about the information and resources available to civilians on the Air Force Personnel Services, or AFPERS, website.The five-minute vodcast teaches civilians

  • U.S./ROK forces show off air power

    Not even the sun had a chance to rise before Airmen here began their work during a combined combat generation exercise, March 2, between United States and Republic of Korea air forces."The purpose of the exercise today is to test the ability of our team to execute our combat mission at a moment's

  • ANG combat comm squadron redesignated civil engineering unit

    A combat communications squadron that began the Air National Guard's presence in the U.S. Virgin Islands more than 32 years ago has transformed itself once again during a ceremony March 3.The 285th Combat Communications Squadron, activated in 1980 to provide communications support to the U.S. Virgin

  • AF selects 1,700 for senior master sergeant

    More than 1,700 master sergeants were selected for promotion to senior master sergeant, Air Force Personnel Center officials said today. Selectees will be notified this week and the selection list will be released March 8 at 8 a.m. Central Standard Time. The list will also be posted on the AFPC

  • Former TACP funds 332nd AEW mission

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)After serving four years as a tactical air control party journeyman, a senior airman decided to trade in his stripes for a golden bar.

  • AF rock band's new video focuses on special tactics Airmen

    Max Impact, the premier rock band of the United States Air Force, is thrilled to release a new video featuring their original song "Send Me." Produced with the assistance from Air Force Television, the video integrates footage of the amazing Airmen from Air Force Special Operations Command. A

  • COMUSAFE presents medal of distinction to German doctor

    Gen. Mark Welsh, U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, presented the USAFE Medal of Distinction to a German doctor during an emotional ceremony at USAFE headquarters here March 2, 2012.Professor Dr. Kai Zacharowski was honored for his role in saving the lives of two USAFE Airmen who were critically

  • Global Strike commander: Nuclear deterrence fundamental to national security

    The commander of Air Force Global Strike Command visited here recently to discuss the command's mission and its significance to Air Force operations. Lt. Gen. Jim Kowalski spoke to students from the Air War College, School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, and Air Command and Staff College.AFGSC's