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  • Airmen plan peer-to-peer engagements to prevent mishaps

    Members of the 2012 Airman-to-Airman Safety Advisory Council convened Feb. 14-16 at the Air Force Safety Center to plan communication strategies to share the consequences of their experiences and help others avoid repeating the same mistakes. A2A began in 2010 and gives young Airmen the opportunity

  • Air Force Museum offers virtual tour

    The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Virtual Tour is now fully embedded with audio and video hotspots, and touch-screen devices, offering online visitors the opportunity to experience the entire museum.Located at www.nmusafvirtualtour.com, the final two areas to be embedded -- the Cold War

  • Multinational team upgrades Afghan base security

    A multinational joint team of U.S. and Italian airmen and soldiers partnered to execute a special equipment transfer from Shindand Air Base, Afghanistan, to the small forward operating base of Buji, Afghanistan, Feb. 6-8, 2012.Airmen from the 838th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group, Soldiers from

  • Andersen AFB concludes Asia-Pacific SMEE

    As part of U.S. Pacific Command's Theater Security Cooperation Program, a multilateral subject-matter expert exchange co-hosted by senior civil engineer and security forces personnel from Headquarters 13th Air Force concluded here Feb. 23.The exchange, called Pacific Unity and Pacific Defender,

  • 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.

  • White House honors Iraq veterans during dinner

    President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama hosted a White House tribute to Iraq War veterans and their families last night to honor them for their service, sacrifice and commitment to the nation.Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, and Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta,

  • AF leaders: FY 13 budget maintains quality, ready force

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz met with members of the House Armed Services Committee here Feb. 28 to discuss key components of the service's fiscal 2013 budget request."The budget request represents the culmination of many hard decisions

  • Schwartz: Smaller Air Force will concentrate on key capabilities

    As the Air Force gets smaller in the years to come, it will have to emphasize the areas that will be the most relevant to defense, the Air Force chief of staff said here today.Gen. Norton A. Schwartz told the Defense Writers Group that as budgets drop, the Air Force must concentrate on four basic

  • Ohio Airmen help F-16 go 'green'

    In a joint effort by Airmen from the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and Airmen from the Ohio Air National Guard's 180th Fighter Wing, the F-16 Fight Falcon is currently undergoing a field service evaluation of biofuel.As the largest consumer of energy in the

  • Airman lives his American dream

    (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 60th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels flight commander here is in the process of accomplishing his own definition of "the American

  • Air Force announces OTS selection board results

    An unprecedented 100 percent of enlisted active-duty members who applied for Officer Training School were accepted by the OTS Rated Selection Board 12OT01, officials here announced today. A total of 215 men and women, including 30 enlisted active duty members, from across America have earned an

  • Air Force firefighter saves police officer's life

    A firefighter from Holloman Air Force Base saved the life of a San Antonio police officer Feb. 19 while on leave visiting his family.For Staff Sgt. Lionel Garcia, who works with the 49th Civil Engineer Squadron here, putting out building, aircraft, automobile or brush fires is just another day in

  • AETC commander: Air Force staying ahead of learning curve

    The commander of Air Education and Training Command spoke about the future of Air Force learning at the Air Force Association's 2012 Air Warfare Symposium here Feb. 23.Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr. addressed Airmen and defense industry professionals on the Air Force's need to continue to adapt how the Air

  • Tuskegee nurse first African-American in Army Nurse Corps

    An operating room nurse in North Carolina during the early days of World War II would become the first African-American nurse commissioned as a lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps and the first nurse to become part of the famed Tuskegee Airmen.Della H. Rainey was born in Suffolk, Virginia, on January

  • CMSAF Roy: Developing Airmen key to future success

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy emphasized the evolution of training Airmen before a crowd of approximately 400 Airmen, industry officials and Air Force Association members here Feb. 24.Roy, who spoke on the second day of the Air Force Association's 2012 Air Warfare Symposium and

  • Defending the base: Watch Towers

    Simple in focus and repetitive in duties, several missions at Bagram Airfield are woven into the day-to-day operation of the base in such a way that most people may see or hear of them once and then not interact with them the rest of their deployment. These are the missions where Airmen perform the

  • US, Kyrgyz share emergency response techniques

    Emergency responders from the Kyrgyz Ministries of Emergency Services, Interior and Defense exchanged information on explosive ordnance disposal and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosives response with U.S. service members Feb. 22 here."By bringing the Kyrgyz Ministry

  • Longest serving Airman also longest serving African-American in DoD

    The Air Force's longest serving Airman, who retired this past January after nearly 47 years of service, is also the longest serving African-American service member within the Department of Defense.Maj. Gen. Alfred K. Flowers recently retired from the Pentagon where he served as the Deputy Assistant

  • Technology advances defense, protects F.E. Warren AFB Airmen

    Members of the 90th Missile Wing added another weapon to their arsenal to enhance their robust deterrence mission Feb. 17 here. The Remote Targeting Engagement System is made up of several parts, including six separate M-240 machine guns, controlled remotely from command consoles. The weapons are

  • AF firefighter saves police officer's life

    Staff Sgt. Lionel Garcia, a 49th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, saved the life of a San Antonio police officer Feb. 19, while on leave visiting his family.For Garcia, putting out building, aircraft, automobile or brush fires is just another day in the office; but thanks to his firefighter

  • SecAF: Air Force must continue to modernize

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley highlighted the service's need to continue future modernization plans during remarks to approximately 400 Airmen, industry officials and Air Force Association members Feb. 24 here.Donley spoke on the second day of the Air Force Association's 2012 Air Warfare

  • Vandenberg AFB Airman appears on sitcom

    One Airman's journey from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., to cameo appearance on a primetime situation comedy Feb. 22 was an enviable experience by most struggling actors' standards.Airman 1st Class Marcus McGinnis just couldn't resist taking a couple of photos as he waited in line with about 400

  • Singapore air and trade show wraps up

    Approximately 69 Sailors, Airmen and Department of Defense personnel from across the Pacific represented U.S. military forces at the largest air show in Asia here Feb. 14-19.As one of the top three aerospace and defense exhibitions in the world, the biennial Singapore Airshow 2012 drew thousands of

  • MacDill helps reunite Spanish government, lost gold

    Two Spanish Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft left here Feb. 24 after being loaded with approximately 17 metric tons, or approximately $500 million, of Spanish gold.The two aircraft were dispatched by the Spanish Government to retrieve Spanish coins that were lost at sea in the 19th century.The gold

  • CSAF stresses importance of ready future force

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz emphasized the service's need for a strong total force ready for the future during remarks to Airmen and defense industry officials here Feb. 23.Schwartz was the first speaker at the Air Force Association's 2012 Air Warfare Symposium and Technology

  • Photographer sees war first hand

    During her deployment with a provincial reconstruction team in Afghanistan in 2010, Senior Airman Chanise Epps proved that a simple hand-held camera can be just as effective in war as the high-tech U-2 imagery she normally worked with back home."I think photography is important, because without

  • 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.

  • Shared love of aviation unites U.S., Russian airmen

    At most airshows in the U.S., it isn't uncommon for aircrew to get the occasional odd request. However, at the 2012 Singapore Airshow here Feb. 15, the Airmen of an E-3 Sentry crew said they were a bit intimidated when, without warning, the commander-in-chief of the Russian Air Force asked to board

  • Industry leaders briefed on ISR future

    Lt. Gen. Larry James, Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, briefed industry leaders about the service's ISR future during the Aviation Week Defense Technology, Affordability and Requirement Conference here, Feb. 15. The Air Force provides distinctive

  • Air Force names top fighter squadron

    On Feb. 16, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz announced that Kadena's 67th Fighter Squadron earned the Raytheon Trophy for 2011.The annual award, originally started by the Hughes Aircraft Company in 1953, is now sponsored by Raytheon Systems Corporation and is given to the top air

  • Air Force works to update disability hiring records

    Disability hiring initiatives are ongoing as federal agencies work to meet the president's challenge to hire 100,000 people with disabilities over the next five years.The Air Force has a long history of supporting such initiatives, but official records may not illustrate that, Air Force Personnel

  • Pentagon: No enemy involvement in U-28 crash in Djibouti

    Four Air Force special operators were killed Feb. 18 when their single-engine U-28 aircraft crashed in Djibouti on the Horn of Africa, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said Feb. 21."This is obviously a tragic incident," Little said about the accident, which occurred at the Djibouti-Ambouli

  • EMT 'rodeo' sharpens emergency response skills

    Being deployed overseas can sometimes be challenging for an emergency medical technician, especially since there could be situations that one wouldn't normally see on city streets in the U.S.This is why the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group developed the EMT Rodeo, which creates various challenges

  • Air advisors, Honduran Air Force develop ATC curriculum

    The 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron and Honduran Air Force partnered together recently in developing an air traffic control technical curriculum for the Honduran Air Force air traffic controllers. The 571st MSAS air advisors, part of the 615th Contingency Response Wing based out of Travis

  • CSAF honors Lakenheath Airmen

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz recognized five 48th Fighter Wing Airmen during a medal ceremony here Feb. 10 for distinguishing themselves through acts of courage.Before family and friends gathered in the Strike Eagle Complex, Schwartz presented Airman's Medals to Senior Master Sgt.

  • DOD seeks leadership program candidates

    Department of Defense officials are seeking active duty Air Force majors and major-selects to apply for the academic year 2012-2013 Executive Leadership Development Program, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.Although civilians are also eligible for the program, the call for nominations

  • Laughlin Airman controls Air Force's busiest airfield

    (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.)Like most other young boys, Staff Sgt. John Hammer dreamed of growing up and being a professional football star. Instead, the

  • German defense minister visits Holloman AFB

    Dr. Thomas de Maiziére, Germany's Federal Minister of Defense, visited here Feb. 15 during his trip to the U.S.De Maiziére came to the U.S. to visit the German Air Force Flying Training Center here and tour other German units stationed here in the U.S."It's a pleasure and honor to be here," de

  • Four Hurlburt Field Airmen die in U-28A crash in Djibouti

    Capt Ryan P. Hall from the 319th Special Operations Squadron, Capt Nicholas S. Whitlock and 1st Lt Justin J. Wilkens from the 34th Special Operations Squadron and Senior Airman Julian S. Scholten from the 25th Intelligence Squadron died Feb. 18 when their U-28A was involved in an accident near Camp

  • Kyrgyz, American women discuss career, life goals during cultural exchange

    Kyrgyz and American citizens gathered for a Women's Club meeting Feb. 17, at Bayalinov Children's Library in Bishkek.The Women's Club is part of the U.S. Embassy-sponsored American Corner program. Every week, the group meets to discuss various topics including marriage, children, career goals and

  • Daniel James III makes own mark in Air Force history

    The son of the Air Force's first African-American four-star general made a mark in his own right during an Air Force career spanning close to four decades.Lt. Gen. Daniel James III was born in Tuskegee, Alabama, on Sept. 7, 1945. He earned his commission as a distinguished graduate of the University

  • Airmen put response skills to the test

    Seven Airmen from the 898th Munitions Squadron witnessed a car crash, recently, on Interstate 40 near Amarillo, Texas, and put their self-aid and buddy care training to the test.They were returning from an assignment at the Pantex Plant near Amarillo when they saw a car lose control and get clipped

  • Tuskegee Airman broke color barriers through civil disobedience

    Not only was Oliver Goodall an accomplished Tuskegee Airman, but the World War II B-25 pilot is said to have helped lead the rally cry during the Freeman Field Mutiny, a 1945 incident considered a first step toward the official desegregation of all U.S. forces worldwide in June 1949.Goodall was

  • CSAF visits JB Elmendorf Airmen

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and his wife Suzie visited Airmen here during a visit to Alaska Feb. 15 through 18. During the second day of his visit, the general, along with the 11th Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Stephen Hoog and 673rd Air Base Wing Commander Col. Robert Evans, hosted

  • SecDef praises Global Strike Airmen

    The nation's top military advisor visited Barksdale Air Force Base, Feb. 17, getting a first-hand look at the Air Force's strategic deterrence capabilities.With more than 300 people in attendance, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta began his visit with a town-hall meeting, stressing the importance of

  • Nurse faced hurdles for military acceptance

    Retired Army Maj. Nancy C. Leftenant-Colon, the first black nurse in the Reserve or active-duty Army nurse corps, didn't expect it to be easy.As a Reservist, she knew upon joining the U.S. Army in 1945 that there would be hurdles, but her strength in the face of adversity created avenues for

  • CMSAF testifies before Congress

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy testified at the House Appropriations Committee's Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee Quality of Life hearing Feb. 16. He discussed topics that included wounded warrior care and building resiliency in Airmen. "We must ensure our Airmen

  • New IAAFA airfield facility consolidates aviation training

    Senior Air Force and Inter-American Air Forces Academy leaders, along with representatives from six Latin America partner nations, opened the new IAAFA Airfield Training Complex here in a ceremony Feb. 9.The new $19-million training complex combines all IAAFA aviation maintenance courses in one

  • Air Force boxers take 3 medals at Armed Forces Championships

    No more motivation is needed for Air Force boxing heavyweight Kent Brinson when it comes to preparing for the upcoming 2012 USA National Boxing Championships Feb. 27 through March 3 in his backyard of Fort Carson, Colo.Brinson, a senior airman stationed at Fort Carson, won the gold medal in his

  • Basic training campus nears completion

    The first of the new Air Force Basic Military Training housing campus projects are scheduled to be completed this summer, said U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials. Daniel Olivas, the resident engineer for the corps, which is the project administrator, said Airman Training Complex No. 1 and

  • President recommends $5.062 billion for AF Reserve in fiscal 2013

    Under the Fiscal 2013 President's Budget Request announced Feb. 13, Air Force Reserve Command is slated to receive an annual operating budget of $5.062 billion starting in October.The fiscal 2013 budget includes $1.885 billion for military personnel, $3.166 billion for operations and maintenance to

  • Senior enlisted leaders cite troops' top concerns

    The senior enlisted advisors for the four military services met on Capitol Hill Feb. 16 to discuss with lawmakers the top issues on service members' minds.It turns out that for many, it's the same as what's on lawmakers' minds: the budget."I was asked questions, beginning in April, all the way to

  • Deployed maintainers keep F-16s flying

    The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft. Highly maneuverable, F-16s have proven to be very effective in both air-to-air and air-to-surface combat. To keep these critical air-power assets mission ready, the technicians of the 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance

  • Andersen Airmen recognized for life-saving actions

    A 36th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal apprentice was awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal here Feb. 16 for his precise execution of life saving skills under the most unexpected of circumstances. Airman 1st Class Cody Frediani used CPR training to help save the life of a

  • AFCENT band plays first-ever rock concert at Abu Dhabi university

    Emirati college kids love James Brown.Members of the U.S. Air Forces Central Band, Afterburner, discovered this firsthand Feb. 16 as they played at Zayed University here for almost 300 students on campus. The performance marked several firsts: the first rock band to visit the school, the first time

  • 455th ESFS Reapers push out insurgents, keep Bagram safe

    Most service members deployed to Afghanistan have heard the alarm blare over the giant voice system that signals incoming indirect fire to the base. While most people do their best to stay safe by taking cover and waiting for the "all clear," the Reapers gear up and head outside the wire in search

  • AFAF names winners of video contest

    Air Force Assistance Fund officials named the AFAF 2012 fundraising campaign online video contest winners Feb. 15.The video contest was designed to motivate Airmen and their families to learn more about the annual AFAF campaign and the four AFAF affiliate charities -- Air Force Villages, Air Force

  • Mobile Web app makes personnel accountability easier

    Software developers have created a new mobile Web application that allows total force Airmen the ability to account for themselves and family members from their smartphone during a crisis or natural disaster.During a crisis, the Air Force uses the Air Force Personnel Accountability and Assessment

  • 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.

  • U.S., Canadian forces participate in airborne exercise

    U.S. and Canadian service members conducted Joint Operations Access Exercise 12-01 here Feb. 10-13.Airmen with the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing joined forces with airborne units from the Army's 82nd Airborne Division and Canada's Company M, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Royal Canadian Regiment for the

  • Deployed Airman watches wife's commissioning 8,000+ miles away

    One Air Force couple put modern technology to work to help keep military tradition alive during a ceremony earlier this month.Shortly after being commissioned as a second lieutenant on Feb. 2, Donna Tluczek received her first salute from her husband, Tech. Sgt. Pawel Tluczek.But because he's

  • Airlift squadron celebrates 70 years

    "As a modern-day squadron, we stand on the shoulders of giants; of the people who came before us," said 1st Lt. Brett Polage, 37th Airlift Squadron historian. "They have paved the way for us to be successful, so we now show our respect for them."The 37th Airlift Squadron was activated Feb. 14, 1942

  • Airman earns 'Miss Rodeo USA' title

    Staff Sgt. Trisha Smeenk, 114th Public Affairs, was selected as Miss Rodeo USA for 2012 in Oklahoma City, Okla. Jan. 15, 2012. She received the crown in conjunction with the International Finals Rodeo held there.Sgt. Smeenk is the first South Dakotan, and first National Guard airman, to receive the

  • Enrollment for free culture course ends Feb. 29

    Registration for the spring "Introduction to Culture" course, an online self-paced undergraduate course that helps enlisted Airmen improve their cross-cultural competence, ends Feb. 29. The course explores subjects such as elements of culture, family, gender, religion, belief systems, sports and

  • AF flight surgeon makes mark during historic space flight

    The American public remembers John Glenn for his solo orbit around Earth. They remember Neil Armstrong for his walk on the moon. But few remember how Col. (Dr.) Vance H. Marchbanks Jr., one of the first black flight surgeons in the Army and the first in the Air Force, made it possible for them and

  • Air Force club members win 'super' trip

    Four Air Force club members won a four-day trip to attend Super Bowl XLVI on Feb. 5 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.Winners were drawn from nearly 12,000 entries received from Air Force Clubs worldwide during the first 16 weeks of the annual Air Force Services Agency Football Frenzy promotion.

  • Phishing scams threat to network security

    Phishing scams attempt to fool you into visiting a bogus website to either download malware - viruses and other software intended to compromise your computer - or reveal sensitive personal information.For example, the scamming email might have an alarming subject line, such as "Problem with Your

  • CSAF visits RAF Lakenheath

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and his wife Suzie helped honor the 48th Fighter Wing's annual award winners and nominees during a ceremony here Feb. 11.Those recognized as the Liberty Wing's 2011 Annual Award winners were:- Maj. Andrew Garcia, Field Grade Officer of the Year- Capt.

  • Tuskegee Airman one of first 'top guns'

    When most of us think about "Top Gun," we usually associate it with Tom Cruise's character during the '80s movie showcasing the Navy's F-14 Tomcat exploits and over-the-top maneuvers.But in reality, it was a Tuskegee Airmen who took part and won the military's first "Top Gun" style competition. Born

  • Cope North 2012 combines forces, efforts

    Joint operations kicked off between the U.S. Air Force, the Japan Air Self Defense Force and the Royal Australian Air Force as the first day of exercise Cope North 2012 began here Feb. 13. Whether it was the JASDF's F-2s flying alongside the RAAF's F-18s, or RAAF troops joining 36th Contingency

  • Air Force kicks off ESOH Symposium

    The Air Force kicked off its 20th annual Environment, Safety and Occupational Health Symposium at the Colorado Convention Center here Feb. 13.The largest military training event of its kind features 525 course offerings for more than 1,200 attendees and runs through Feb. 17. Air Force senior leaders

  • Mildenhall Airmen honored during CSAF visit

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz helped honor Team Mildenhall's annual award winners during a banquet here Feb. 10.Those recognized as the Team Mildenhall 2011 Annual Award winners were:- Capt. Nathaniel Smith, Company Grade Officer of the Year- Senior Master Sgt. Emilio Hernandez,

  • User-friendly USAF Song recordings ready for use

    New recordings of the U.S. Air Force Song are available for use in official military ceremonies at the Air Force Portal and www.music.af.mil.  The new recordings, one with vocals and one instrumental-only, respect the original character, lyrics and melody of the song, but are designed to promote

  • AF 2013 budget: Cuts while keeping agile, flexible, ready force

    The Air Force released its fiscal 2013 budget Feb. 13 and stressed the need for difficult budgetary cuts to meet the new defense strategy while maintaining the service's agility, flexibility and readiness.The Air Force is requesting $154.3 billion in the president's 2013 budget, a reduction of five

  • 35 Airmen selected for 2012 Tops in Blue tour

    Air Force Services Agency officials here recently announced the names of 35 Airmen selected for the 2012 Tops in Blue tour. In January, more than 80 Airmen competed as singers, dancers, musicians, magicians and technicians for Tops in Blue slots during the annual Air Force Worldwide Talent Search at

  • Tuskegee Airman sees success as first AF four-star general

    One of the original Tuskegee Airmen went on to become the first African-American to attain the rank of four-star general in the U.S. Air Force.Born in Pensacola, Fla., in 1920, the youngest of 17 children in a relatively poor family, Gen. Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. had a career that spanned three

  • Air Force hosts collaborative Software Development Forum

    The Air Force Network Integration Center hosted the first Software Development Forum here Feb. 7.The forum brought together nearly 100 people from industry and the Air Force to discuss future software standards for integration onto the Air Force Network."We need to save time and money by

  • Aeromedical evac team aids freed hostages

    For Staff Sgt. Donald Ennis, a medical technician assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, the day started routinely enough. He walked outside his room to video chat with his wife and two daughters on his computer. During the conversation, he glanced up from the screen

  • Joint Women's Leadership Symposium to be held March 5-6

    Women from all branches of the armed forces will have the opportunity to learn leadership skills and network at the Joint Women's Leadership Symposium here March 5-6.The symposium, themed "United in Service -- Our Global Impact," will offer women the opportunity to focus on their leadership

  • Airman sentenced to life without parole in murder case

    An Airman here was sentenced to life without parole, reduction in rank to airman basic, forfeiture of all military pay and a dishonorable discharge after a two-week long sentencing hearing Feb. 9. On Jan. 30, Staff Sgt. Nicholas Cron pled guilty to premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit murder,

  • FTI continues to transform food delivery for Airmen

    The Air Force Food Transformation Initiative began at six pilot locations a little over a year ago, and the ground-breaking initiative continues to make progress in redefining how food is delivered to today's Airmen. In its first year, Airmen at the FTI pilot locations experienced revamped menu

  • 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.

  • Cope North kicks off at Andersen AB

    More than 1,000 military members from units spanning the Pacific are ready to kick off exercise Cope North 2012, which runs from Feb. 11 through 24. The trilateral, multinational exercise is designed to enhance air operations between the U.S. Air Force, the Japan Air Self Defense Force and the Royal

  • AF announces February enlisted supplemental promotions

    More than 235 Airmen have been selected for promotion to the next higher rank as part of the January enlisted supplemental promotion process. The enlisted supplemental promotion release announces those Airmen selected for promotion who tested outside of their required cycle due to an extended

  • Airmen provide dental care in Honduras

    Members of the Joint Medical Readiness Training Exercise provided medical services to more than 730 La Bacadia community members here recently, including more than 85 patients seen by the dental team.The Joint MEDRETE's dental members were responsible for dental assessment and tooth extraction

  • Airmen halt nighttime training to aid victims

    Combat-search-and-rescue Airmen from the 920th Rescue Wing here halted their nighttime training operations at a remote drop zone in Central Florida to transport accident victims to the hospital.Four people were injured, one seriously, when their airboat flipped on the St. John's River, approximately

  • AF announces test pilot school selections

    Sixty-plus Airmen are primary or alternate Air Force and Navy test pilot school selectees, while one has been selected to attend the Epner Test Pilot School in France, and another will attend the Empire Test Pilot School in England, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.Selectees,

  • Tuskegee Airman gives account of 'lucky' day

    Famed Yankees pitcher "Lefty Gomez" once remarked "I'd rather be lucky than good," but for one Tuskegee Airman, luck and good combined to make him one of the most successful combat pilots of World War II.During the summer of 1944, 2nd Lt. Clarence D. "Lucky" Lester was flying the P-51 Mustang over

  • 480th Intel Group wins Air Force language award

    The Air Force Senior Language Authority recently announced the 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group at Fort Gordon, Georgia as the Command Language Program of the Year awards recipient for 2011. "This group of Airmen has demonstrated excellence and discipline as language

  • Airmen ensure interoperability with partner nation

    Two Airmen from the Inter-American Air Forces Academy, out of Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, are currently deployed here in support of a month-long Building Partner Capacity mission.Tech. Sgt. Ruben Sigala and Staff Sgt. Heric Llerena, both instructors at the IAAFA, joined forces with Airmen from

  • Joint partnership brings equipment home

    Twenty-six Airmen from the 435th Contingency Response Group traveled to Romania in partnership with the 21st Theater Sustainment Command to re-deploy the 170 th Brigade Combat team's equipment from Afghanistan to their home unit in Baumholder, Germany.The operation took less than a month with the

  • Stripes to bars: Tips on how to get commissioned

    Airmen looking to trade in their stripes for a set of bars can take advantage of five different commissioning programs offered by the Air Force. According to Melanie Mendez, 31st Force Support Squadron education and training specialist, enlisted Airmen have an advantage when applying for

  • Tuskegee Airman a success in both military and business

    A former Tuskegee Airman went on to have a career in the Air Force, as well as success in the business world.Lee A. Archer joined the Army in 1941 with high hopes of becoming a pilot, but was initially denied because of his race. When the Army's policy changed about a year later, Archer was accepted

  • Jet engine mechanic wins language award

    Since 2002, the Air Force has awarded outstanding Airmen who possess superior foreign language skills and leveraged their capabilities to increase the Air Forces's mission effectiveness. Senior Airman Michael Abrash was recently selected as the Air Force Language Professional of the Year for

  • New fuels course graduates first class

    A new fuels training course developed by 364th Training Squadron members here officially started Jan. 23 and graduated its first students Feb. 3.The Fuels Operational Readiness Capability Equipment Course is designed to teach fuels specialists about new equipment currently being in deployed

  • CMSAF discusses current Air Force issues

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy discussed top Air Force issues with more than 100 military members at Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan, Feb. 1.Roy spoke about budget issues, resiliency and future capabilities of the Air Force.The chief said he attempts to visit the advisers

  • CMSAF stresses Airman resilience

    A soft light from Senior Airman Sarah Mattausch's mobile phone glowed in the darkness of her room before dawn on a Saturday, waking her up much earlier than expected. As she read the incoming text, Mattausch realized that her friend, her wingman, was in trouble. Mattausch's actions over the next few

  • Tuskegee Airman goes on to become first Air Force African-American general

    A man who was shunned because of his race during his four years at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., back in the early 1930s would go on to become the first African-American general in the U.S. Air Force.Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. was born in 1912 to Benjamin O. Davis, Sr., an Army officer

  • All-AF critical care, air evac team makes historic first flight

    The first all-Air Force Critical Care Air Transport and Aero-medical Evacuation Team to fly with the only fixed wing aircraft dedicated to the medical evacuation mission in Afghanistan completed its first successful mission Jan. 13 and continues saving lives. The CCAT/AE team flies with the 76th

  • Roy LaGrone immortalized Tuskegee Airmen through art

    "As soon as I got up there, I knew absolutely this is what I wanted to do," said Air Force pioneer Roy LaGrone of his journey from young passenger aboard a Ford Trimotor plane to original Tuskegee Airman pilot turned prolific artist.As one of many African Americans of his era fighting against the