CMSAF outlines Air Force priorities to Dover Airmen

The chief master sergeant of the Air Force outlined the Air Force's primary concerns Feb. 11 to Dover Air Force Base Airmen. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley told base Airmen that the service's top-three priorities are winning the war on terrorism, taking care of Airmen and

Officials broaden AFSO 21 scope for Mildenhall mission

Royal Air Force Mildenhall Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century facilitators currently are broadening the spectrum of improvements to encompass the entire 100th Air Refueling Wing mission in 2008. Base process improvements in 2007 focused mainly on operations and maintenance, resulting in

CCAF officials appoint chief as first enlisted vice commandant

The Community College of the Air Force here recently appointed an Air National Guard chief master sergeant as its first enlisted vice commandant since the school's creation more than 35 years ago. Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Thornell is the first enlisted Airman to serve in the position historically

'Today's Air Force' features airlift, medical training

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the Air Force's state-of-the-art technology for both air and ground operations. Also featured is a segment on cargo airlift in Southwest Asia. Airmen deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan deliver supplies to dangerous locations and, at the same time,

'Live Round,' helps bring gifts; music to school for the deaf

Airmen from the U.S. Central Command Air Forces Band "Live Round" found themselves in front of an unlikely audience Feb. 13, when they visited Bishkek's Boarding School for the Deaf. The visit was part of the band's outreach efforts during their eight-day trip to Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan. Band

Firefighter first U.S. Airman to attend RAF leadership training

A firefighter here began the Royal Air Force Airmen's Command Squadron, the equivalent of the NCO Academy, Feb. 12 at RAF Halton, England. Tech. Sgt. Josh Trundle, the RAF Mildenhall fire department assistant NCO in charge of training and safety, joined RAF airmen in training topics ranging from

Multiservice team provides presidential support in Africa

A team of Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines are currently arriving and working in Africa to provide support for a series of country visits by President George Bush. The servicemembers are providing an array of mobile support functions for the president's five-nation visit to the

Civilians add stability during emergencies

Airmen here are fighting the base during this week's local operational readiness exercise Beverly High 08-04 and a special group of civilians is right alongside them contributing to the mission. These civilians, categorized as "emergency essential," stay with military forces even if a non-combatant

Bacteria research could protect Airmen from radiation

An Air Force Office of Scientific Research-funded scientist has identified manganese complexes in the bacterium Deinococcus radioduran that resists the damaging effects of radiation. The goal of the research is to investigate biomaterials that offer protection to Airmen from various environmental

Airmen bring romance and roses to Air Force Enlisted Village

The champagne fountain gurgled and the dress uniform buttons gleamed in the candlelight at a very special Valentine's Day event Feb. 9.  Airmen from nearby Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field were visiting the Air Force Enlisted Village to honor and escort the residents of Hawthorn House, the

Incoming top chaplain speaks about trust

The Air Force's next chief of chaplains spoke about the importance of trusting in God, and the effect it has had on America and his life during the Feb. 12 Bolling Air Force Base annual prayer breakfast. "Trust is critical to our faith, crucial to our prayers and central to who we are as Americans,"

Airmen's January reenlistment bonuses now retroactive

All eligible Airmen in Air Force specialty codes with a selective reenlistment bonus or those with a critical skills retention bonus who reenlisted Jan. 1 or later are authorized retroactive payment effective immediately, Air Force officials here announced recently. The 2008 National Defense

Airmen help shape tomorrow's Iraq

Airmen from the 887th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron delivered dozens of supplies and athletic equipment Feb. 6 to Safwan school students located near Umm Qasr, Iraq.The Airmen deployed from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., brought the donations as part of an area-wide effort around Camp Bucca by

Texas schools send Valentines to Southwest Asia Airmen

Airmen, Marines seek to synchronize in sky over Iraq

Leadership from the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing and the 3rd Marine Air Wing-Forward met here Feb. 10 and 11 to raise joint air traffic control and airspace utilization in central Iraq to new levels of safety and effectiveness. During the conference, the military services discussed ways to increase

Keeping canine protectors safe

The protective gas mask used in local operational response exercises is very effective in a chemical environment for most Airmen throughout the Air Force, but its design leaves some unprotected. One group at the 18th Security Forces Squadron here is preparing to handle the possibility of chemical

Female Airman from Bronx drives convoys in Afghanistan

Regardless of what job an Airman may have, being an Airman comes first. And, as a member of the most elite Air Force in history, today's Airman often gets the same news that Senior Airman Vanessa Velez received when she was first notified of her 365-day deployment. He or she is being deployed."I was

Air Force Aid Society provides alternative to pay-day loans

Air Force Aid Society officials are pleased to announce the new Falcon Loan program available to Air Force members beginning March 3.  A Falcon Loan is an interest-free loan of $500 or less that can be used for emergency needs such as basic living expenses -- rent, utilities and food -- car repairs,

Airman's Roll Call highlights professional relationships

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on effects of professional military relationships have on Airmen and what they can do to keep those relationships professional. Professional relationships are described as personal interaction that adds to morale, discipline and respect for authority. Open

Top Japanese airlift commander visits CAOC

A top leader from the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force visited the Combined Air and Space Operations Center here Feb. 9. Col. Chiyohiro Akamine, the commander of the Iraq Reconstruction Support Airlift Wing, met with senior leaders at the operations center to discuss Japan's involvement in coalition

Nurse commissioning program seeks enlisted applicants

Officials at the Air Force Personnel Center here will conduct the annual Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program board May 13-14 to select candidates for fall 2008 and spring 2009 start dates. The program offers active duty enlisted personnel the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree in a high-need

Airmen provide relief to China, test new initiative

Kadena Airmen loaded more than 225,000 pounds of food, medicine and cold weather supplies onboard Pacific Air Forces aircraft here Feb. 8 as part of a humanitarian mission to China. U.S. Pacific Command coordinated delivery of the humanitarian supplies to the People's Liberation Army at Shanghai

Air Force conducts nuclear policy and procedures review

The Air Force's Blue Ribbon Review of its nuclear weapons policies and procedures has found that its nuclear mission is sound but needs strengthening. "The review provided the Air Force an opportunity to improve its commitment to a sound nuclear enterprise," said Maj. Gen. Polly Peyer, chair of the

Airmen perform unique mission in Iraq

While the spiraled rows of concertina wire, countless watch towers, and endless miles of fencing resemble that of detention facilities throughout the world, for the more than 600 Airmen deployed to the Theater Internment Facility at Camp Bucca, Iraq, the mission is unlike anything they've ever done.

Pacific Lifeline tests humanitarian relief concept

More than 900 Department of Defense members took part in two weeks of instruction and practical application as part of Pacific Lifeline 2008, which ceased field training exercises Feb. 7 in Hawaii. A total force exercise staged from three locations within the Hawaiian Islands, Pacific Lifeline

Air Force team aids Afghan police with UXO disposal

Airmen from the explosive ordnance disposal, 755th Air Expeditionary Group, assisted Kohistan II district Afghanistan National Police with unexploded ordnance disposal Feb. 2. "The police chief requested our assistance with removing the UXOs during our last visit," said Tech. Sgt. Francis Warren,

'Today's Air Force' features Airmen maintainers

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights an explosive ordnance disposal squadron in Afghanistan. Also, the U.S. Air Force is known for its air power, but making its presence felt all over the world takes a toll on the aircraft. Watch how a team of Airmen on the ground keep B-1B Lancers

Airmen take Soldiers to the battlefield

Airmen support Pro Bowl

Enlisted member, dependent children scholarships available

The Air Force Sergeants Association, Airmen Memorial Foundation and the Chief Master Sergeants of the Air Force join together annually to conduct a scholarship program to financially assist the undergraduate studies of eligible dependent children of Air Force active duty, Air National Guard and Air

Keep OPSEC in mind, even online

In today's highly technological world, the fast-paced sharing of information can be considered friend or foe to those in the Air Force. There are several public Web sites which offer individuals free membership to create personalized Web pages. Two of the most popular social-networking sites are

CMSAF testifies on quality of life

The chief master sergeant of the Air Force, along with the senior-ranking enlisted members from each branch of service, testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs about quality of life issues in the Air Force Feb. 7 at the Capitol. "Quality

Kunsan Airmen teach English to South Korean cadets

Kunsan Air Base Airmen volunteered to teach English to South Korean army cadets Jan. 31 at the South Korean Army NCO Academy. South Korean army officials added English as part of the cadet' s curriculum and asked 8th Fighter Wing officials if they would volunteer; Team 5/6, a group of staff and

New USAFE commander explains road ahead

Hundreds of Royal Air Force Lakenheath Airmen gathered to welcome the new U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander Feb. 1 here. Gen. Roger A. Brady gave Airmen a thumbnail view of how USAFE and RAF Lakenheath fit into the Air Force mission and discussed the three USAFE priorities: Winning today, building

Senior Air Force leaders meet at Programming Summit

On Feb. 4, the eve of the President's Budget Rollout for Fiscal 2009, Gen. T. Michael Moseley, chief of staff of the Air Force, called together key Air Force leaders to develop a flight plan that funds our future -- guaranteeing Air Force dominance in air, space and cyberspace. "We have articulated

Secretary Wynne reflects on recent CENTCOM visit

In the latest Letter to Airmen, the secretary of the Air Force reflects on his recent visit to the Central Command area of responsibility and his impressions of dedicated Air Force people serving in deployed locations. "I am truly humbled by their warrior spirit and dedication to mission readiness

Virtual MPF adds new self-service program for assignments

A new self-service assignments application launching Feb. 19 will eliminate a visit to the military personnel flight/element, saving Airmen both time and effort as part of the continuing initiatives of the Air Force's Personnel Services Delivery Transformation. Using the Expanded Permissive

Airmen build mobile medical facilty

Air Force members, primarily from the 3rd Medical Group, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, built a fully functional hospital in a barren field in just 11 hours Jan. 29.The Airmen were taking part in the Pacific Air Forces first-ever total force humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise,

Chief's strategy white paper unveiled

"Transformation is an enduring part of our culture as Airmen," said Gen. T. Michael Moseley, Air Force chief of staff.  "We are forever looking for an edge to strengthen our ability to deliver combat power for the nation." General Moseley spoke to members of Air University's professional military

Lunar New Year event strengthens ties, cultural awareness

Members of the South Korea air force's 38th Fighter Group hosted Airmen from the 8th Fighter Wing for a Korean Lunar New Year celebration Feb. 5 here. Airmen from the 38th FG hosted a variety of events to include a traditional bowing ceremony, food and games. The Korean Lunar New Year or "Seollal,"

SECAF declares new complex officially open

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne took part in the grand-opening ceremony Feb. 5 of the Blatchford-Preston Complex, a $106.9 million construction project including improved recreational facilities and the bases' first permanent dormitories, in Southwest Asia. Opening the Blatchford-Preston

Air Force working to build cyber warrior career fields

Ever since the Air Force deemed cyberspace a warfighting domain, it's been busy preparing for a new command that will have the right technology, systems and resources required to fight in this realm. The Air Force Cyber Command, which is in a provisional status until this fall, is also working to

Three generations honor, remember the 'Forgotten War'

Imagine being surrounded by enemy forces and having orders to retreat through a foreign land, fighting through the mountainous terrain in frigid temperatures for 78 miles, with little or no food, water and supplies. Many Korean War veterans experienced this and more in what has become known as the

Active duty, Guard, Reserve: One awesome force

The Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. T. Michael Moseley, recently said, "You can't look at an Airman and tell if he or she is active, Guard or Reserve. We all wear the same uniform, do the same jobs and help make this Air Force the best in the world." Nowhere is that more appropriate than here,

Airman's Roll Call focuses on personal finances

This week's Airman's Roll Call highlights ways Airman can improve their personal financial management. Supervisors can direct struggling enlisted servicemembers to various organizations on the base to counsel Airmen on how to control spiraling debt.  Every base has beginner financial management

Manas NCO donates art to fund surgeries for needy children

Where most just see trash, Tech. Sgt. Robert Sommers sees possibility. On any given day, the 376th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron operations management NCO in charge can be found sorting through leftover wood scraps in his shop, which he paints on his off-duty time. The artworks he creates

Threatening dust storms can't stop the mighty Herc

The C-130 Hercules touched down on an unremarkable stretch of dirt in central Africa Jan. 28. Less than four minutes later the aircraft was accelerating and airborne, climbing away from the landing zone and setting a southeasterly course toward civilization. The mission was over for the C-130 crew

Air Force Honor Guard holds annual training at Maxwell

Maxwell Air Force Base is now the new home for annual training of the Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team. The team spent the past month learning its 2008 routine here. The team is a branch of the Air Force Honor Guard based out of Bolling Air Force Base, D.C. For the past 12 years, the group learned

Texas team teaches expeditionary medical techniques in Hawaii

The Republic of Moku is a fictitious Pacific island chain, but during exercise Pacific Lifeline it is home to real-world training as more than 90 medical Airmen assigned to Pacific Air Forces practice how to deploy and provide critical services following a natural disaster. Assisting them is a

Deployed AWACS aircrews overcome unique challenge

E-3 Sentry aircrews deployed here in support of Exercise Cope Tiger 2008 performed a quick turnaround and still completed a mission on time Feb. 3. A rare challenge, the E-3 was flying a mission during the exercise's large force employment  when a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refueling

Service still seeking special compensation claimants

The approval rate of claims for Combat-Related Special Compensation is currently running 66 percent, but one-third of the eligible retirees still have not applied for the program. Air Force Personnel Center officials expected an increase in claims when the benefit was expanded to include all combat

Air Force claims center proves efficient

One year after opening the Air Force Claims Service Center near Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Air Force leaders are proud to announce its successes in handling legal claims for all Airmen. Not only are Airmen paid quickly under the new system, that money is recovered from negligent moving

Aircraft travels faster than six times the speed of sound

Tests are under way at the Benefield Anechoic Facility here on the X-51 Scramjet-Waverider's antennas to ensure all of the X-51's antennas and communication systems are working properly. The X-51 is an autonomous vehicle with a scramjet engine enabling the aircraft to travel at a hypersonic speed --

Fueling the Air Force arsenal, its people

Airmen and Soldiers living in tent city here are eating well thanks to active-duty and Air National Guard services specialists from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, and Kadena Air Base, Japan. Deployed to the Kona International Airport, the services team set up a single pallet expeditionary kitchen to

New earned income credit rules lucrative for some Airmen

Filing his family's taxes each year online, Master Sgt. Ron Przysucha says he normally receives about $3,000 in tax returns. This year however, he was taken by surprise when the same Web site he traditionally uses calculated his return at nearly $8,000. "I immediately thought it was a mistake and I

SECAF thanks Airmen for their service, dedication

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne stopped to talk with deployed Airmen during a luncheon and Airmen's call held at Balad Air Base Feb. 2. During his visit, Secretary Wynne discussed topics including in-lieu-of taskings, the medical miracles of Iraq and current and future changes on the

Airman 'The Book' 2008 available online

The 2008 almanac version of Airman magazine is now available online. "Into the Wild New Yonder" is the theme for the issue, traditionally called "The Book." The issue focuses on important facts and provides insight into today's Air Force. Data in the magazine highlights the service's major commands

Media event showcases Air Force airpower

The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing hosted four major media outlets, three print and one television, in an unprecedented media event here Jan. 30. The event was the first time major media outlets visited the base for one specific event. NBC news, The Associated Press, New York Times and Los Angeles

Air Force officials release budget request for 2009

As part of the president's fiscal 2009 budget, the Air Force officials are requesting Congress' approval for $143.9 billion, nearly more than $9 billion more than in fiscal 2008. Of the $143.9 billion request, $117 billion are funds directly controlled and managed by the Air Force. The remaining

PACAF Airmen combat-train with Thailand, Singapore

Aircraft from Pacific Air Forces began flying combat sorties here Feb. 1 alongside its ally nations Thailand and Singapore, in support of Exercise Cope Tiger 2008. The PACAF aircraft and those from the Royal Thai air force and the Republic of Singapore air force are participating in the four-day

SECAF addresses deployed Airmen

"On behalf of the president of the United States and the American people, we salute you," Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne told more than 400 Airmen during his visit to an air base in Southwest Asia Feb. 1. "You are the front lines of freedom." Secretary Wynne addressed Airmen in an open

Leaders ensure wartime logistics, maintenance success

Sustaining combat-ready aircraft during the high operations tempo presented by the war on terrorism is a tough business in today's expeditionary environment. Continuous challenges in logistics, maintenance, contracting, and supply must be overcome to ensure the Air Force can fly, fight and win in

Recruiters discuss challenges with Senate subcommittee

Two Air Force recruiting representatives answered questions for members of the Senate Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Personnel Jan. 31. Senators questioned Air Force Recruiting Service commander Brig. Gen. Suzanne Vautrinot and Master Sgt. Dave White, flight chief for the 341st Recruiting

RC-135 outlasts 1960's contemporaries

In the year 1962, The Beatles recorded their debut single, "Love Me Do," "The Beverly Hillbillies" premiered on television, a ticket to the movies cost 50 cents and the first RC-135 Rivet Joint aircraft rolled off the Boeing assembly line. Now, nearly a half a century later, The Beatles haven't had

'Today's Air Force' highlights recapitalization, modernization

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the recapitalization and modernization of the Air Force. While the Air Force is undergoing a force-shaping process to reduce and merge its resources, a special focus is on the restructuring and utilization of available assets which are essential

Airmen mentor Afghan National Police

Airmen assigned to the Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team conducted a training class Jan. 25 for Kohistan II district Afghanistan National Police in the Parwan and Kapisa Provinces. "Working with ANP in the different districts is more than part of our mission; it is a great opportunity for all

Team trains to improve patient's condition during flight

Providing medical care while moving very ill patients over long distances in a short period of time, is the skill being practiced by three Air Force Reserve Command Airmen as they take part in Pacific Lifeline. A doctor, a nurse, and a respiratory therapist from the 446th Aeromedical Staging

PACAF team donates to Thai school

Pacific Air Forces Airmen, Royal Thai air force members and Republic of Singapore air force military members donated school supplies and equipment Jan. 30 to a local school in a rural village outside of Korat, Thailand. Historically a part of the humanitarian portion of Exercise Cope Tiger, the

Servicemembers spend special time with orphans

Airmen assigned to the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, along with fellow servicemembers and coalition forces, are known for supporting projects that include military-to-military training, civil military operations and senior leader engagements. Missions are also in place to protect

Officials move ROTC field training to Maxwell

Air Force officials here recently announced all ROTC field training is moving to Maxwell Air Force Base beginning the summer of 2008. Last summer's ROTC schedule included three encampments here and three encampments at Ellsworth AFB, S.D., but this year will mark the first time all encampments will

F-22 Raptor crew chiefs begin training

The first class of F-22 Raptor crew chiefs began training Jan. 29 at the $21 million Raptor Maintenance Training Facility at Sheppard. Seven Airmen new to the Air Force, and one cross-trainee from the Virginia Air National Guard, are the first to undergo initial skills training on the F-22. "Thank

AETC releases vision of future learning

Air Education and Training Command officials here released a vision for the years between 2008 and 2030 when they unveiled "On Learning: The Future of Air Force Education and Training," a 29-page white paper Jan. 31. The Air Force must transform its training and education system of today into a

PIT crew brings realism to Pacific Lifeline exercise

Airmen from the 446th Aerospace Medicine Squadron and 446th Aeromedical Staging Squadron aren't being graded on the test, but their work impacts those involved with the Pacific Lifeline exercise. Known as the PIT crew, 16 reservists from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., will add realism to the

Military working dog teams fine-tune relationships

It's a simple, age-old act of classical conditioning, the dog finds what the master desires and the dog is rewarded. In the case of Tommy, a three-year-old Belgian Malinoise assigned to Joint Task Force-Bravo Joint Security Forces here, the softball-sized round rubber toy is about all the reward he

Chief of staff of Air Force announces new reading list

The chief of staff of the air force announced his new reading list. "Developing Airmen remains one of my key priorities" said Gen. T. Michael Moseley, "Victory -- whether on the front lines of today's Long War or in the air, space and cyberspace surrounding tomorrow's foes -- will be determined in

7th Air Force, Air Forces Korea redesignated

Osan Air Base Airmen began a new chapter for the primary combat air force provider to South Korea as the Pacific Air Forces commander uncased the 7th Air Force, Air Forces Korea flag Jan. 30 here.Gen. Carrol H. "Howie" Chandler appointed Lt. Gen. Stephen G. Wood as the 7th Air Force, Air Forces

Edwards Airman flies high as first military F-35 pilot

A pilot from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., became the first Air Force and government test pilot to fly the F-35 Lightning II during a test sortie at the Lockheed Martin facility Jan. 30 at Naval Air Station Fort Worth. Lt. Col. James Kromberg, the director of operations for the 461st Flight Test

Equipment provides advanced blood testing at Wilford Hall

Wilford Hall Medical Center officials here recently advanced its blood-testing abilities with the acquisition of state-of-the-art medical equipment. The STA-R Evolution machine performs coagulation testing, in which blood-clotting factors are analyzed and compliance with therapeutic ranges for

First aerial bombing mission completed at Kwajalein

On Jan. 23, the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed here with their B-2 Spirit stealth bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., completed the first aerial bombing mission at the U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site . The Kwajalein Atoll is home to

New assistant secretary sworn in

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne swore in the Air Force's new assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs in a ceremony at the Pentagon Jan. 24. Craig Duehring, a 28-year Air Force veteran, is a political appointee, heading a four-division department that deals

Hondurans, Americans team for combined jump

More than 250 Honduran soldiers took their first step toward Airborne readiness when they leaped from the back of a U.S. Army helicopter Jan. 24 in a combined training jump with U.S. Soldiers here. Joint Task Force-Bravo member's involvement enhanced relations between the two nation's militaries by

Summit solidifies operational, strategic doctrine

More than a dozen active duty and retired general officers formulated doctrine to support joint warfighting operations through the construct of a critical liaison to Air Force commanders called an Air Component Coordination Element Jan. 23 and 24 at Maxwell Air Force Base.The two-day "Gathering of

Pacific medical team provides care in Thailand

A Pacific Air Forces medical team provided medical and dental care to about 150 Thai men, women and children Jan. 29 in a rural community outside of Korat, Thailand. The medical mission was the first of two Medical Civic Action Programs, or MEDCAP, missions led by the 13th Air Force Surgeon General

OTS starts unarmed combat training

Officer Training School trainees completed the school's first combat skills training class Jan. 29 as part of the effort to expand the expeditionary officer training curriculum here. The course is part of the more than 70 hours of expeditionary skills training now being taught to Officer Training

Airman's Roll Call highlights knowledge of benefits

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on empowering Airmen with information about their benefits. Air Force supervisors are responsible for providing counseling and feedback to the Airmen they supervise. Part of this is ensuring Airmen are equipped with the necessary knowledge to make informed

McChord Airmen provide lifeline in Pacific

More than 140 Airmen from 446th Airlift Wing here are participating in the Pacific Lifeline exercise Jan. 26 through Feb. 9 in Hawaii. Pacific Lifeline is a total-force exercise designed to exercise the military's ability to rapidly arrive and leave a trained, equipped team anywhere in the Pacific

Air Force officials activate first air ground operations wing

The unit activation and assumption of command of the Air Force's first wing solely dedicated to supporting battlefield Airmen took place during a ceremony here Jan. 25. The activation of the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing marked the first of its kind for the Air Force and added another volume to

Latest 'Perspective' focuses on heritage

In his latest "Enlisted Perspective," the Air Force's top enlisted Airman highlights the importance of heritage and honoring the contributions and sacrifices of Airmen to fulfill the Air Force mission."Even before our current fight to win the Global War on Terror, more than 52,000 brave Airmen gave

Pope Airman works with reconstructive team in Afghanistan

A Pope Air Force Base Airman has made an impact on working relationships with key leaders in Afghanistan almost a year into his tour on a provincial reconstruction team. Lt. Col. Robert Ricci from Pope's 43rd Operations Support Squadron is deployed as commander of a multiservice NATO International

Airmen help wounded troops survive journey home

The Air Force Theater Hospital's 98 percent survivability rate for injured U.S. servicemembers would be meaningless if the wounded were unable to survive their journey out of the combat zone. Four years into the war, the process of saving lives and then safely transporting critically injured and ill

Squadron commanders, first sergeants meet senior leaders

Squadron commanders and first sergeants had an opportunity to meet with the chief of staff of the Air Force during a conference here Jan. 24 and 25.  Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley called in Airmen from around the Air Force to get a candid perspective from the field while sharing

Airman attends presidential address

An Air Force Reserve Airman attended President George W. Bush's final state of the union address here Jan. 28. Senior Airman Diane Lopes represented the service, sitting in the audience with the first lady and other special guests. Airman Lopes, a security forces specialist with the 920th Rescue

Lakenheath weapons sections merge, improve maintenance

Airmen from two F-15E Strike Eagle weapons sections here recently consolidated as part of an Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century initiative to become one of the largest weapons section in U.S. Air Forces in Europe. The merger has driven down overdue equipment by 80 percent and reduced

CMSAF focuses on Airmen development

The Air Force's top enlisted leader emphasized the importance of each Airman's contributions, as well as their responsibilities in the development of their Airmen and their own careers during a Jan. 18 enlisted call at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Echoing the sentiments of the three Air Force

Tyndall squadron prepares for 'pipeline' Raptor pilots

Opportunities to train on the F-22 Raptor are highly competitive, and pilots picked to fly the world's premier fighter have been chosen from the ranks after logging years on other airframes -- until now. Four first lieutenants currently at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., have been selected as the first

CENTAF commander applauds theater hospital Airmen

The U.S. Central Command Air Forces commander and command chief had high praises for the Airmen manning the Air Force Theater Hospital during their tour here Jan. 26. Lt. Gen. Gary North and Chief Master Sgt. Richard Small recognized several of the hospital's top performers and showed their

Manas center helps Airmen return home quicker

Members of the 376th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron's Expeditionary Theater Distribution Center here tested a new process to help Airmen deployed for "in lieu of" taskings for the Army return to their families faster. "Air Force teamwork streamlined all processes that ensured inventory,

Airmen train with Humvee simulator

Rollover, rollover, rollover!!! Egress, egress, egress!!! These words were constantly echoed to a group of 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Airmen during the Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer training here Jan. 25. The training, conducted by 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, consisted of 45

Manas Airmen improve on community legacy

Airmen of the 376th Expeditionary Mission Support Group and Security Forces Squadron here donated $1,403 Jan. 23 for infrastructure improvements in their near-by adopted village Oktyabrskoye. Village mayor Galina Tereschuk met with visiting Manas AB Airmen and invited a small gathering of villagers

Holloman weapon loaders compete for last time on F-117

The final F-117 Nighthawk Weapons Load Crew of the Year Competition put Holloman Air Force Base Airmen to the test Jan. 18. The competition placed 2006's quarterly winners against each other to determine which crew is the best of the year. The competition consists of a consolidated tool kit