North Dakota ANG unit flies first unmanned mission

Members of the 119th Wing flew its first unmanned aircraft system mission as an MQ-1 Predator flew July 2 from Fargo. Airmen of the North Dakota Air National Guard squadron is flying the Predator after converting in January to new missions of unmanned aircraft and the C-21 cargo aircraft.The

Wright-Patterson Airmen take over Hickam air operations

Airmen of the 87th Aerial Port Squadron from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, flew into Hickam AFB and took over air operations here. For two weeks, Reserve Airmen from the 87th APS will be responsible for running the air terminal operations center, freight, fleet, passenger services,

Aircrews depend on these Airmen

Airmen honor 30 years of AWACS

The 552nd Air Control Wing here celebrated the 30th anniversary of the E-3 Sentry, also known as the Airborne Warning and Control System, or AWACS, June 29 through July 1, with 552nd commanders and Airmen, past and present, coming from around the globe to share their stories. "The AWACS heritage is

Air Force leaders send Independence Day message

The following is an Independence Day message from Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley. "To the Airmen of the United States Air Force: "On July 4, 1776, 56 men signed a document that established the foundation for new nation where "all men

'Transformers' put Airmen, aircraft on big screen

More than 300 Airmen and numerous aircraft will be seen around the world in the latest DreamWorks/Paramount Pictures film, "Transformers" being released to theaters July 4.The movie combines the use of live action with computer-generated imagery to enhance the story as Airmen served as extras in the

St. Louis celebrates Air Force Week

For the second year in a row, Air Force Week St. Louis has kicked off with a flying start. From July 2-8, the Air Force will be the talk of the town in this gateway city. Events honoring Air Force servicemembers will be happening on both sides of the "Mighty Mississippi," from minor and major league

VA guarantees home loans for servicemembers

Servicemembers returning to the states from overseas can now take advantage of a valuable home buying guarantee from the Department of Veterans Affairs.Contrary to what some may think, the VA does not offer home loans, instead they offer a home-loan guarantee, said Tan Johnson, a VA representative. 

Summer 2007 Airman magazine now available

Coalition forces fighting terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan can't get enough of the Air Force's unmanned aircraft, the MQ-1 Predator. The persistent Predator gives commanders an unparalleled, bird's-eye view of the battlefield. And the real-time intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance

AFSOUTH outlines U.S. cooperation with South America

The Air Forces Southern commander outlined how American Airmen interact with South American nations to build understanding between the nations. "Military-to-military relationships are only the beginning of our mission," said Lt. Gen. Norman R. Seip. "AFSOUTH Airmen are actively engaging our South

Annual training requirements to be shortened to 90 minutes

After examining how much time Airmen spend on annual ancillary training, Air Force leaders have decided that time should be allocated more efficiently. In effect as of Oct. 1, ancillary training requirements will be reduced to 90 minutes, as opposed to almost nine hours per Airman spread throughout

Airmen prepare base for lasting presence

Several projects in various stages of completion at this Southwest Asian base will give Airmen an enduring presence and help them accomplish their mission supporting the war on terrorism. Members of the 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron and 379th Air Expeditionary Wing force protection

Newest 'Week in Photos' features Airmen around the globe

The "Week In Photos" Web feature on Air Force Link provides visitors with photos that highlight Airmen and Air Force missions around the world. In one photo, Maj. (Dr.) Rich Hendershot examines an infant during a visit to an El Salvadorian clinic June 14. Twenty-six Airmen assigned to the Colorado

Biometric database offers tighter security

The 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron activated an entry system at a deployed location June 22 that will help make operations there safer and more secure. "(The Defense Biometric Identification Database System) enhances a security system, such as entry control to an installation, and

Air Force, Navy join forces for combat training

More than 200 Airmen and 16 F-15 Eagles from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., completed two weeks of joint training operations with the Navy June 29 at Naval Air Station Key West. The Airmen from the 60th Fighter Squadron participated in the dissimilar air combat training, or DACT, exercise with Naval

Health officials visit returning troops

Lt. Gen. James G. Roudebush, Air Force surgeon general, and Dr. S. Ward Casscells, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, visited wounded troops returning from overseas to Andrews June 26. Dr. Casscells was given a brief tour of Malcolm Grow Medical Center's Aeromedical Staging Flight by

Wounded NCO's will to fly remains undaunted

An Andrews Air Force Base Airman remains committed to the Air Force and his love of flying even after being shot down over Iraq and nearly losing an eye. Life was good for Tech Sgt. Christian MacKenzie for nearly 10 years as he served in his dream job as a special operations flight engineer aboard

C-130 maintainers 'cowboy up' for Rodeo

Although no one is wearing a Stetson hat and there isn't a steer in sight, the journey to the 2007 Air Mobility Command Rodeo promises to be a wild one as 10 Ramstein Air Base aircraft maintainers prepare to saddle up on a Hercules. Like an ornery old bull sitting in the chute waiting to be ridden,

Bush nominates Mullen, Cartwright to top military posts

President Bush nominated Navy Adm. Michael Mullen to serve as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Marine Corps Gen. James E. Cartwright as his vice chairman, June 28.Speaking in the White House Roosevelt Room, President Bush called the two men "experienced military officers who are

Airman's Roll Call focuses on stresses associated with duty

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on relieving the stresses associated with deployments and an ever-increasing operations tempo in an environment of force shaping. Air Force officials said they are remaining keenly attentive of the impact of such stresses on Airmen and their relationships. They

Former Falcon to join All-America Hall of Fame

A 1993 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy will be inducted into the College Sports Information Directors of America Academic All-America Hall of Fame at the 20th annual induction banquet July 1 in San Diego.Maj. Lance Pilch is the sixth academy graduate to be inducted into the Hall of Fame,

Buddy Wing Program improves communication at Kunsan

Airmen of both the 35th Fighter Squadron from Kunsan Air Base and the South Korean 155th Fighter Squadron from Junwon AB are teaming up for a Buddy Wing Program exercise June 27 to 29 here. The purpose of the Buddy Wing Program is to exchange ideas, introduce tactics and improve interoperability

Kadena hosts Special Olympics

More than 1,500 volunteers from different branches of the U.S. military and the local community helped with the 2007 Special Olympic Games June 24 held for the eighth year at Kadena Air Base. More than 900 athletes and 200 artists gathered for one of Japan's biggest events. The volunteers helped in

United in Love eases deployment separation at Lajes Field

Lajes Field members are helping ease the stresses associated with the separation between Airmen and their spouses during times of deployment.While Airmen are deployed, their spouses can get support through a Lajes Field group called United in Love.As a member of that group, Angela Horton and other

A-10s get digital makeover

Air Force officials are making significant changes to A-10 Thunderbolt IIs as part of the "Precision Engagement" upgrade, which changes the aircraft designation from the A-10A to the A-10C. "It's the largest upgrade the A-10 has ever had by far," said Maj. Drew English, the program manager for A-10C

Ellsworth Airman to appear on 'Emeril Live'

An Ellsworth Air Force Base Airman will be featured on the Food Network's "Emeril Live" June 30 in an episode titled "Emeril's Military Contest." Tech. Sgt. Wesley Williams is the 28th Services Squadron dining facility manager and entered and won a contest that judged the culinary skills of military

C-130 upgrades geared to save Air Force $250M

The latest modifications for the Air Force's tactical workhorse, the C-130 Hercules are set to debut with the installation of an improved landing gear, carbon brakes and a new anti-skid system. A team of engineers and specialists from the 463rd Airlift Group here, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, and

Kirkuk Airmen upgrade fuel storage

'Show Me State' shows greatest support for troops

When it comes to showing support for America's troops, Missouri is living up to its nickname as the "Show Me State" by sending nearly 4,000 Base and Post Exchange gift certificates to Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines. Since the beginning of the year, supporters from 45 states and the District

Predators reach quarter-million flight hours

Airmen from the 11th Reconnaissance Squadron flew an MQ-1 Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle past the 250,000 flying hour milestone marking the historic milestone with a ceremony June 22 at Creech Air Force Base. "This historic achievement in the evolution of air and space power underlines the United

Lakenheath Airman killed in Iraq

A 48th Security Forces Squadron Airman was killed June 23 while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Airman 1st Class Jason D. Nathan, 22, of Macon, Ga., died in Iraq June 23 of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle while on patrol. "It is with

Hickam crew prepares for AMC Rodeo

Airmen around the world are preparing for the 2007 Air Mobility Command Rodeo scheduled for July, including Hickam Air Force Base members.This will be the first competition for Hickam AFB 's C-17 Globemaster III crew, which will sport a total force team consisting of members of the active duty 535th

12th Air Force hosts Blue Flag

More than 900 U.S. and coalition forces from around the globe began battling a new enemy June 18:  the fictitious "Califon," an aggressive nation bent on controlling the mineral fields located on the island of "Pacifica." The scenario is part of exercise Blue Flag 07-2, an operational-level exercise

Maintaining healthy relationships key to mission success

Military life presents a wide range of stressors for total force Airmen and their families. Deployments, increased operations tempo and decreased manning can have negative effects in both the workplace and the home if Airmen do not know where to turn for help. As part of ongoing efforts to educate

4 Hill Airmen receive Bronze Stars

Four NCOs from the 775th Civil Engineer Squadron received Bronze Stars during a mid-June ceremony at Hill Air Force Base for their actions while deployed in support of the war on terrorism. The four explosive ordnance disposal Airmen are Staff Sergeants Evan Knight, Bradley Kline, Steven Overstreet

Couriers' missions deliver defense

A two-person team secures a pallet of classified test equipment aboard a small military aircraft at Defense Courier Station Honolulu. Meanwhile, another two-person team leaves DCS San Diego via surface transportation, escorting classified material to a local customer. As these deliveries are being

Maintainers keep jets flying at Cope North

Of the 346 sorties flown during Exercise Cope North 2007, not one would be possible without the work done by maintenance crews. "We do inspections and maintenance on anything that has to do with the jet," said Airman 1st Class Rene Garcia, an F-16 Fighting Falcon maintenance crew chief deployed from

Chief Pfingston loses fight with cancer

Former Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Gary R. Pfingston died of cancer June 23 in San Antonio. "Today the Air Force mourns the loss of a great enlisted leader," said Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley. "Gary's life was a shining example of service to our nation and we

Spangdahlem cops streamline traffic ticket processing

Spanghdahlem Air Base security forces members are using the Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century process to help streamline their traffic citation process.Security forces Airmen fill their walls with sticky-notes, each one representing a step to process just one traffic citation."When

Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights six Airmen receiving the new Air Force Combat Action Medal presented by the Air Force chief of staff during a recent ceremony in Arlington, Va. Also in this week's edition, take a view from an air traffic control tower in Baghdad, and experience

Airmen train Iraqis on fuel delivery

Airmen from the 447th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuels Flight are training Iraqis here to fuel up their own C-130 Hercules aircraft without dependence on the Air Force. The training plan is broken down into a "crawl, walk run" process, said Master Sgt. Scott Addington, 447th ELRS

DOD identifies Air Force casualty

Department of Defense officials here announced June 24 the death of an Airman deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Airman 1st Class Jason D. Nathan, 22, of Macon, Ga., died in Iraq June 23 of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle while on patrol.

CENTAF Band performs unscheduled concert at Bagram

The U.S. Central Command Air Forces Band held an impromptu performance June 19 for servicemembers at Bagram Air Base when their travel through the country was delayed. With the assistance from members of the 455th Expeditionary Services Squadron, the band was able to put together an "open mic" night

Hanscom Airmen receive heroes' welcome

Hundreds of base members, family and friends gathered at Memorial Park here June 22 to welcome home more than 60 Hanscom Air Force Base Airmen.The Heroes' Homecoming, held in conjunction with the base's annual Summer Bash event, formally welcomed home Airmen who have returned from their deployments

Lackland remembers fallen agent

On June 18, Airmen gathered in honor of Special Agent Matthew Kuglics. Instead of celebration, however, they paid tribute; instead of a steady drum beat, the sounds of memories and personal reflection filled the air. Agent Kuglics, a member of the Office of Special Investigations, Detachment 352

Newest 'Week in Photos' features Airmen around the globe

The "Week In Photos" Web feature on Air Force Link provides visitors with photos that highlight Air Force missions around the world. Challenging himself, Staff Sgt. Matthew Zimmer pumps out as many push-ups as he can during the physical fitness portion of the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape

First phase of Reserve mobility exercise concludes

More than 150 Individual Ready Reservists finished a week-long active duty tour June 22 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. The five-day tour of duty was the conclusion of the "Push" portion of the "Push-Pull 2007" exercise. The exercise tests and evaluates the IRR mobilization process, said Lt. Col.

Education key to fight current, future air ops

The U.S. Central Command air component commander said the Air Force has better-trained Airmen today fighting the war on terrorism, but also said all Airmen must continue to prepare for today's fight and tomorrow's wars. Lt. Gen. Gary North was here June 20-21 to address current senior leaders in the

'One command post' initiative beneficial to Airmen

Wing and tenant unit commanders and command post leaders Air Force wide were recently directed to consolidate their command and control operations. Many Air Force bases have multiple command posts. The "One CP" initiative will consolidate those into one facility with a single staff. While One CP

Air Force firefighters fuel flames for fire training

The deaths of nine firefighters in South Carolina June 18 has spotlighted the dangers of the job and the importance of training. At Eglin Air Force Base, officials took advantage of base housing slated for demolition as part of the base's housing privatization initiative to provide base firefighters

Some reservists won't have to repay portion of GI Bill

Some Air Force Reserve Airmen who are no longer able to participate due to Base Realignment and Closure or Program Budget Decision 720 actions, will not be required to repay a portion of their Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve entitlement. Members in their initial six-year enlistment who are

Rescue flight crews provide help from above

On a moonless night, the glow from a red and green instrument panel illuminates the faces of the crew of Blade 79er, a UH-1N Huey flying a night-vector mission over the tree-covered mountains of northern Washington. Suddenly, the radio crackles."Rescue, Rescue, Rescue ... Phaser 1-2 calling in

Space operations streamlined

The redesignation June 18 of the 614th Space Operations Group as the 614th Air and Space Operations Center will help streamline communications at the operational level between combatant commanders and the service components, Air Force space officials said. The redesignation included the inactivation

Maintenance crews prep fighters at Cope North

Maintenance Airmen from Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., know how to pack a punch as they are deployed to Andersen AFB and currently participating in Exercise Cope North with Japan Air Self Defense Force members.The Cannon AFB Airmen load 2,000-pound bombs onto multimillion dollar aircraft as part of

Fuel upgrades improve Lajes Field mission

Congress recently approved an $18 million project to upgrade and expand the fuel hydrant system at Lajes Field that will greatly enhance the base's mission to refuel aircraft flying across the Atlantic Ocean. Over the years, the existing fuel system began to show signs of age and use, but instead of

Thunderbird enters Forest of Friendship

The first female Thunderbird pilot was inducted into the International Forest of Friendship June 16 here at the "Wings Over Pittsburgh" air show. Maj. Nicole Malachowski, who flies right wing for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, and retired Gen. Michael P.C. Carns, former Air Force

'Living legends' discuss Air Force of yesterday, today

In keeping with the Air Force's 60th anniversary theme, "Heritage to Horizons," a panel of four war veterans gathered June 14 at the Pentagon Conference Center to discuss the challenges and triumphs of air power over the years. The theme of the discussion was, "The Jet Age: Korea, Vietnam, Cold

Air Intelligence Agency becomes Air Force ISR Agency

The Air Intelligence Agency officially became the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Agency in a ceremony held June 15 here consolidating Air Force ISR functions to better serve the warfighter and the nation. The Air Force ISR Agency, commanded by Maj. Gen. John C. Koziol, was

Predator draws attention at Paris Air Show

Within the United States aircraft coral at the 47th International Paris Air Show, the MQ-1 Predator stands out from the rest. The Predator is the only unmanned Department of Defense aircraft showcased with its entire maintenance crew at the air show in France. "Where does the pilot sit?" asked an

Career-enlisted aviator positions open

Opportunities are available for Airmen who wish to become career-enlisted aviators. The Air Force has openings for first-term Airmen to retrain into the flight engineer, flight attendant and aerial gunner specialties. In addition to the first-term Airman openings, staff and technical sergeants

SECAF visits Toyota plant for process alignment ideas

The secretary of the Air Force and a group of senior officers recently visited the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky plant in an effort to see quality work in action. TMMK uses the "Toyota Production System," which involves the alignment of management goals from the Japan headquarters all the way

Secretary discusses alternative fuel initiative

With more than 140 aircraft appearing at the Le Bourget Airport for the 47th International Paris Air Show, the future of jet fuel and rising cost of oil jet fuel were among the topics of keen interest. A press conference held by the Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and the Administrator

Air Force supports International Paris Air Show

Hundreds of flight enthusiasts flooded the Le Bourget Airport to attend the opening of the 47th International Paris Air Show. This year's air show, boasting more than 2,000 exhibits from 42 countries, opened to trade visitors June 18 and the general public can visit from June 22-24. With planes all

USAFE fighter squadron deploys to Kunsan

Airmen of the 555th Fighter Squadron from Aviano Air Base, Italy, reunited with the 8th Fighter Wing June 19 here after being away for years during the squadron's deployment to Kunsan AB. The 555th FS has lineage to Kunsan AB dating back to 1966 when the 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron moved to Ubon

Reserve Airmen test mobilization at Lackland

With the start of the Air Force "Push-Pull 2007" exercise here June 18, some 320 Individual Ready Reserve Airmen from across the country have been called to active duty.  A push-pull exercise, typically conducted every two years, tests the mobilization process and evaluates the skill level of the

'Rescue Dawn' tells true story of Vietnam POW rescue

It was a movie premiere like few others. As the credits rolled down the screen here June 19, a Vietnam veteran in the audience -- not the Hollywood star with some 40 credits to his name -- got the louder applause and the standing ovation. Retired Air Force Col. Eugene Deatrick, 82, slowly ambled to

Commanders lead in challenging times

From a fighter-bomber wing during World War II to today's 50th Space Wing, more than 40 commanders have led dedicated Airmen in the pursuit of protecting the nation. Today's 50th SW provides crucial space support to the joint warfighter in the war on terrorism. 50th Fighter-Bomber Wing (June 1,

'Guardian Angels' put to test at survival competition

Two water survival instructors assigned here earned the Col. Bud Day trophy June 14 as winners of the 2007 SERE (survival, evasion, resistance and escape) Challenge -- a physically grueling and mentally exhausting competition among some of the Air Force's elite special operators. Staff Sgt. Michael

Airman's Roll Call addresses uniform updates

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on updates to the Airman Battle Uniform and physical training uniform. Air Force officials are cautioning Airmen to resist rushing to commercial manufacturers who have begun advertising the availability of the new Airman Battle Uniform. Officials said these

Airmen, Soldiers pay respects to fallen comrade in arms

An empty pair of boots placed in front and, just behind, a helmet sat atop the inverted rifle that held hanging dog tags -- the memorial display stood center stage and served as a focal point for the many Airmen and Soldiers who had come to pay respects to an Airman whose ultimate sacrifice was

Barksdale bombers to fly in Koa Lightning

Four B-52 Stratofortress aircraft and aircrew from the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron deployed here from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., are scheduled to fly to Hawaii and back this week to participate in the latest Koa Lightning exercise. The B-52s will fly more than 18 hours and 6,880 nautical

Kunsan Airmen pay tribute to triple ace fighter pilot

Members of the 8th Fighter Wing, known as the "Wolf Pack," honored Brig. Gen. Robin Olds, who passed away June 14, during a commemoration event June 19. General Olds, former commander of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing and also known as the first "Wolf," was a triple ace fighter pilot who shot down 16

Japanese commend Airman for volunteer efforts

The Japanese government recently recognized a 730rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron officer in charge for his community volunteer efforts and charitable ways at a ceremony at the Meiji-Jingu Shrine in Yoyogi Park, Tokyo. During the 57th Annual Spring Zenkokai Commendation Ceremony, Capt. Chad Oba was

Pilots' missions relocate for Spangdahlem's runway repair

Spangdahlem Air Base's runway closed June 15 and is scheduled to remain closed for repairs until mid-July. Although the 52nd Fighter Wing will cease flying operations from Spangdahlem, the pilots and crews from the 22nd, 23rd and 81st Fighter Squadrons will deploy to other locations and continue to

CSAF's Scope focuses on new medal, training

The CSAF's Scope focuses on current topics the Air Force chief of staff feels are of special importance to today's Airmen. This month, Gen. T. Michael Moseley's top issues include the Air Force's Combat Action Medal and ancillary training. "Since 9/11, we have seen a dramatic increase in the number

National Air and Space Museum family day wows visitors

More than 17,000 people got an up close and personal look at several civilian and military aircraft during the "Reach for the Sky" family day at the National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center here June 16. The event paid tribute to the Air Force's 60th Anniversary celebration, and featured a

Kadena NCO court-martialed for child porn

A non-commissioned officer recently received nine months confinement, reduction in rank to airman basic and a bad conduct discharge for possessing and displaying child pornography here. Staff Sergeant Jason M. Hooks, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, pleaded guilty to the charges before a military

Fallen Bakers Creek servicemembers honored

On June 14, 1943, a B-17 Flying Fortress converted to carry passengers took off from Mackay, Queensland, Australia, carrying 40 servicemembers on leave back to the war in the Pacific Theater. Soon after takeoff, the plane crashed, killing all but one. That story was held secret until just a few

"Operation Air Force" cadets deploy to Southwest Asia

Many students resuming classes in the fall will write the obligatory school report, "What I did over my summer vacation." But, at summers end, not many will be able to say they spent their summer in Southwest Asia to help support operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom and operations in the Horn of

Fallen pilot remembered

Maj. Kevin Sonnenberg, assigned to the 112th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, died June 15 when his F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed shortly after takeoff. He had just departed on a mission to provide air support to coalition ground forces fighting anti-Iraq forces. Major Sonnenberg, known as "Sonny" to

Portable armories make munitions conveniently available

Two newly acquired portable armories on base are streamlining the weapons processes for Airmen in theater here. The new armories will allow the 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron to roll up operations at one of their two armory locations and eventually combine their operations at a

Mentoring program can go long way for Air Force cadets

The Air Force Cadet Officer Mentor Action Program has been mentoring young Air Force officers and cadets for nearly two decades. Currently, there are 12 active chapters. Officials at Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command say they would like to see more bases initiate chapters. The program, also

Stress management critical for servicemembers

In times of war, stress is inevitable. With the closure of the flightline here, added stress will be introduced, but the mental health clinic is providing seminars to deal with the situation."(Stress) impacts all areas of life -- honestly," said Maj. James Young, Mental Health Clinic flight

U.S. Air Force pilot killed in Iraq identified

The Department of Defense identified June 16 the Airman who was killed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.Maj. Kevin Sonnenberg was the pilot of the F-16 Fighting Falcon who crashed about 50 miles north of Baghdad shortly after takeoff June 14. Major Sonnenberg, assigned to the 112th Fighter

Expeditionary wing memorializes fallen Airman

Co-workers and friends honored a fallen Reservist Airman's life and military service during a memorial ceremony here June 16. Lt. Col. Glade L. Felix, the 379th Expeditionary Medical Group physical therapist, died of apparent natural causes here June 11. Colonel Felix, 52, stationed at the 622nd

Top Air Force recruiters, trainers of year announced

Air Education and Training Command announced the following Air Force winners of the 2007 U.S. Air Force Recruiter, Military Training Instructor and Military Training Leader of the Year Awards in the following categories: Recruiter of the Year Category: Staff Sgt. Jason Rodriguez, 344th Recruiting

Convoy ops takes training, readiness, communication

One key to successful convoy operations is preparation and if practice makes perfect, then the goal of the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron is perfection. A refined tactical security escort program devised by Tech. Sgt. Joseph Ilsley, is one way the security forces here hope to reach

Letter to Airmen updates force reduction status

In the latest Letter to Airmen, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne discusses how force reduction cuts ensure that the Air Force will remain the world's premier air, space and cyberspace force. "One of the duties we have as Airmen is assuring future Airmen that they will be as capable and

Newest 'Week in Photos' features Airmen around the globe

The "Week in Photos" Web feature on Air Force Link provides visitors with photos that highlight Air Force missions around the world. At Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq, Lt. Col. Kimberly Bradley carries away an oxygen tank after helping a patient during an emergency trauma situation. Colonel Bradley is

Guard wing transitions to Langley

The Virginia Air National Guard's 192nd Fighter Wing records its last F-16 Fighting Falcon training mission June 20. The wing, which has flown the F-16 since 1991 and is the nation's first ANG unit to fly the F-22 Raptor, will conduct associated operations with the 1st Fighter Wing here. More than

Travis team preps for air mobility competition

"On your marks, get ready, set ... go!" With that, four Travis Airmen sprint toward a C-5 Galaxy, its engines blasting. The Airmen, members of the 60th Aerial Port Squadron's Rodeo Team, were practicing a C-5 engine running on (and) offload, where they must load and unload a C-5 and a C-17

Air Force, Navy test fuel spill response

With ships coming in and out of the port, there's always the possibility for accidents. A Navy fuel facility at Hachinohe port provides fuel to Misawa Air Base. If an oil spill happens there the response must be quick and effective. While the facility has its own people trained to respond to such

Changes in works for Air Force PT uniform

The Air Force uniform board is working to resolve Airmen's issues with the Air Force physical training uniform, which became mandatory for wear in fall 2006. The board has received nearly 500 inputs from Airmen including suggestions on ways to improve the uniform, and some of those changes are in

Uniform officials warn Airmen about knockoff ABUs

Commercial manufacturers have begun to advertise sale of the new Airman Battle Uniform at various online Web sites. Air Force officials warn Airmen these uniforms are not the authorized items provided by the Air Force's official source, Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, and may not meet the

Firefighters suit up for HAZMAT training in Iraq

A convoy winds through the streets of Iraq, when a technician in the lead vehicle sees an unexploded ordnance device near the road. As he moves closer, he notices the smell of chlorine gas. It's time to take protective measures. For firefighters from the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's

Course prepares mobility team leaders

Of the 57 in-residence and online courses offered at the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center's Mobility Operations School, one course targets future leaders in mobility command and control. The Mobility Air Forces Mobile Command and Control Leadership Course, offered four times a year with 16

'Golden Medic' integrates Army, Air Force medical teams

Leaders of the joint Army and Air Force medical exercise here stressed the importance of the services working together. "Golden Medic 2007 is an extraordinary opportunity for all services - active, Guard and Reserve, in addition to our coalition partners," said Col. Mike Dankosky, Air Force Reserve

'Golden Medic' aeromedical team ready to transport

The 706th Provisional Wing stood up here June 10 at the Augusta Regional Airport in preparation for "Golden Medic 2007" June 12-19. Golden Medic, in its 13th year, is the Army Reserve's largest annual exercise. It integrates several armed services' medical components in response to wartime medical

Airmen can earn bachelor's degrees through Air University

Starting June 15, Airmen can apply their Community College of the Air Force credits toward a bachelor's degree from a variety of universities and colleges. This can be done through the Air Force Virtual Education Center which links a prospective student to the new Air University

Twelve Outstanding Airmen of the Year named

Air Force officials have selected the service's top enlisted members, naming the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2007. An Air Force selection board at the Air Force Personnel Center here considered 33 nominees who represented major commands, direct reporting units, field operating agencies and