Airmen, drug runners play game of cat and mouse

Airmen play a constant game of cat and mouse with the drug runners they search for who try sneaking their cargo into the United States. Sometimes the Airmen win and sometimes they lose. But they always try to find ways to beat the odds using a combination of sophisticated E-3 Sentry and other

379th Air Expeditionary Wing Airman dies

An Airman assigned to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing died Aug. 5. The cause of the death is being investigated.More details will be released as they become available. The 379th AEW supports more than 8,000 Airmen from active duty, National Guard, Reserves and coalition forces and is responsible

B-1 crews excel at shows of presence

Airmen and B-1B Lancers from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, have taken the reins from the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron here. Since arriving in July, the 9th EBS has logged about 25 missions, dropping bombs on enemies throughout Iraq and Afghanistan.To help ease the transition, the 9th EBS deployed

Manta Airmen continue their counterdrug war

American forces flying from here to hunt down drug runners could soon have to pack up their whole operation and move elsewhere. That is because Ecuadorian President Raphael Correa wants American forces out of the Andean country. He vows not to renew a 1999 agreement with the United States that

Airmen missing in action from Vietnam War identified

Officials from the Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office here Aug. 3 announced the remains of two U.S. servicemen, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to their families for burial with full military honors. They are Lt. Col. James H. Ayres,

Air Force integrates space operations into A-staff

Air Force officials here completed the final phase in integrating space functions into key Air Staff processes for operations, plans and requirements, or A3/5. As of Aug. 1, space functions previously found within the Directorate of Strategic Security, or A3S, have been reorganized to better

Airmen play key role in developing Iraqi police

Airmen roll out of the gates from here in armored Humvees and drive dangerous roads into Tikrit and the surrounding areas five days a week to do their part in helping Iraq transition to a peaceful democracy. For the Airmen assigned to the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Det. 6, arming

CENTAF Band performs for Kandahar servicemembers

The U.S. Central Command Air Forces Band performed two concerts for deployed servicemembers at the Kandahar Airfield "Boardwalk" July 29 and 30. Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen were entertained by a variety of music including Latin, rhythm and blues, rock, jazz, disco and country. Audiences

U.S., South Korean Airmen train on base defense plan

Airmen from the Republic of Korea's 38th Fighter Group and the U.S. Air Force's 8th Fighter Wing here joined forces with a common goal of training July 25."Since the 38th FG and 8th FW have their own ways of training members and defending Kunsan Air Base, it's very important for both sides to

Air Force takes Gold, Silver at 2007 Armed Forces Triathlon Championship

The Air Force women's triathlon team took first and the men's team second at the 2007 Armed Forces Triathlon Championship held July 25 to 29 at Point Mugu, Calif.  The results are based on the raw scoring times of the men's top eight and women's top four competitors. The Armed Forces Championship is

Raptor maintenance training 'ramps' up at Sheppard

The world of F-22 Raptor maintenance is becoming as high-tech as the sophisticated fighter itself. Because of new equipment called Portable Maintenance Aids,  or PMAs, maintainers here have vastly improved capabilities over past procedures and the initial skills training will reflect this advanced

Life support, survival equipment career fields merging

Aircrew life support and survival equipment Airmen always have had jobs that mirrored each other somewhat. Under a new directive, the two Air Force specialty codes are merging, and Airmen here are far into the merger process. More than 60 Kadena Airmen are undergoing cross-utilization training to

Airmen, Soldiers form relationships with Iraqi children

With little care for surrounding hostilities, a small Iraqi boy stomped his sandaled foot on Baghdad's dusty ground, and chanted an Arabic nursery rhyme. He clapped his hands to the beat and sung with several other children. All were gathered to watch a tall, muscled Airman dance to their song.

Airmen cross cultures, generations with babushka visit

They are from different continents and generations but, if only for a few hours, Manas Airmen brought joy and smiles to six babushkas during lunch July 27 at a restaurant in nearby Bishkek, Kyrgystan.These six "grandmothers" are part of the Babushka Adoption Foundation in Bishkek, one of the groups

A-10 pilot awarded Distinguished Flying Cross

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot has received the Distinguished Flying Cross in a ceremony here July 27 for a nighttime rescue mission in Afghanistan in 2005.Maj. Keith Wolak, with the 74th Fighter Squadron here, received the honor for a combat search and rescue mission he coordinated July 2,

Airmen receive Sijan Air Force leadership award

The 2006 Lance P. Sijan Air Force Leadership Award was presented to four Airmen by Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. John D.W. Corley in a ceremony Aug. 1 at the Pentagon. The award, named for the first U.S. Air Force Academy graduate to receive the Medal of Honor, is given annually to

Airmen support historic change of command in Afghanistan

Airmen provided support for a historic change-of-command ceremony that brought the International Security and Assistance Force's largest operating base here under NATO control July 31. The U.S. Central Command Air Forces expeditionary band performed a series of military marches and hymns during the

Airman's Roll Call highlights Senior Enlisted Leader Summit

This week's Airman's Roll Call highlights the first-ever Senior Enlisted Leader Summit which was held at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., Gunter Annex. More than 360 senior enlisted leaders met July 22 to 27 to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Airmen today. Attendees discussed training

Air Force medics take medical mission to Bolivia

U.S. Southern Command officials recently deployed more than 30 Air Force medics to Bolivia to participate in a two-week long Medical Readiness Training Exercise. Air Force medics, working with Bolivian health officials, provided free, medical treatment to underserved populations in Bolivia while

New active-duty competition to debut at Air Force Marathon

Which Air Force major command comprises the fastest, fittest flock of fine physiques? The answer may become clear Sept. 15 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base when a new type of competition for active-duty Air Force servicemembers debuts at this year's Air Force Marathon. The Major Command, or

Aerial porters help demonstrate new transportation concepts

Airmen from the 305th Aerial Port Squadron here recently played a major role in helping U.S. Transportation Command officials assess joint modular intermodal distribution, or JMIDS, concepts. Through JMIDS, USTRANSCOM officials seek greater efficiency in delivering cargo to the warfighter while

Airmen teach Afghan police forces tactics, training

Members of the Police Technical Advisory Team here have trained more than 200 Afghan national police and Afghan national auxiliary police since April to help improve the security of Afghanistan.Team members train 10 to 20 Afghan national police and Afghan national auxiliary police every week and

Contractors help equip warfighters

The local base magazine, sports drinks, construction projects ... many servicemembers pass by these things everyday not knowing where they came from, how they got here or how they're maintained. That's where the 379th Expeditionary Contracting Squadron comes in. The 379th ECONS procures the

Latest 'Today's Air Force' highlights Air Force's focus

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights three Air Force's topics:  modernization and recapitalization, air shows and the culture of responsibility. Leaders understand that cyberspace will be the final war-fighting frontier. With technology steadily advancing, the need for cyberspace

Joint servicemembers convoy supplies to Afghan refugees

Dozens of joint servicemembers delivered clothing and supplies to an Afghan refugee camp near Kabul July 27 as part of a volunteer community relations program offered by the garrison chaplains at Camp Eggers. Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan members delivered a truck full of

Humanitarian team returns from Pacific mission

A team of approximately 50 medical, dental and civil engineer servicemembers returned to Hickam Air Force Base July 28 after completing a mission to provide civil assistance and training to local residents of three Pacific islands. The team of Airmen, Sailors and Soldiers departed Hickam AFB for the

Enlisted leaders gain from summit outcome

The Air Force's first Senior Enlisted Leader Summit culminated at the Gunter Annex July 27. More than 360 professional military education commandants, career field managers, chief master sergeants, and other key senior enlisted leaders from the Air Force active duty, Reserve and Air National Guard,

Airmen mentor Afghan air corps soldiers

From firefighters to aircraft mechanics to squadron commanders, several Airmen are mentoring and training their Afghan National Army air corps counterparts as members of the Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan here in the nation's capital. It's a job that's like no other, said Master

Blended teams blaze new trail at Rodeo 2007

Just like the famous cowboys Jim Shoulders and Bill Picket changed the face of the rodeo, there's a new group of boots in town that are stirring things up. But, these aren't your normal cowboys.  What they're doing has little to do with horses but a whole lot to do with the spirit of teamwork,

Wing answers call for help for missing divers

Airmen of the 920th Rescue Wing here answered the call for help in search of a missing diver off the coast of Port Canaveral, Fla., July 26, while earlier in the day rescue crews aided in the successful rescue of another diver. HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter crews from the Air Force Reserve Command's

Luke Airmen assist in roll-over rescue

Two Luke Air Force Base sergeants were identified as instrumental in rescue efforts after four local youths found themselves in an overturned truck in a wash near the Phoenix International Raceway July 26. Working in their off-duty time at the Phoenix International Raceway, Tech. Sgt. James Orsund

Artists document Rodeo competition

Whether it's the sound of a pencil scratching paper or the flash of light from their digital cameras, four artists with the Air Force Art Program are working to portray Air Mobility Command's Rodeo 2007 through their art at McChord Air Force Base. More than 2,500 competitors and observers from the

Beale Global Hawk deploys for first time

The 9th Reconnaissance Wing's RQ-4 Global Hawk program passed a significant milestone by completing its first operational Global Hawk deployment July 19 from Beale Air Force Base to Andersen AFB, Guam. "This is the first time in United States Air Force history that we've deployed the Global Hawk

Airmen recognize impact of enlisted heritage

More than 650 Airmen celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Air Force and 40th anniversary of the Office of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force during the Senior Enlisted Leader Summit Heritage Dinner here July 26. Hosted by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley, the dinner

Balad F-16s destroy terrorist training camp

F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing here destroyed an al-Qaida training camp southwest of Baghdad July 21. In a coordinated attack, joint air terminal controllers on the ground cleared seven F-16s to drop 500-pound and 1,000-pound guided bombs on the terror complex near

Rodeo officials announce winners of 11 competitions

Air Mobility Rodeo 2007 officials announced the first 11 winners of more than 60 competitions July 25.Best Fit-To-Fight Team: 62nd Airlift Wing, McChord Air Force Base, Wash. Best C-5 Preflight Team: 436th Airlift Wing, Dover AFB, Del. Best C-17 Preflight Team: 446th Airlift Wing, McChord AFB, Wash.

Aeromedical evacuation teams test lifesaving skills at Rodeo

Within minutes, five Airmen transformed the empty bay of a C-17 Globemaster III into a medical care facility capable of hauling wounded military members from the war zone to a hospital for treatment July 23 not in Southwest Asia but at McChord Air Force Base. Having deployed in support of Operation

Former chief of staff visits Fairchild, praises AMC

"The primary purpose of the United States Air Force is to fight and win America's wars."With this statement, retired Gen. Ronald R. Fogleman, the former Air Force chief of staff, summed up an address on the history of Air Mobility Command and the Air Force during his meeting with more than 400

Space institute hosts first international students

Four Australian military members recently traveled more than 10,000 miles to Peterson Air Force Base to expand their knowledge of U.S. space operations and the constantly changing global arena of space. Air Force Space Command officials invited these international students to attend the National

Elmendorf, coalition forces hone skills at Red Flag-Alaska

Airmen from Japan, Mongolia, Spain, Thailand, Turkey and the United States are at Elmendorf Air Force Base honing their warfighting skills as they participate in Red Flag-Alaska July 12 through 27.More than 80 aircraft and 1,500 servicemembers from the six countries are flying together in

Transportation Airmen compete in Rodeo 2007

With engines blazing, the door slams onto the ground causing man and machine to make a mad dash toward a giant beast with its mouth open, growling, shaking and waiting to devour all in its path. This is the scene of one of the biggest competitions for ground crews in Air Mobility Command's Rodeo

Experienced commanders have led 'Mustang Stampede'

The list of commanders for the 51st Fighter Wing and its predecessors includes a wartime hero, Col. Francis Gabreski, and an aviation pioneer, Tuskegee Airman Col. Benjamin O. Davis Jr.  The most recent commanders continue a long line of excellence and leadership in providing persistent, combined

Airmen cycle across Iowa

Security forces Rodeo teams tested by the best

When it comes to adding realism to Air Mobility Command's Rodeo 2007 security forces tactics competition being held here July 21 through 28, the Airmen testing the competitors are among the best the Air Force has to offer. The approximately 30 role players and coordination and support staff for the

Exercise strengthens South Korean alliance

More than 250 Airmen and hundreds of other augmentees from the Marines, Army and Navy converged at Osan Air Base in July to participate in the 12th annual Reception, Staging, Onward-movement and Integration, or RSO&I, and Foal Eagle exercise. The exercise tests the military's ability to deploy

Security forces NCO earns Bronze Star with Valor

An NCO with the 366th Security Forces Squadron here was awarded a Bronze Star with Valor and the Army Commendation Medal here July 19 for his actions Aug. 8, 2006, in Qalat Province, Afghanistan. Nearly a year ago, Staff Sgt. Jason Kimberling was part of a three-person security forces convoy

Airmen train Iraqi firefighters at international airport

Firefighters from the 447th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron are spending their spare time training firefighters from the Iraqi air force to make them an autonomous unit at New Al-Muthana Air Base. Airmen spend about one day a week running Iraqis through drills and training procedures. During

Commander visits Japan earthquake relief team

Lt. Gen. Bruce Wright, U.S. Forces Japan commander, visited with an earthquake relief team July 21 comprised of Navy Seabees and Japan Ground Self Defense Force members.  The team was working in the Niigata Prefecture, an area hit by an earthquake July 16. During the trip the general commended the

Airman missing 28 years comes home

For nearly 30 years, the family of a deceased Airman has been waiting for his return home. The wait ended July 18 when Staff Sgt. Donald Michaud's remains returned to New England and met by two members of the Patriot Honor Guard from Hanscom Air Force Base accompanied by Logan Airport firefighters

Kyrgyz air controllers view Manas from the ground

Kyrgyz Air Navigation controllers who help keep a watchful eye on the sky over Manas finally had a chance to get the "ground's eye" view of Manas Air Base in July. The controller crews toured the base as part of their ongoing English education program with members of the 376th Expeditionary

Airman's Roll Call discusses base realignment, closure

This week's Airman's Roll Call discusses base realignment and closure requirements for Air Force installations and offices to be closed or moved to maximize efficiency. The efficiencies that will be achieved as a result of BRAC will help free up critical resources needed for today's fight, as well

President visits Charleston, addresses military members

President George W. Bush visited servicemembers and talked about the war on terrorism July 24 at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. The president toured a C-17 Globemaster III, observed Airmen loading pallets on a plane in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, gave a speech, and had

Largest Air Force contingent rides across Iowa

At dawn on July 21, 148 Air Force Cycling Team bicyclists kicked off a 477-mile bike ride across Iowa. Sponsored by the Des Moines Register newspaper, the Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa, or RAGBRAI, is the longest, largest and oldest ride in America with 10,000 riders from all over

Airmen save the day for Turkish Rodeo team

When the Turkish C-130 airplane broke down just before the 2007 Air Mobility Command Rodeo competition began, American Airmen banded together to make the impossible happen. When all was said and done, a maintenance job that normally takes weeks was performed in five days, all in the spirit of Rodeo

Training leads to improved capabilities at Red Flag-Alaska

A combat, search and rescue team saved two aircrew members who were downed in hostile territory as part of a complex, multinational training scenario July 19 at Red Flag-Alaska, an air combat exercise over the Pacific Alaska Range Complex. Red Flag-Alaska includes sophisticated CSAR training to

Kyrgyz medical students see capabilities at Manas

Kyrgyz students from a local medical lyceum toured Manas Air Base July 18 to see how American and coalition forces are organized and equipped to handle medical situations. The students, ranging from 17 to 19 years of age, came to the 376th Expeditionary Medical Group and heard from Air Force medical

Airmen prep battlefield dropping 120,000 leaflets

Airmen of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing dropped 120,000 leaflets over the Helmand Province in Afghanistan July 22 to help prevent civilian casualties while prepping the battlefield for future operations. The nine-member crew of the 746th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, all based out of Dyess Air

New tinted windows 'shades' light on tower

Air traffic controllers here now have a clearer view of commercial and military operations, thanks to the installation of new glass and lighting in the control tower. Base engineers accomplished the final inspection and accepted the work July 23 on more than $41,000 in upgrades. Previously, Kyrgyz

Airmen and airways

Cultures come together at Rodeo 2007

On the outside, the United Arab Emirates' tent looks just like the 20 or so others dotting Rainier Ranch, the off-duty area for the 2007 Air Mobility Command Rodeo competition at McChord Air Force Base. But the similarities end when the front flap of the olive-green tent is opened. In a scene that

Dedication recognizes Airmen who deliver under fire

Senior Enlisted Leader Summit participants and officials recognized the perseverance of Airmen on convoy duty at the Air Force Convoy Gun Truck Dedication at the Air Force Enlisted Heritage Hall July 23 at Maxwell Air Force Base's Gunter Annex, Ala. More than 350 people in attendance dedicated a

Task force provides training to El Salvadorian military

Joint Task Force-Bravo, a 26-member task force, traveled to San Salvador, El Salvador, July 16 to train soldiers deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During the week-long training mission, El Salvadorian soldiers were instructed on driver, convoy and perimeter security; communications;

'Incredibles' respond to injuries at a moment's notice

A 379th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron Critical Care Air Transport Team responded to two Soldiers who were critically injured by a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. The team that responded is known as the "Incredibles." The "Incredibles" are the first team from Lackland Air

Security forces Airmen protect Sather Air Base

Every week, more than 2,000 foreign nationals bring an average 600 vehicles in and out of Sather Air Base -- Baghdad's only passenger and cargo airfield. Many of these foreign nationals go unescorted in the rest of the Victory Base Complex -- and for this reason, strict precautions are required.

Air Force med techs solve equipment problems at Vietnamese hospital

While the USS Peleliu's embarked medical staff has been conducting medical and dental civic action programs throughout the Da Nang region, a small team of Air Force technicians have been working behind the scenes to contribute to Pacific Partnership's medical mission as well. Three Air Force

Latest 'Today's Air Force' highlights efficiency, management

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights how Airmen at bases around the world are continually looking for ways to help the Air Force become more efficient. The war on terrorism has Airmen all around the world doing their part, whether in Iraq, Afghanistan or anywhere around the globe.

Ceremonies mark official start for Air Mobility Rodeo 2007

The head of Air Mobility Command welcomed more than 2,500 competitors and observers from the U.S. and 34 other countries July 22 to the largest Air Mobility Rodeo in history. "The fact that we had so many allies and friends that came to join us in this great competition, I can't tell you what that

Enlisted leaders hit the road to set example

They stretched, did push-ups, sit-ups, formed up, then literally hit the road to make examples of themselves. Nearly 400 senior enlisted leaders at the first Senior Enlisted Leader Summit, including instructors and students at the Air Force First Sergeants Academy, exercised and ran one-and one-half

Bagram hospital staff saves baby after IED blast

A blast from an improvised explosive device claimed the lives of two Afghan parents, however, their 9-month-old daughter, Salma, survived the attack and is recovering at the Craig Joint-Theater Hospital here. After more than two weeks of fighting for her life, Salma, which means "protected" in

English a common denominator at Red Flag-Alaska

Speaking in English is the common denominator for all players at Red Flag-Alaska, but for those whose native tongue is not English, this proves to be a challenge. Non-English speaking pilots quickly become task-saturated as they process a large amount of information in a different language. More

'Living Legends' offer Airmen historical perspective

The three-part "Living Legends" series concluded at the Pentagon Conference Center July 19. The "Living Legends" series included three seminars featuring panels of past and present Air Force leaders who discussed advancements in air power from World War II to the present day war on terrorism. The

First Senior Enlisted Leader Summit to convene

The Air Force's senior enlisted leader convenes the first Senior Enlisted Leader Summit at Gunter Annex here July 22 to 27. This year, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley expanded the list of invitees to include professional military education commandants, career field managers

Wranglers make Rodeo 2007 shine

For the more than 200 "Wranglers" -- the team of Airmen here who work behind the scenes at Air Mobility Command's Rodeo 2007 -- there are no shiny trophies or recognition at the event's closing celebration for a job well done. They're a group of unsung heroes who work long hours at tough jobs, all

Art exhibit draws crowd to Air Force heritage

A collection of art illustrating Air Force heritage since before the service's beginning through today's expeditionary operations was the spotlight for local military, civic and business leaders during a gathering July 18 in honor of the Air Force's 60th Anniversary. The exhibit, titled "Heritage to

Drink up: Tigris River is life for troops in Baghdad

It is no different now than it ever has been in Baghdad; life is sustained by the Tigris River. This 1,150-mile-long channel of water is known for its swift flow and ancient history -- and every bottle of water in the Victory Base Complex is filled to the brim from this river. The VBC is home to

International teams build relationships at AMC Rodeo

A record-breaking international presence here marks this year's Air Mobility Command Rodeo, under way now through July 27. The last of nine international teams touched down here July 17, with observers from 25 additional countries arriving by the end of the week.In total, 296 international guests

Air tactics evolve to achieve effects for war on terrorism

Achieving airpower objectives more effectively is what more than 200 of the most proficient expeditionary Airmen gathered recently to discuss at the quarterly Weapons and Tactics Conference in Bahrain in July. The Weapons and Tactics Conference is a venue for Air Force weapons officers along with

Unexpected delivery made at Ramstein's gate

Three-week-old Jordan Christina Dixon doesn't know it, but she made Ramstein Air Base history. At 5:18 a.m. July 1, 6-pound, 15-ounce Jordan Dixon was the first baby born into the hands of the 435th Civil Engineer Squadron fire, crash and rescue team at Ramstein AB's West Gate."It was amazing to be

Yokota Airmen aid Japan after earthquake

Airmen from the 374th Airlift Wing flew a C-130 Hercules with 10,000 pounds of water and 100 air-conditioning units to Niigata Prefecture July 18 from here to support victims of an earthquake that shook the northwest side of Japan July 16. The C-130 assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron left with

ROTC cadets complete inaugural 'Props and Wings Challenge'

More than 330 ROTC cadets were pushed to their mental and physical limits during Air University's first Props and Wings Challenge here July 17. The challenge culminated nearly four weeks of rigorous field training for incoming junior classmen at universities nationwide who plan to get their Air

New service coat to better represent Airmen set for testing

Air Force officials are now set to begin fit and wear tests of the new service coat to better establish a dress uniform that fits the "warrior ethos" Airmen have today. It's important for the uniform to represent the roles and accomplishments of Airmen, said Brig. Gen. Floyd L. Carpenter, the Airmen

Guide helps leaders manage people in distress

Air Force officials introduced 12 monthly initiatives in April to help Air Force members effectively manage stress, and July's initiative is "The Leader's Guide to Managing Personnel in Distress." The guide was created to help supervisors, first sergeants and commanders recognize distress-related

New communications platform helps EOD save lives, time

Explosive ordnance disposal teams deployed to the areas of responsibility throughout Southwest Asia now have one more tool to help them fight the war on terrorism. The very small aperture terminal, or VSAT, is a computer system that gives EOD teams the capability to make DSN calls and send and

Polish president visits Vandenberg's missile sites

The president of Poland came to Vandenberg Air Force Base July 17 to tour missile defense facilities located on the base and meet with Missile Defense Agency officials. The visit followed President Lech Kaczynski meeting with President George W. Bush July 15 to discuss the U.S. proposal to emplace

Air Force Honor Guard visits Air Force Enlisted Village

Residents at the Air Force Enlisted Village here were treated to a special visit from the Air Force Honor Guard drill team July 13. The team was in Florida for a recruitment tour, and during their visit to nearby Hurlburt Field, the Airmen asked about the possibility of performing at the Air Force

Tyndall to receive damage prevention project

Base officials are converting more than 19 miles of electrical overhead power lines and enhancing Tyndall Air Force Base 's electrical grid reliability and aesthetics to prevent damage from catastrophic storms, a base official said.Tarone Watley, a 325th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical engineer,

Latest Roll Call addresses performance forms

This week's Roll Call discusses streamlined officer and enlisted performance report forms.Air Force officials have already approved new forms incorporating fewer lines and a section to document annual fitness scores to better reflect a warrior ethos. Changes include new lables identifying

Air Force and Better Business Bureau partner

Representatives from the Air Force and the Council of Better Business Bureaus signed a memorandum of understanding July 16 at the Pentagon that will benefit Airmen and their families. Tim Beyland, assistant deputy chief of staff for Manpower and Personnel, and Steven Cole, chief executive officer of

Exercise Angel Thunder trains combat search, rescue

About 200 Davis-Monthan Airmen from the 563rd Rescue Group, the 943rd Rescue Group, the 355th Operations Group and the 55th Electronic Combat Group, along with the 12th Air Force Plans Shop and Personnel Recovery Coordination Center, are participating in Exercise Angel Thunder July 9 to 20 here. The

Air Force 60th anniversary recognized at air tattoo

Capt. Andy Gilbert and his fellow Airmen in the 494th Fighter Squadron from RAF Lakenheath enjoyed a change of pace from their usual mission. Captain Gilbert, an F-15E Strike Eagle weapons system officer, took part in the Royal International Air Tattoo held here July 14 and 15.  The air tattoo,

Fairchild security forces team trains for Rodeo

It's 9 a.m. and already getting warm as three security forces Airmen run to the first of nine checkpoints in a multi-stage field training exercise July 13 at Fairchild Air Force Base. The 92nd Security Forces Squadron's Air Mobility Command Rodeo 2007 team is training for the competition, which runs

Changing with the Guard

Seventy Air National Guardsmen are slated to begin working at the Air Reserve Personnel Center later this year for the first time in its history. The new Guardsmen are a result of the center taking on personnel services for the Air National Guard, increasing the ARPC's workload to nearly one million

Air Force Cyber Command online for future operations

The Air Force's soon-to-be newest major command, Air Force Cyber Command, is still on track, or rather still online. Air Force Cyber Command is creating a foundation now for the combat Airmen of today and tomorrow, said Lt. Gen. Robert J. Elder Jr., commander of 8th Air Force here and the joint

Japanese forces arrive for Red Flag-Alaska

Airmen from the Land of the Rising Sun arrived in the Land of the Midnight Sun July 11 in preparation for the Red Flag-Alaska air combat training exercise. After a seven-hour flight across the Pacific Ocean, six Japanese F-15s from Hyakuri Air Base near Tokyo and a U.S. KC-10 Extender carrying 21

Excercise tests Reserve C-130 unit's re-supply capabilities

Airmen in the Air Force Reserve Command's 911th Airlift Wing here conducted Exercise Bold Effort July 14 to hone their transport and re-supply skills vital during a time of war.The exercise began when eight C-130s departed the airfield here and headed for Rickenbacker International Airport

Letter to Airmen focuses on energy consumption

In the latest Letter to Airmen, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne discusses how the Air Force is using technology to reduce its energy consumption. "We are also working innovatively on the supply side, whether it is putting the largest solar panel field to work out at Nellis (Air Force

Afghan military leader visits Randolph

The top air boss for the Afghanistan military visited Randolph Air Force Base July 9 as part of a tour to see how the U.S. Air Force can be an example for his country's efforts in creating a proficient training model and establishing an independent air force.  Maj. Gen. Mohammad Dawran, the Afghan

Airmen cross into Navy blue

The Philippine segment of Pacific Partnership on the USS Peleliu was completed July 7 with the help of some unlikely "Sailors." Air Force medical professionals joined the four-month humanitarian mission and according to them, have adjusted well to their new nautical working environment. "It's very

Air Force chief of staff initiates MQ-1 Predator plus-up

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley is accelerating delivery of the Defense Department's December 2009 goal of 21 daily MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle combat air patrols, or CAPs, by one year.At the chief of staff's request, Air Force officials coordinated deployment actions with

Airmen support Afghan presidential mission

A Phoenix Raven security team with the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia provided security for a C-17 Globemaster III and its crew July 11during an Afghan presidential support mission at a remote airstrip here. Staff Sgt. Mike Kincaid and Airman 1st Class Joseph Celata made up the