Cash flow easier for Airmen deployed forward

Deployed servicemembers here can now access their funds 24-hours a day, seven days a week with a new, automated money management program called Eagle Cash. Co-sponsored by the Army and the Department of the Treasury, Eagle Cash is a financial management tool to support military members deployed in

Raptors return from historical deployment

The first overseas deployment of America's newest fighter aircraft ended when the stealthy planes arrived here May 11.The first wave of F-22 Raptors from the 27th Fighter Squadron returned from Kadena Air Base, Japan, as part of a three-month air and space expeditionary force deployment where the

'Week in Photos' features Airmen around the globe

The "Week In Photos" Web feature provides visitors with photos highlighting Air Force missions around the world. Among this week's photos are: At Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Senior Airman Andrew Caro and Staff Sgt. Dustin Maglinti take aim at a target during a training exercise. They are

Military, civilians partner for vital disaster training

In a unified effort to save lives and protect vital infrastructure facilities, Airmen, Soldiers and civilian first responders trained together May 9 as they responded to a mass casualty exercise scenario. The training event was part of Alaska Shield/Northern Edge, Alaska's portion of an annual

Airmen mIssing In action from WWII identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced May 11 that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors. First Lt. Archibald Kelly, U.S. Army Air Forces, of

Predators ready to aid Missouri flood victims

MQ-1 Predators are on standby to launch and help with search, rescue and recovery efforts over the areas of Missouri devastated by floods. Four of the unmanned aerial vehicles and the Airmen who launch and recover them await U.S. Northern Command orders to deploy to a location near the affected

Moms honored as Hometown News tests new greeting method

As part of a test, Airmen around the world had a rare opportunity to send a greeting to their moms on Mother's Day. Army and Air Force Hometown News officials used the occasion to test a new program as they seek to find a quicker and more cost-effective way to film, process and distribute annual

USAFE commander visits Spanish base

The U. S. Air Forces in Europe commander met with Spanish airmen and commanders of the 712th Air Base Group and observed firsthand how the Spanish and U.S. work together May 11 at Moron Air Base.Gen. William T. Hobbins toured Europe's en-route base for Air Force fighters and tankers while Spanish

New dorms boost quality of life for Spangdahlem Airmen

A ribbon-cutting ceremony opened a new chapter in the living conditions for some of Spangdahlem Air Base's unaccompanied Airmen as new dormitories are the latest quality-of-life improvements here.The $6.4 million dorm project comes equipped with controlled heating and ventilation systems, electric

National Guard cleaning up devastated Kansas town

It's hard to describe the immensity of the destruction in Greensburg, Kan. State and FEMA officials say 95 percent of the town is destroyed; gone as well are 961 homes, and 136 businesses have major damage. Standing in the center of town and looking in all directions is an endless scene of disaster:

Aviano deployment club helps children cope

School faculty members here were recognized recently for their dedication to the children of deployed Airmen. Aviano Air Base's Elementary School Deployment Club was formed to help kids understand and cope with a parent's deployment. This can have a tremendous positive affect on the stress involved

Air Force's WC-130 crews hunt Atlantic coast hurricanes

Although the 2007 Atlantic Ocean hurricane season officially starts June 1, Keesler Air Force Base's Hurricane Hunters got off to an early start. Flying a specially equipped WC-130 Hercules, Airmen from the Air Force Reserve Command's 403rd Wing tracked their first tropical disturbance May 9 off the

Airmen tell Air Force story over airwaves

Throughout the month, Pacific Air Force Airmen are sharing the Air Force story on one of Hawaii's most popular radio stations. May is Hawaii Military Appreciation Month and KHVH (AM 830) is featuring the military on radio spots and live interviews. Four Airmen from the 15th Airlift Wing based at

Charleston maintainers foster AFSO 21 process improvement

The idea that small changes in processes can make big impacts in productivity is one of the concepts behind Air Force Smart Operations 21, or AFSO 21. Leaders of the 437th Maintenance Group met recently for an intensive four-day process improvement study and found smarter ways of getting aerospace

Deployed F-22s leave Pacific, return to Langley

After almost three months in the Pacific, 12 F-22A Raptors departed here May 10 having completed the first overseas deployment for the Air Force's newest air supremacy aircraft. The Raptors and more than 250 Airmen assigned to the 27th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va., arrived in

Air Force opens newest air ops center

Twelfth Air Force and Air Forces Southern will open the Air Force's newest Falconer, the 612th Combined Air Operations Center, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony May 9. The 612th Combined Air Operations Center, serves as the operations hub for all air and space activities during combat and

World War II pilot receives Distinguished Flying Cross

A former Army Air Corps first lieutenant received the Distinguished Flying Cross for actions he took almost 63 years ago, during a ceremony May 7 at the Travis Air Museum. Art Cader earned the medal for his heroism during a World War II bombing mission he was part of Sept. 30, 1944. The medal is

Air Force gains larger presence in Romania

The Romanian parliament passed legislation the first week of May that now authorizes the U.S. military to use several of its bases. The announcement came just as the Air Force was wrapping up a 10-day exercise, called Sniper Lance 2007, in the former Eastern Bloc country. This was the second

Airmen live, learn warrior ethos

Airmen going through basic training are focusing on living and learning what it means to be combat-ready. This education centers on Air Force warrior ethos -- strengthening an Airman's mind, body and spirit. "The warrior ethos has always been a part of an Airman's character, but some people may have

Airman's Roll Call focuses on new UAV wing

Global intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance are the missions of the new unmanned aerial vehicle wing at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. The 432nd Wing at the base, located near Las Vegas, was reactivated to be the first MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper wing in the Air Force. With an increase in

Pilots, attack controllers sharpen war skills in Nevada

Pilots and joint terminal attack controllers, or JTACs, here practiced skills needed in both Iraq and Afghanistan during training over two southern Nevada towns April 23 and 24. The two towns were Caliente and Panaca, with a combined population of about 1,500 residents, and the training was urban

Air Force to test consolidated personnel services

The Air Force Personnel Center and the Air Force Material Command are embarking on a test that will allow the Air Force to closely study and review consolidated civilian personnel support services to a large civilian employee population. For a one-year period, AFPC will provide staffing referral

Airmen in UK celebrate Jamestown's 400th with British

Airmen from Royal Air Force Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall helped the town of Bury St. Edmunds May 8 celebrate the 400th anniversary of Jamestown, Va., the first permanent English settlement in America. Volunteers from both bases came out in numbers to showcase Air Force people and equipment. The RAF

JTACs call in 'guardian angels'

A joint terminal attack controller is completely immersed downrange on the battlefield. His heart is pounding and his forehead drips with sweat as he directs a combat aircraft to provide close-air support for U.S. ground forces there. The JTAC's eyes light up as he sees the aircraft deliver a

RED HORSE helps build combat brigade base in 45 days

Two months ago, Forward Operating Base Shawshook, near Besmaya Range, was nothing more than dirt and tumbleweeds. Now, at the newly developed Forward Operating Base Hammer there's a full-up U.S. Army combat brigade, the 3rd of the 3rd Infantry Division, housed and fed -- ready to conduct missions in

2006 Public Affairs Achievement Awards announced

On behalf of Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley, Brig. Gen. Michelle Johnson, director of Public Affairs, announced the 2006 Public Affairs Achievement Awards."My heartiest congratulations to all of this year's nominees and recipients,"

Society honors Airmen who escaped, evaded capture

The commander of Air Mobility Command honored the Air Forces Escape and Evasion Society with a ceremony here May 4 as part of the group's 2007 reunion. Gen. Duncan J. McNabb paid tribute to AFEES, a non-profit organization of Airmen who were forced down behind enemy lines and avoided captivity, or

Shaw to begin one-year hybrid refueler test

Fuels Airmen here are putting the Air Force's only R-11 Hybrid Electric Aviation Refueler through its paces during a one-year test that began here this month. The test will determine how much the 72,000-pound hybrid reduces emissions and conserves diesel fuel, potentially saving the Air Force money,

First Term Airmen's Center helps with transition into Air Force

Training and professional development is a high priority, beginning for young Airmen at Basic Military Training, tech school and continues at the first duty station training at the First Term Airmen's Center. FTAC is a two-week program that plays an important role in transitioning Airmen from a

Yokota becomes Pacific training hub for firefighters

Firefighters from the 374th Airlift Wing here will soon be able to receive job specific training without even leaving the base. A representative from Texas Engineering Extension Institute visited Yokota Air Base firefighters to explain how a new program will allow Airmen to participate in and

Airmen's weather watch data enhances military missions

Sandstorms, which often appear as solid walls of dust as much as 15,000 feet high, can obscure the sun and reduce visibility to zero. A group of weather watching Airmen monitor Southwest Asia's approximately 55-million square-mile area of responsibility, forecasting these storms before they hit;

British fusiliers get 'royal treatment'

A group of redeploying British infantrymen passed through here May 1 and introduced themselves to Airmen of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing who helped them out during some tough days of contact with Taliban forces near Sangin, Afghanistan. Soldiers from C Company Group, 2nd Battalion, Royal

Balad chapel staff opens center in fallen pilot's honor

Airmen seeking a quiet place to relax in a space away from a crowded dorm room now have another place to spend off-duty time within the H-6 housing area at Balad AB. Troy's Place, an Airmen Ministry Center sponsored by the Balad AB Chapel, opened May 4 and is in honor of a pilot who died supporting

Letter to Airmen highlights cyberspace operations

In the latest Letter to Airmen, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne discusses cyberspace operations and how the Air Force is extending its global vigilance, reach and power into cyberspace. Secretary Wynne said that our adversaries are attempting to access American servers that contain

Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights how Combat Skills Training prepares Airmen to operate on the streets of Afghanistan and Iraq, and how the Air Force's highly trained Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape, or SERE, instructors provide Airmen the skills to survive alone in a

Weapons loading competition hones Airmen's skills

Munitions loaders around the Air Force test their warfighting capabilities and promote camaraderie through load crew competitions.Recently, two teams from the 555th and 510th Fighter Squadrons here used teamwork and the communication skills involved with a weapons load to prove their

Airman's Creed, military health care on CSAF's Scope

The CSAF's Scope focuses on current topics the Air Force chief of staff feels are of special importance to today's Airmen. Among Gen. T. Michael Moseley's top issues are the new Airman's Creed and military health care. General Moseley introduced the new creed to replace all the various specialized

Air Force medics provide medical relief in Guatemala

Thirteen Airmen from various Air Force Space Command bases returned April 30 from 10 days in Guatemala where they provided much needed medical care to the people there -- services that would have been otherwise nonexistent. From their home base in Salama, the team of Airmen, which included

Dover stands up new C-17 maintenance squadron

The 736th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron was stood up in an assumption-of-command ceremony here April 30. The 736th AMXS will be responsible for maintaining the C-17 Globemaster IIIs, scheduled to start arriving this summer. "This is all very, very exciting, yet humbling," said Lt. Col. Raymond

PACAF emphasizes anthrax vaccination before deployments

Headquarters Air Force officials recently sent additional implementation guidance to major commands that emphasizes pre-deployment notification. The Air Force guidance states that all categories of personnel on orders may begin immunizations up to 60 days before deployment or arrival at the

Kansas Air National Guardsman completes first online retirement

A Kansas Air National Guardsman was the first Guard Airman to complete the new online Air Force retirement process, which became mandatory April 15. Tech. Sgt. Kenneth L. Ellis, of the 190th Civil Engineer Squadron, applied for retirement using the system March 15, the day the process went live, and

5th SFS load up for comrade injured in Iraq

Airmen from the 5th Security Forces Squadron took part in a "ruck-march" May 3 to show support for a fellow squadron member injured in Iraq. Staff Sgt. Scott Lilley, 5th SFS, was injured April 15 when he and his team was attacked by insurgents, and his vehicle hit by an improvised explosive device.

Inventory management gears up for process improvements

Maximizing weapons system availability and performance means smart management of safety levels and inventories. To do this, Air Force officials strive to optimize inventory levels and cost without sacrificing support to the warfighting commanders. "Based upon the fact that we are maintaining systems

Special Operations Command celebrates 20 years

Air Force Special Operations Command Airmen joined personnel from U.S. Special Operations Command to celebrate USSOCOM's 20th anniversary held April 23-27 at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. USSOCOM, made up of about 48,000 Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps special operators, specializes in

Being an Air Force attaché is unique career opportunity

Officers and enlisted Airmen are needed to play key roles in international military and political affairs. Benefits include travel, accommodations, and the opportunity to interact with people on almost every continent, in almost every country. At a recent conference at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii,

Airmen make olympics special

Terrorism officials stress Airmen remain aware

After the attacks on September 11th, many people have become much more concerned with force protection methods, especially anti-terrorism measures. Despite the fact five years have passed, local security forces still receive numerous calls about anything that is seemingly awry. Although their

Enlisted Airmen can apply for new nurse commissioning

The Air Force is now accepting applications from qualified enlisted members for a new enlisted commissioning program. The Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program, or NECP, will give enlisted members the opportunity to complete a full-time bachelor of science degree in nursing at an accredited

Air Force security forces director visits Minot

The director of Air Force security forces visited here from April 30 to May 3 to observe firsthand the base's security mission. Brig. Gen. Mary Kay Hertog discussed deployment tempos, training and the future of the career field while here. "My number-one priority is to provide our security forces

Couple convicted of numerous UCMJ charges

An Air Force couple were convicted of numerous charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, including the use of cocaine, in separate general courts-martial at Maxwell Air Force Base April 24 and 25. Airman 1st Class Joshua Young of the 754th Electronic Systems Group was convicted of

'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. Among this week's photos are: In Alaska, seven F-16 Fighting Falcons fly in formation over the Pacific Alaska Range Complex. The F-16s are from the 18th Fighter

Charleston loadmasters train Davis-Monthan Airmen

In an effort to further develop Air Force capabilities, Charleston Air Force Base loadmasters traveled to Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., in late April to train augmentees on how to assist loadmasters when loading C-17 Globemaster IIIs. With C-17s flying around the world delivering cargo to warfighters,

Deployed Airmen continue filling Army's 'in-lieu-of' taskings'

Deployments are a part of life for all people serving in the United States military. Each service deploys a certain number of troops to different parts of the world with rotations to evenly divide the workload. In the past few years Airmen have undergone changes in their wartime mission, from

Aviano Airman LEADs the way to bright future

When a retired Army master sergeant challenged a young man to out do him, the Airman pushed himself to live up to the challenge. Airman 1st Class Chase's drive to do more has led him to face an upcoming 10 months of arduous work. Airman Ray was notified April 26 that he was accepted in to the Air

Air Force in Afghanistan aims high on low terrain

About 240 Airmen are working throughout Afghanistan to help build vital infrastructure as members of provincial reconstruction teams. Air Force members began leading six of the 24 PRTs in April 2006 as Airmen work to improve Afghanistan's security through reconstruction and economic development. The

Ghedi, Italy unaccompanied tour length to increase

The under secretary of defense approved a increased unaccompanied tour length change for Ghedi, Italy, from 18 months to 24 months effective Jan. 1, 2008. The accompanied tour length will remain at 24 months. Airmen with an assignment to Ghedi with a report-no-later-than-date of Dec. 31, 2007 or

Air Force aerial firefighters train in New Mexico

C-130 Hercules aircraft dotted the sky over central New Mexico April 30 through May 2 as 300 Airmen prepared to help fight wild land fires that may break out this year. Cibola National Forest officials and Airmen from Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Airlift Wing based at Peterson Air Force Base,

Services Airmen dish up real meals ready to eat

Some Airmen might not think a fresh, hot meal is a big deal, but for Airmen at a bare base a meal not named "MRE" can bring a few happy and hungry faces to the dinner table. When servicemembers arrive at a bare-base location, the first food eaten is usually meals ready to eat, or MREs. That's when

Tops in Blue boosts servicemembers' morale through song

"Tops in Blue," known as the Air Forces' Expeditionary Entertainers, performed here May 2 to a standing-room only crowd. The show, themed "The Fly By," featured hit songs by Tom Jones, The Supremes, The Beach Boys, Chubby Checker and the Charlie Daniels Band. The show was presented as a tribute to

Airmen provide humanitarian aid for African Lion

More than 3,700 Moroccans were treated by 37 American military members as part of an April 15 to 30 humanitarian assistance visit to Morocco called African Lion 2007.Airmen of the 944th Medical Squadron from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., and other active duty and Reserve members of sister services

Ceremony recognizes military working dog's service

Retirement ceremonies celebrate the careers, sacrifices and vital contributions of military members in service to their country, and on April 28 Incirlik Air Base Airmen honored one such member who has been on the frontlines of the base's force protection efforts for the past nine years. Brosky, an

Active, Reserve Airmen join forces to fight fires

A total force team of firefighters from Yokota Air Base and the 440th Airlift Wing, Wisconsin's only Air Force Reserve unit, combined skills to extinguish flames during a live-fire exercise here the last week of April. The joint training offered an experience Yokota AB firefighters and the

Air Force stands up first unmanned aircraft systems wing

The Air Force's first unmanned aircraft systems wing stood up May 1 at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. As Col. Christopher Chambliss assumed command of the 432nd, a piece of history was revived and a course for the way ahead continued. "This is a monumental day for the Air Force," said Colonel

Deployed Airman helps others face the music

Like a typical family, most Air Force members celebrate birthdays, promotions and other occasions with cake. But, when Lt. Col. Brian Reno gets involved with a celebration, he adds to the fun by belting out a fitting tune on his trumpet. "It's always fun to play, and it is very rewarding when others

Communications Airmen make the connection

A small contingent of four communications Airmen traveled to Al Asad Air Base to provide communication connectivity while base facilities were being built around them. "The day we got here, there were no radios, only a couple computers and no telephones installed anywhere," said Staff Sgt. Sean

First steps of future Airmen

Airman chosen as Child Advocate of Year

An Air Force master sergeant was honored as the Child Advocate of the Year at a reception held by the Child Advocates of San Antonio organization April 25. Master Sgt. Tabitha Hendrix, the NCO in charge of the Periodontics Flight at MacKown Dental Clinic on Lackland Air Force Base, received the

Vietnam veteran tells today's Airmen 'stay focused'

The knowledge and experience that Air Force retirees share with current Airmen can help develop careers. Retired Col. James Gilliland holds his audience in rapt attention while he tells stories of his progression as an RF-4C pilot and shares his experiences flying during the Vietnam War. With 30

May 1 airpower summary: Airmen support air operations

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 1, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb

Fairchild Airmen reunite with family after deployment

Applause, cheers, hugs and tears of joy awaited 44 returning warriors as they walked off of a KC-135 Stratotanker to be greeted by a crowd of more than 100 military family members, fellow Airmen and local media crews here April 30. After the welcome on the ramp next to the plane, the families and

Homeschoolers, Air Force legal office conduct fairytale trial

Twelve Bolling area homeschoolers participated in a mock trial held by the 11th Wing Judge Advocate at Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals courtroom here April 27. The goal of the mock trial, State of Italia v. Gepetta, was to introduce the homeschoolers to the legal process. The children also

Edwards team stars in 'Iron Man' superhero movie

Edwards Air Force Base recently became a Hollywood set, as about 150 Airmen, about a dozen Marines and some of the Air Force's new aircraft shared the spotlight with Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard and Gwyneth Paltrow in filming Hollywood's next superhero blockbuster. Director Jon Favreau and his

Education secretary asks for ways to make schools safer

Airmen and family members who would like to offer suggestions for improving safety at college campuses and schools throughout the country are encouraged to submit comments by e-mail to safeschools@ed.gov. U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings announced that she is seeking public comment in

Airman's Roll Call focuses on managing stress

This week's Airman's Roll Call deals with finding balance and managing stress. A survey taken by the Department of Defense in 2005 showed the Air Force compares very favorably to the rest of DOD in terms of experiencing stress.In order to maintain that level, Air Force officials must continue to

PACAF to test humanitarian relief response package

Air Force officials recently developed an innovative, stand-alone humanitarian medical package to support contingency disaster-response efforts. Now, more than ever before, Airmen have the tools and techniques to put the right stuff in the right place at the right time with the Humanitarian Relief

Airman uses Air Force knowledge to save life

While shopping at a grocery store outside of Ellsworth Air Force Base the evening of April 23, an Airman watched a man walking in front of him let out a gasp for air and fall to the floor. "My instincts kicked in," said Senior Airman David Perry, an Air Force Financial Services Center

Spangdahlem Airmen take part in World Day of Peace

Every year the oldest city in Germany hosts the World Day of Peace -- a festival dedicated to prayer and services focused on healing the rifts between cultures. Military members from Belgium, Luxembourg, France, the Netherlands and the United States attended a prayer service April 26 led by the

Tops In Blue put on a show for Airmen, Soldiers at Balad

Sequins, tassels, gleaming brass and perfectly choreographed dance moves were on display as the 2007 Tops In Blue team unleashed the talent of the Air Force for Airmen and Soldiers April 28 at the Sustainer Theater here. Thirty-eight active-duty Airmen make up the singers, dancers, instrumentalists,

Lieutenant catches Griffey's 564th home-run ball

A Shaw Air Force Base Airman caught Ken Griffey Jr.'s 564th home-run ball during a baseball game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Cincinnati Reds April 24 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Second Lt. Christopher Franks of the 20th Operations Support Squadron, and his friend, 2nd Lt. Mike McCants

Business leaders learn about expeditionary missions

Participants of the Defense Department's Joint Civilian Orientation Conference April 28 met some of the men and women of U.S. Central Command Air Forces who are deployed to this region. Brig. Gen. Charles Shugg told the group of 45 business and civic leaders, who were on a whirlwind tour of the

Air Force chaplains join together for memorial service

Air Force chaplains and chaplain's assistants from around the globe joined together beneath the spires of the Air Force Memorial here for a memorial and wreath-laying ceremony April 25. The group of about 300 Airmen and civilians were in the national capital region to attend the Air Force Chaplains

Airman murder trial under way at Bolling

The court-martial of Airman Calvin Eugene Hill, charged with premeditated murder, in the Aug. 14, 2005, death of Airman 1st Class Ashley Turner while the two were stationed at Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland, began with opening statements from both sides April 25 here. The court-martial was

Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" showcases the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper and how the Air Force is currently working to become the executive agent for unmanned aerial vehicles. Also featured is the never-ending mission of moving cargo and people.  Finally, see how Airmen at bases around

'Dumpster diving' raises awareness about recycling

During a dumpster diving experiment here May 1, elementary students found that residents at the base don't make the grade when it comes to recycling their trash. Fifth grade students and teachers from Yokota Air Base's West Elementary School sifted and graded refuse. Collecting the empirical

Aerial porters save lives by moving air cargo in Iraq

Moving supplies, equipment and people from place to place in a convoy anywhere in Iraq is very risky business. Many hidden dangers such as improvised explosive devices, anti-Iraqi forces, and other such dangers can be on any road. Many lives that might have been lost in convoy attacks have been

Korean orphans visit Kunsan Airmen

Airmen continue humanitarian efforts in Djibouti

Nearly 200 hundred Airmen deployed to Africa provide airlift support for humanitarian aid to the Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa mission. Providing peace and stability to the region is the main objective for the CJTF-HOA mission and the services try to accomplish this by winning the hearts

Combat skills course offers Airmen lifesaving training

In preparation for the Air Force's next Air and Space Expeditionary Force rotation, 94 people attended the Pacific Air Forces-sponsored combat skills course April 23 to 25 here. Several combat skills training course instructors came to Misawa to provide information that is not only designed to

Air Force air evac crews adapt, train onboard mix of planes

Taking care of patients on an aircraft is not an easy task. What if there are patient emergencies or problems with the aircraft itself? What if it's a plane the aeromedical crew is not familiar with? These questions, and more, were answered during an Air Force Reserve Aeromedical Evacuation Jamboree

Weather squadron covers 42 countries

With 110 million square miles in its operational region, the 152 Airmen in the 17th Operational Weather Squadron here are responsible for the largest area of responsibility of all the operational weather squadrons in the Air Force. And with 42 countries in the area of responsibility, squadron

Editorial: The way of the Airman warrior

Throughout history, warriors have served and died for king and country; and they did so following a code. For the samurai, it was bushido; for knights, chivalry; the musketeers, "all for one and one for all." The greatest warriors throughout history understood the concept of serving something bigger

Yokota's Hazmat team gears up for training

A hazardous material response exercise here April 30 provided refresher training for some firefighters, while providing the setting for several others to earn a national certification. The exercise scenario involved a simulated rail car with a leak in the valve head on top of it. The exercise was a

Air Force offers programs to help Airmen manage stress

Airmen have a need, and Air Force leadership wants to meet it. The Air Force currently has a wide range of programs in place to help the total force and their families manage stress; however, there is a concern that some are not aware of these programs and not taking advantage of them. "Whether

Child becomes pilot for a day at Charleston

A 3-year-old boy became the youngest honorary pilot for the 17th Airlift Squadron as unit Airmen held a Pilot for a Day program April 20 at Charleston Air Force Base. Zachary Moore was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at 18 months and is undergoing chemotherapy treatment at the Medical

American, French forces join in jump training

Joint and coalition servicemembers recently joined forces for parachute jump training. Airmen and Soldiers and French airborne soldiers jumped out of a C-130 Hercules. "Every airborne soldier knows that training with other nations forces gives them a chance to learn from each other and that they

Tops in Blue perform for Airmen in Iraq

C-17 unit brings 'bombs, beans, bullets' to the fight

 "Bringing the bombs, beans and bullets to the warfighter" is how Capt. Aaron Oelrich described the mission of the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron while on his way to fly an airlift mission into Iraq. And "bring it" they do, to the tune of about one million pounds of cargo daily. The 816th EAS,

Air Force names 2006 Mission Support Award winners

The winners of the 2006 Mission Support Awards were announced April 27. The results are: Personnel Gen. Robert J. Dixon Personnel Award: Maj. Kevin D. Heckle, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. Gen. Horace M. Wade Innovation Award: GS-12 Steven A. McCarver, Maxwell AFB-Gunter Annex, Ala. Gerrit D.

POL Airmen surpass one billion gallons

Senior Airman David Beatty stood patiently on the artificially lighted parking ramp, waiting for more than 22,000 gallons of jet fuel to transfer from the hydrant outlet, through the steel pantograph piping and into the nearby KC-135 Stratotanker. Unbeknownst to the Airman from the 379th

Pacific Air Forces commander announces retirement

Gen. Paul V. Hester, commander, Pacific Air Forces, announced his retirement April 27. His announcement coincides with the Department of Defense naming Lt. Gen. Carrol "Howie" Chandler as the next Pacific Air Forces commander. Gen. Chandler was also nominated for his fourth star. Gen. Hester assumed