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

New Horizons closes out with ceremony

New Horizons - Nicaragua 2007, a $7.5 million humanitarian and training exercise, officially ended April 27 with a closing ceremony, but the strengthened friendship between the United States and Nicaragua has not. "We will cherish the friendships we've made here in Nicaragua," Lt. Col. Aaron Young,

Girl Scouts give thanks, cookies to deployed servicemembers

Girl Scouts near Spokane, Wash., finished their third year of collecting cookies for deployed troops through Operation Troop to Troop April 23 and will be sending approximately 9,600 boxes of cookies to servicemembers fighting the war on terrorism. More than 2,200 Scouts canvassed more than 52,000

Air University unveils associate-to-baccalaureate program

A new program developed by Air University allows Airmen to turn a Community College of the Air Force associate's degree into a bachelor's from an accredited university. The Associate-to-Baccalaureate Cooperative, or ABC, does this by establishing a partnership with various civilian higher-education

New JKO Portal to offer joint online training

A new system unveiled April 27 is designed to better prepare servicemembers to operate with other services, government agencies, foreign militaries and non-governmental organizations while reducing the time they spend away from home or their units for military classes. David S.C. Chu, undersecretary

Training ensures Airmen confident with weapons

Breathe in, take aim, breathe out, hold and fire. It's some of the best advice when it comes to firing a weapon accurately. And it's something that Staff Sgt. Anthony Jones refers to often. As a combat arms instructor, Sergeant Jones is responsible for making sure every Airmen he instructs is

A-10 provides top cover for troops in Iraq

The catalysts behind one of the most kinetically advanced air forces in the world can be found at the 438th Air Expeditionary Group's maintenance and fighter squadrons. The Airmen assigned to these units employ their kinetic energy by flying the A-10 Thunderbolt II, an aircraft that provides

Airmen, Junior ROTC cadets 'victims' in casualty exercise

Airmen from the First Term Airmen Center here and cadets from the base's high school's Junior ROTC program volunteered to be victims in a mass casualty exercise for the base's emergency responders. To make the scenario more realistic, "wounds" were applied to the volunteers. Junior ROTC cadet

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: Senior Airman Gil Alicea is silhouetted while doing a phase dock inspection on an F-16 at Balad Air Base, Iraq. Airman Alicea is a crew

Combat skills training preps Airmen for war

Grunts, shouts and gunshots echoed through the fields here recently as nearly 90 Airmen pushed their bodies to the limit during expeditionary combat skills training. The Airmen dragged their bodies through the grass and mud in a low crawl, propelled themselves forward on their elbows in the high

Azores' Alcohol Awareness Day puts partying in perspective

As the last of the 21 gun shots faded, Taps sounded. A somber voice recited, "On behalf of the President of the United States, please accept this flag." Although the flag was draped over an empty coffin, the intent was to bring to life the fact that alcohol kills. Alcohol Awareness Day at Lajes

Air Force Marathon a premier running event

If you think you have one good reason for not running the U.S. Air Force Marathon Sept. 15, here are five excellent reasons why you should. For starters, it's the only marathon in the world where runners receive inspiration and encouragement from the skies above, as Air Force aircraft fly overhead

First deployed Airman Readiness Center opens

Two Air Combat Command members marked a deployment first by opening the Air Force's first Airman Readiness Center in Southwest Asia. Master Sgt. Steven Wright, from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, and Jeff Halstead, from Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., opened the new office literally overnight,

AFPC Web site adds citizenship application process

Active duty Airmen may now apply for U.S. citizenship via the Air Force Personnel Center's Web site or through the virtual Military Personnel Flight, furthering Personnel Services Delivery Transformation. Citizenship application procedures are available on the Air Force Personnel Center's

Medical civil affairs team 'ambassadors of goodwill'

Because of the war on terrorism, many military members carry weapons for self-defense. But their mission is really one of peace, to improve the life of those who exist in a harsh environment. The 350th Functional Specialty Team, which includes four Air Force medical specialists and nine U.S. Army

WWII bomber crew members awarded Distinguished Flying Cross

It was a warm summer morning when the crew of the Flak Man, a B-24 Liberator, joined other bombers and their escort fighters on a daring mission. They flew from Pantanella, Italy, and played a key role in the bombing of oil refineries 700 miles away near Ploesti, Romania. The location was of

Ten Airmen selected for AFIT degree program

Air Force officials recently selected 10 enlisted Airmen to continue their education through the Enlisted to Air Force Institute of Technology Graduate Degree Program. Nine Airmen will pursue their degree programs at AFIT at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio; one Airman will study at an

Air Force firefighters help to put out Georgia fires

As forest fires continue to rage through rural Southeastern Georgia, base firefighters are on-scene providing vital assistance to help contain the blaze. Moody Air Force Base's involvement in the disaster-relief efforts have been continuous since crews received the call for support April 17. "Our

Security forces join SWAT training exercise

Five Airmen and two civilians from the 355th Security Forces Squadron trained with members of the Tucson Police Department, Sahuarita Police Department and University of Arizona Police Department in an exercise here April 19. The exercise was administered and supervised by TPD special weapons and

Air Force's evasion experts teach pilots survival techniques

Slathered in mud and dressed in Australian military camouflage, you might not recognize Senior Airman Jason Davis as the Pacific Air Forces Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape Specialist Airman for 2006. But that is his uniform of the day for the outdoor survival portion of the SERE training

Making Iraq's future brighter: Operation School Supplies

No more pencils, no more books ... literally. Airmen from the 506th Air Expeditionary Group here are doing what they can to put these and other needed supplies back in the hands of Iraqi children. Operation Iraqi School Supplies is a program where school supplies are donated to local Iraqi students

New standards mean savings for some parents in Europe

Mission support groups all across Europe are rolling out the good news for military families stationed there: they will see greater eligibility for the free or reduced lunch program at Department of Defense Schools. That means savings across the board for anyone who is eligible. Lunch time at school

Airman pleads guilty, sentenced to 10 years confinement

An Airman charged with murder received 10 years confinement, reduction in rank to E-1, forfeiture of all pay and allowances and a dishonorable discharge during a court martial that concluded April 24 here. Airman 1st Class Kyle J. Dalton pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and failure to obey

Officials take step forward toward renewable energy

The groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of North America's largest solar photovoltaic power system took place here April 23. The Nellis solar energy system, once operational, will generate 25 million kilowatt-hours of "clean" electricity for the base. The project is scheduled for completion

Explosive ordnance members honor fallen heroes

Six fallen Airmen were honored during the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Memorial held April 21 at Eglin Air Force Base's Kauffman Annex. "It's an honor to be here and pay our respect to fallen warriors and families who gave so much," said Maj. Gen. Del Eulberg, the Air Force civil engineer,

Airmen missing in action from Vietnam War identified

Department of Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office officials announced April 24 that the remains of two Air Force members 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 Col. Norman D. Eaton

Latest Airman's Roll Call features Airman's Creed

This week's Airman's Roll Call features the Airman's Creed. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley introduced the idealogy as a means to provide Airmen with a tangible statement of beliefs "they can hold most dear." The general said having a creed is like a blinding flash of the

Enlisted position provides flexibility in courtroom

While some enlisted paralegals are trained to do court reporting in addition to their normal duties, there are only five paralegals who do court reporting as their sole responsibility. The duty of court reporting usually fell to a civilian, but these select few were specially trained by the Army to

Bulgarians learn deployment how-tos during Ramstein visit

Strengthening U.S. Air Force ties with other air forces improves capabilities for the allies involved. This was illustrated when three Bulgarian air force officers, Col. Marin Natchev, Col. Evgeni Belkinov, and Lt. Col. Dimitar Ivanov, visited here to learn more about the deployment process. The

Program gives children positive outlets for problems

With April as Month of the Military Child, Aviano Air Base members are helping base youths by teaching children that hitting each other is not acceptable and helped give them a positive outlet to deal with their problems. Children at Aviano AB's elementary school learned about the dangers of using

Chief of staff hosts Air Force acquisition summit

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley hosted a meeting of senior Air Force leaders to discuss the service's top acquisition issues and strategies at the Pentagon April 23. "We want our Airmen of tomorrow to inherit an Air Force that provides them the best tools to do the job of defending

Aviano Airmen test readiness with 'mystery package'

Aviano Air Base first responders were put to the test as a suspicious package was found at the base post office during a base exercise April 20. The scene at the post office was intense with Airmen quickly responding after an Airman noticed the package looked out of place and quickly called for

AFSO 21 interests Royal Air Force

Two Royal Air Force members became more acquainted with Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century during an April 20 visit to Pope Air Force Base. "The visit has been very impressive and has helped us learn more about AFSO 21," said Air Vice Marshall Peter Dye, the director of transformation

Russian aircraft transports ANG rescue helicopters

Air National Guardsmen here worked with an aircraft that was vastly different from the MC-130P Combat Shadow tankers, HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters and other Air Force aircraft they are accustomed to. Airmen from the 129th Rescue Wing were deploying to Afghanistan and needed aircraft to

USAFE Airmen kick off Sniper Lance 2007

More than 200 U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen arrived here April 20 to participate in Exercise Sniper Lance 2007. Sniper Lance aims to provide realistic combat flight training for Air Force F-15 Eagles, KC-135 Stratotankers and Romanian Air Force MiG-21s based out of the 86th Air Base near the town

Aviano children go through mock deployment

Aviano Air Base children were painted in camouflage and went through a deployment line April 20 in an effort to show them what their parents go through.  "Deployments for a child are a very depressing thing, and especially for particular ages who do not know how to deal with it," said Senior Master

Alaska range, airspace critical to combat training

Ejecting out of a fighter jet at more than 400 miles per hour, aircrew members have one objective--to make it to the ground alive. For an F-15 Eagle fighter pilot and his navigator, the combat search and rescue training scenario during Red Flag-Alaska 07-1 stranded them with severe injuries on the

April 22 airpower summary: C-17s provide intra-theater heavy airlift support

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations April 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb

Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

In this week's edition of "Today's Air Force," communities welcome back deployed heroes in homecoming celebrations; experience their re-integration process, readjusting to life at home and work. Also this month, we commemorate The Month of the Military Child. See how different the life of a military

Air Force announces 2006 Weather Awards

Air Force officials have released the 2006 Air Force Weather Awards. Military recipients of individual or team awards are entitled to wear the Air Force Recognition Ribbon, and civilian recipients of individual and team awards are entitled to wear the Air Force Recognition Lapel Pin.The Air Force

Yokota residents pay tribute to Holocaust victims

The Constitution protects American citizens' rights to worship as they choose by allowing the "free exercise thereof," but history shows citizens of other countries have not been as fortunate. Yokota Air Base residents exercised "the right of the people peaceably to assemble" at a memorial service

Space professional development program is 1st-of-its-kind

The first course of a five-course, space certificate pilot program initiated by Air Force Space Command and the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs concludes this month for 20 space professionals. The goal of this "first-of-its-kind" program is to increase the technical foundation of space

Lakenheath munitions Airmen test AFSO 21 initiative

Members of the 48th Munitions Squadron here are using Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century initiatives to help alleviate pending manning cuts. As part of Force Shaping, the munitions squadron of 300-plus Airmen will be downsized by a little more than a third; however, the mission will

Airmen provide 1st class postal service to thousands

Servicemembers here enjoy some of the fastest, most reliable mail service in the history of armed conflict. And when it is time to return home, they can also lighten their load by mailing their gear instead of lugging it through the airlines. 'Combat Postal' Airmen with the 332nd Air Expeditionary

Phase team keeps F-16s in the fight

The sound of electric drills and pounding hammers resonates inside the hardened aircraft shelter here as crew chiefs shout orders over the noise of wielding power tools and a variety of gadgets: Welcome to Day One of an F-16 Fighting Falcon phase dock. Members of the 35th Expeditionary Maintenance

CENTAF leaders visit Airmen at nontraditional places

The commander and command chief for U.S. Central Command Air Forces made a round-robin tour of locations April 20 in Southwest Asia where Airmen are performing duties never done before in places where you normally don't find Air Force members. Lt. Gen. Gary L. North and Command Chief Master Sgt.

Airmen assist Iraqi Air Force reconstitution

On a daily basis, Staff Sgt. Luke Almeter dons his U.S. Air Force uniform and drives the short commute to New Al Muthana Air Base. This seemingly easy task is something his Iraqi Air Force counterparts can't do because of the dangers that lurk outside the base. Because of fear of retribution, Iraqi

370th Group and squadron stand up

The unit activation and assumption of command of the 370th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group and Squadron took place at New Al Muthana Air Base April 22. "This event symbolizes the commitment of the U.S. Air Force in rebuilding the Iraqi Air Force," said Brig. Gen. Robert Allardice, Coalition Air

Medics offer readiness training to embassy, medical personnel

Medics from Joint Task Force-Bravo's medical element conducted first responder and chemical/biological response training here April 17-19 for American embassy personnel and healthcare providers from Honduras. Thirty eight students attended the class, which provided training on chemical, biological,

Doolittle Raiders celebrate 65 years since historic mission

Seven surviving members of the famed "Doolittle Raiders" met in San Antonio in mid April to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the unit's historic bombing mission over Japan April 18, 1942. The raid, which consisted of 16 B-25 Mitchell bombers taking off from the deck of an Navy aircraft carrier, was

Air Force Assistance Fund changes lives

When hard times come, Airmen should not hesitate to ask for help. One Lajes Field Airmen was in need so he turned to the Air Force Aid Society. Senior Airmen Matthew Reindl works in the 65th Air Base Wing Finance Office by day, and is a husband and father of three by night. "Since we've been here at

Week in Photos highlights Airmen in action

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: Waiting for explosive ordnance disposal members to confirm the scene is safe, Staff Sgt. Christopher Hawks and Master Sgt. Albert

Air Support Ops keep control at Atlantic Strike V

The 682nd Air Support Operations Squadron Airmen from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., provided tactical command and control as the Air Support Operations Center during Atlantic Strike V April 14-20 at the Avon Park Air Ground Complex at Avon Park, Fla. The ASOC is the forward extension of the air

Officials make changes to overseas extension incentive list

Air Force officials added an enlisted specialty code and removed two others from the Overseas Tour Extension Incentive Program eligibility list for Airmen serving at long tour locations. Airmen in the communication-computer systems control career field and 46 other Air Force speciality codes with a

Red Flag-Alaska ends on positive note

The year's first Red Flag-Alaska ended April 20 after two weeks of intense, air-combat training over Alaska's mountain ranges. Training in a multi-service, multi-platform, combat operations exercise involving coalition forces was an opportunity that cannot be underemphasized, said Lt. Col. Eddie

Airman loses $600 to '1-cent deposit' scam

An Airman assigned to the 50th Mission Support Squadron here recently fell victim to a new banking scam against which vigilance is the only defense. Airman A, whose full name has been withheld for privacy reasons, first noticed the scam when money began disappearing from his account at a local bank.