HomeNews

NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Earthquake powers down Hickam, Hawaii

    People living and working on Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, had no power for 12 hours following an earthquake through Hawaii at 7:07 a.m. PDT Oct. 15. Initially rated as a 4 point-plus earthquake, it was later upgraded to 6.6 point-magnitude. According to local reports, the quake and its aftershocks

  • Travis Airmen place first in national firefighting competition

    A team of firefighters from Travis Air Force Base Calif., finished first in the individual heats portion of the 2006 U.S. National Firefighter Combat Challenge held here Oct. 13 and 14. In the individual heat team competition the best three team member times were totaled for the team time. The

  • Air Force Memorial: Reflection of every Airman

    In her 23 years in the Air Force, Master Sgt. Valarie Foster has seen many changes. New uniforms, new aircraft and new missions, she's seen them all. But the one thing that hasn't changed, she says, is the attitude of the individual Airman. "People come and people go," she said. "But the spirit of

  • Country star Lee Ann Womack headlines Air Force open house

    With both the newly dedicated Air Force Memorial and the Pentagon looming nearby, country music vocalist Lee Ann Womack belted out tunes that both entertained and bolstered already present sentiments of patriotism. Ms. Womack's performance in a parking lot of the Pentagon here began shortly after

  • President, military leaders dedicate Air Force Memorial

    On behalf of a grateful nation, the president of the United States accepted the Air Force Memorial in a dedication ceremony here attended by military leaders of the past and present, political and business representatives and thousands of ordinary citizens and Airmen alike. "A Soldier can walk the

  • Air Force Drill Team demonstrates precision at Memorial Dedication

    With the new Air Force Memorial looming nearby, hundreds of spectators, both civilian and military, gathered in a Pentagon parking lot here to witness the precision maneuvers of the Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team. The drill team's performance was but one of a series of events surrounding the

  • Chief gets opportunity to fly historic aircraft over memorial

    As spectators at the Air Force Memorial dedication events looked skyward to an airborne parade of both modern and historic military aircraft, it probably didn't occur to them that the pilot of them represented something special. The B-24 Liberator was but one of perhaps a dozen military aircraft,

  • Airman killed during combat operations

    An Airman assigned to the 732nd Expeditionary Mission Support Group, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, was killed today while performing duties as a turret gunner with the Iraqi police in the vicinity of Baghdad, Iraq. The name of the Airman is being withheld pending next of kin notification and release

  • Air Force Memorial: Former Airman contributes to dedication

    The Air Force has always played a large part in Douglas Landgraf's life. So, he sees it as only fitting that he is now playing an important role in the dedication of the Air Force Memorial. Mr. Landgraf served 11 years as an active duty Airman and he now works as an aircraft mechanic and ramp

  • Memorial represents military air power of the United States

    The spires of the Air Force memorial represent the air power component of the most powerful force in the world. Teshoma Hailu is a taxi cab driver in Arlington, Va. He came to the United States in 1975, with his wife, to escape political issues in his home country and to pursue educational

  • Officials swear in new recruits during memorial dedication events

    As the Air Force recognized its own history with the dedication of a new memorial here, dozens of young men and women also marked the beginning of their own history with the Air Force. As part of activities surrounding the dedication of the Air Force's new memorial, some 90 young men and women rose

  • Air Force Memorial: Inspiration leads to future success

    The Air Force Memorial was designed by the Air Force Memorial Foundation to represent different things to different people. For Staff Sgt. Paul Piper, it's simple inspiration. The sergeant can remember in the eighth grade when he was first inspired to serve his country during a visit to the D.C.

  • Logistics officers given challenge at conference

    The commander of the Air Force Materiel Command took the stage at the Logistics Officer Association National Conference Oct. 10 to tell 1,350 logistics officers to get lean and expect to be in a long war.Gen. Bruce Carlson gave the officers an overview of the enemy and how it exploits Islam and uses

  • Air Force Memorial: Airman keeps dedication VIPs safe

    In an average day, an Airman will do his or her part to make sure the mission is accomplished. For Staff Sgt. Joseph O'Donnell, the average day could mean saving the president's life. As a member of the Protective Services unit of the 316th Security Forces Squadron at Andrews Air Force Base, Md.,

  • Air Force Memorial: Sergeant brings spirit of volunteerism to dedication

    Volunteering is a large part of Tech. Sgt. Donald Jones' job. "It just comes with the territory," he said. He works as the executive assistant to the Air Force District of Washington, D.C.'s command chief, and he's learned that what he doesn't volunteer for himself, he will eventually find himself

  • Airmen compete in national firefighter competition

    The competition is a few minutes of physical torture and even the most conditioned warrior is brought to his knees when it ends. Staff Sergeants Cory McGee and Emanuel Villegas, from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., are among the 500 competitors at the 2006 U.S. National Firefighter Combat Challenge

  • Army posts special message to Airmen

    In commemoration of the U.S. Air Force's 60th anniversary, a celebration that is being kicked off at the Air Force Memorial dedication, the U.S. Army has created and posted a special web message to all Airmen.  The message can be viewed by clicking on http://www.army.mil - visitors to the site will

  • America Soars on Air Force Wings

    The United States of America depends on its Air Force to defend the population, deliver global effects and jointly accomplish national objectives to an extent unseen in the history of mankind. In my 35 years of service, many things have changed. Yet, what has remained constant is the extraordinary

  • AF Memorial: Leadership always at head of the bus

    To lead by example is a critical component of leadership and especially important to 1st Lt. Shaenan Jett who joined the Air Force three years ago for the leadership opportunities. The vehicle operations assistant flight commander with the 316th Logistics Readiness Squadron on Andrews Air Force

  • ACC assists maintainers with AFSO 21

    Moody AFB officials recently welcomed a delegation of Air Combat Command facilitators for a five-day Rapid Improvement Event to assist the base with its Air Force Smart Operations 21 initiatives. The visit was designed to assist maintenance leadership on procedures that can save the Air Force time

  • AF Memorial: Airman a 'model' honor guard member

    Forever standing guard over the Air Force Memorial, a color team bears the American and Air Force flags, flanked on each side by rifle guards. Depicted in these 8-foot statues are representations of Air Force Honor Guard members, past and present, who have each done a service to their country by

  • Reservist gets 'fit to fight'

    An Air Force reservist at Tinker AFB is taking the charge to be "Fit to Fight" seriously. Master Sgt. Matt Thomas, a jet engine mechanic for the 513th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, has used the program to get himself not only fit, but also into outstanding health as well. In 14 months, Sergeant

  • Air Force meets recruiting goal for seventh straight year

    The Air Force met its recruiting goal for the seventh year in a row, but still faces challenges, said officials Oct. 12.In fiscal 2006, the Air Force brought in 30,889 individuals, exceeding its target by 130 Airmen, said Brig. Gen. Suzanne M. Vautrinot, commander of Air Force Recruiting Service.

  • Red Flag kicks off at Nellis

    Nearly 60 aircraft and nine units, supported by 1,000 Airmen from across the United States and Belgium are taking part in the first Red Flag exercise of fiscal 2007, which began Oct. 10 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The exercise that runs until Oct. 20 tests aircrews' warfighting skills in

  • Chief of staff of the Air Force reading list announced

    Officials announced the new chief of staff of the Air Force reading list here Oct. 13. "Our reading list is a link from our heritage to the horizon before us," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley. "It's essential that we fully understand the heritage upon which we're building our

  • Memorial dedication to launch AF's 60th Anniversary observance

    The nation's youngest military service kicks off its 60th anniversary observance this weekend with the official dedication of the Air Force Memorial at Arlington, Va. The memorial, composed of three bold and graceful spires soaring skyward to a height of 270 feet, will be dedicated and given to the

  • Thunderbirds practice over Air Force Memorial

    The Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team practiced its flight routine Oct. 12 in preparation for the opening of the Air Force Memorial. The Thunderbirds will perform during the memorial's dedication activities Oct. 14, but used Oct. 12 to practice in normally restricted airspace over the

  • Air Force focused on three priorities

    Amidst fighting the war on terrorism, the Air Force remains focused on its top three priorities. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley said the Air Force is concerned primarily with fighting and winning the long war against global terrorism and militant extremism, taking care of our

  • Fall 2006 quarterly issue of Airman available

    Read about how basic military training is evolving to create Airmen warriors, celebrate 50 years of operational success with the KC-135 Stratotanker and the Airmen who keep it flying, discover the meaning behind the Air Force Memorial's design, and tag along with provincial reconstruction teams as

  • Airman contracts mission success

    Like a great magician, if Capt. Jonathan Czarney has done his job right, most people won't see how it was done. While on their mission here to bring relief supplies to Pakistanis affected by an earthquake last year, as if by magic, Soldiers will have a bed in which to sleep, food to eat, clothes

  • NATO air forces remain strong, look to future excellence

    NATO air forces' partnership is strong and poised to grow even stronger over the long haul, said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley before a congregation of air force commanders from 25 NATO nations. General Moseley said NATO air forces face similar circumstances, including increasing

  • RED HORSE breaks ground on new training field

    Airmen broke ground on the Northwest Field Expeditionary Training Campus here Oct. 11. The 554th Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operations Repair Squadron Engineers will accomplish $20 million in construction over the next five years. "Right now we are only 74 strong, but we'll have our full

  • Guard has banner year for recruiting, retention

    The National Guard recruited 19,000 more citizen-Soldiers and Airmen in 2006 than it did during the previous year and exceeded its retention goals by record numbers, Guard officials reported in early October. Concerted efforts to recruit new people into the Army and Air National Guard during the war

  • 4 Lakenheath Airmen injured in car crash

    Four NCOs are in serious or critical condition after their car slammed into a tree in a village near Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England. Injured in the Oct. 7 crash were:Tech. Sgt. Michael Schoenly of the 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron,Tech. Sgt. Will Stimpson of the 56th Rescue Squadron, Tech.

  • MUTES trains deployed electronic warfare officers

    Deployed Guardsmen from the 266th Range Squadron at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, are helping B-52 Stratofortress electronic warfare officers quickly identify potential aircraft threats at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, as part of the Air Force's continuous bomber presence in the Pacific. The

  • Outstanding enlisted aircrew members announced for 2005

    The recipients of the 2005 Staff Sgt. Henry E. "Red" Erwin Award for the outstanding enlisted aircrew members of the year have been announced. The awards recognize career enlisted aviators for outstanding job accomplishments, demonstration of leadership and sustained self-improvements in support of

  • Airmen facing drug charges at Lakenheath, Mildenhall

    Ten Airmen at Royal Air Force Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall are under investigation for suspected use of and sale of cocaine, marijuana and ecstasy, according to an Air Force spokesperson. Nine of the Airmen are from Lakenheath's 48th Maintenance Group and 48th Medical Group, and the other is from

  • 'Spirit of McChord' gives Canadians a lift

    Normally they move people, humanitarian supplies, troop rations and equipment, but Airmen with the 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron's Detachment 1 here were tasked Oct. 7 to move different equipment -- several 30-foot, 100,000 pound Canadian tanks.The C-17 Globemaster III "Spirit of McChord" and

  • Deployed B-52 maintainers achieve perfect record

    Since deploying here, B-52 Stratofortress maintainers with the 36th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron have achieved a 100-percent mission effectiveness-rate and 100-percent weapons-release rate for every sortie flown during September. The percentages reflect almost 50 sorties, accumulating

  • Land mobile radio team doubles the distance

    "Ground-to-air communication is critical to the success of any flying mission," said Master Sgt. Francis A. Scott, NCO in charge of the 379th Expeditionary Communications Squadron land mobile radio team. "When we found out the Singaporean Air Force wasn't communicating directly with its aircrew

  • Missing World War II Airman identified

    The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors. He is 1st Lt. Shannon Estill, U.S. Army Air Forces, of Cedar

  • Deployment presents challenge for firefighters

    The sandy desert terrain and base infrastructures in Southwest Asia pose new challenges to Airman 1st Class Eric Theer, a firefighter deployed from Beale Air Force Base, Calif. "I'm used to fighting grass fires back home," said the 20-year-old Airman assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Civil

  • Joint system training enhance situational awareness

    Airmen operating the global command and control system here are providing combatant commanders a visual map of servicemembers on the battlefield via satellite."Basically, you can view everything in the (area of responsibility)," said Staff Sgt. Michael Harvell, an instructor for the system. "You

  • U.S. prepares for operation to aid Pakistan

    A joint team of Airmen and Soldiers are in Pakistan preparing for Operation Promise Keeping, a follow-up mission to aid the people in remote northern parts of the country, which was devastated by an earthquake last year. On Oct. 8, 2005, the disaster, which measured a 7.6 on the Richter Scale and

  • AF prepares to dedicate memorial

    Fifteen years after conception of the Air Force Memorial, construction is nearing completion this week in preparation for its dedication ceremony by officials Oct. 14 in Arlington, Va. The memorial, located on a promontory overlooking Arlington Cemetery, features stainless steel spires that

  • Display highlights Globemaster III strategic value

    The eight C-17 Globemaster IIIs stationed at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii in February are fast becoming a fixture at the base, but they are certainly not the first heavy transports to grace the skies over the island paradise. The 15th Airlift Wing's historian spoke to Airmen attending an unveiling

  • Seasoned PJ trains next generation

    Along the halls of the Pararescue and Combat Rescue Officer School here, reminders of heroes past adorn the walls with honor. There have been 13 Air Force Crosses and one Medal of Honor awarded to former students. They serve as testimony to the valor demonstrated by a fresh crop of

  • 13th AF welcomes new commander, transforms operations

    A one-year transformation of command and control of air, space and information operations in the Pacific ended here as 13th Air Force officially began operations as a component numbered air force headquarters and welcomed a new commander. Former Pacific Air Forces Deputy Commander, Lt. Gen. Loyd S.

  • 'Top Flight' to rock forward bases

    A 10-member Air Force band plans to boost morale throughout Southwest Asia, entertaining coalition forces at several forward operating locations as well as main operating bases typically visited by other bands and civilian artists. Top Flight, the rock band component of the Band of the West at

  • Third motions hearing adjourns in Airman Hill court martial

    The third motions hearing in the court martial of Airman Calvin Hill, charged with the premeditated murder of a fellow Airman and other offenses, adjourned here Oct. 4.Airman Hill is charged in the death of Airman 1st Class Ashley Turner in August 2005 while the two were stationed at Naval Air

  • Big Brothers, Sisters visit Eielson fighter squadron

    Eighteen children from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Fairbanks, Alaska, met Airmen from the 355th Fighter Squadron and received an up close and personal look at an A-10 Thunderbolt II when they visited here Sept. 30. "The 355th FS not only wanted to help (Big Brothers Big Sisters) in that

  • U.S. prepares for operation to aid Pakistan

    A joint team of Airmen and Soldiers is in Pakistan preparing for Operation Promise Keeping, a follow-up mission to aid the people in remote northern parts of the country devastated by an earthquake last year. A magnitude 7.6 earthquake centered roughly 60 miles northeast from here struck Oct. 8,

  • Captain found guilty of cheating on WAPS test

    Capt. Rhonda McDaniel of the 45th Space Wing, was found guilty of conspiring with two other Air Force members to cheat on the Weighted Airmen Promotion System test by wrongfully possessing and giving the contents of the controlled test materials to other Air Force members. She was sentenced to

  • T-38s at Laughlin mark beginning of transition

    Laughlin AFB officials received the first T-38 Talon Oct. 4 from Moody AFB, Ga.  The aircraft's arrival denotes the start of the transition to a new training mission. "This jet marks the beginning of Laughlin's transition to our newly acquired Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals mission," said Col.

  • Seeds of 56-year marriage planted during Berlin Airlift

    Retired Lt. Col. James and Ellie Spatafora possess a unique answer to a common question couples are quizzed about. When asked where they met, they answer that the seeds of their 56-year marriage were planted during the historic Berlin Airlift. The couple was able to catch up on old times with

  • Air Force leaders to discuss new 'Cyber Command'

    Air Force leaders are gathering in early November to discuss plans for creation of a new command, one chartered with flying and fighting in cyber space. Cyberspace became an official Air Force domain, like air and space, on Dec. 7, 2005, when Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Chief of

  • Letter to Airman focuses on Air Force heritage

    In the latest Letter to Airmen, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Chief of Staff of the Air Force T. Michael Moseley commemorate Air Force heritage. "Adaptive and flexible Airmen in uniform have continued to innovate, pushing the limits of imagination and technology to dominate the

  • USAFE unit debuts small diameter bomb in combat

    The Guided Bomb Unit-39/B small diameter bomb was flown into combat for the first time Oct. 5 by members of the 494th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. The unit, deployed to the Southwest Asia area of operations, launched a two-ship formation of F-15E Strike Eagles at 1:30 a.m. EDT carrying the new

  • Personnel center names first command chief

    The Air Force Personnel Center commander has named Chief Master Sgt. Terry Reed as the center's first command chief master sergeant. "This is a great day for the Air Force Personnel Center as Chief Reed will now represent AFPC at the highest level of the enlisted force," said Maj. Gen. Tony

  • Airman 'brings it home' for NBA Live

    Draining three-pointers, playing tough defense and going to the rim are all things Senior Airman Milton Carrell of the 319th Operations Support Squadron here can do. Only he doesn't always do them on a regular basketball court. Airman Carrell was selected as a finalist in the NBA Live: Bring It Home

  • General Pace visits with Kirtland Airmen

    Hundreds of Airmen at Kirtland Air Force Base got a chance today to participate in a question-and-answer session with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Peter Pace. General Pace was visiting the area to talk to base Airmen and the local people of Albuquerque. After a short introduction,

  • Airman facing murder charges could get death penalty

    The third motions hearing in the court-martial of an Airman charged with premeditated murder started Oct. 4 at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C. Airman Calvin Hill allegedly killed Airman 1st Class Ashley Turner on Aug. 14, 2005, at Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland. He could face the death penalty if

  • Air Force announces team excellence awards

    Air Force officials have announced the five teams selected for the 2006 Chief of Staff Team Excellence Awards. The awards recognize teams that used a systematic approach to enhance mission capability, improve operational performance and create sustained results. Improvements made by the five award

  • Air Force Reserve changes officer promotion system

    Air Force Reserve Command is changing its officer promotion system to meet future total force requirements. The command will implement the changes starting with the Oct. 16 Air Force Reserve line and non-line colonel promotion selection board, with results of the board to be announced early next

  • Officer faces court-martial in WAPS cheating scandal

    A prior-enlisted officer is facing a court-martial Oct. 4 at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., stemming from an investigation into an alleged Weighted Airman Promotion System cheating scandal that lasted nearly 10 years. Capt. Rhonda McDaniel, who is assigned to the 45th Aeromedical-Dental Squadron, is

  • Some Airmen can carry over 'use or lose' leave

    Airmen who were recalled from or unable to take annual leave this past year for reasons such as support for contingency operations may be allowed to accumulate more than the normal 60 days after the fiscal year ends. Special leave accrual carry over also applies to Air Force Reserve and Air National

  • Air Warrior transforms into new Green Flag

    With the ever-changing fight in the war on terrorism, thus goes the Air Force with the incarnation, or re-incarnation, of Green Flag.The Air Warrior exercises here and at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., have officially become the Air Force's premier pre-deployment exercises for Air Combat Command

  • Air traffic controller considers Air Force her second family

    With nearly 300 flights coming in and out of Laughlin AFB every day, new and seasoned pilots depend upon the support from air traffic controllers to send them out and bring them back home safely to their base and families.One air traffic controller on the ground guiding pilots over Del Rio,

  • F-22 Raptor ready for its combat role

    While the 27th Fighter Squadron is still figuring out the processes needed to deploy its F-22 Raptors to war, it is ready to go now. Squadron director of operations Lt. Col. Kevin Fesler said the Langley Air Force Base, Va., unit is still normalizing its operations. But he said if the call comes,

  • DOD Eagle Vision experiment wraps up at Lajes

    A Department of Defense experiment testing the versatility of one of the Air Force's ground communications station systems wrapped up here Sept. 29. Eagle Vision-1, based at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, is designed to receive a variety of information from civilian remote-sensing satellites. "This

  • Push-up plan meets new fitness initiative

    Three hundred and thirty-two thousand. That's a lot. Of anything. How would you like to do that many push-ups? The approximately 100 members deployed here with the 332nd Expeditionary Communications Squadron have collectively committed to accomplishing that goal within the next four months.  They

  • Energy conservation a priority, group effort at McChord

    Over the past 20 years, the Air Force has reduced facility energy usage by 30 percent by incorporating energy conservation into operations -- without impacting the mission -- and the Air Force is pushing to cut usage another 20 percent by 2015. For the last two years, McChord AFB officials have

  • Air Force making progress on alternative fuels

    The Air Force is embracing an energy strategy that uses alternative sources of power and conservation, Undersecretary of the Air Force Dr. Ron Sega told a group of civilian energy engineers during a World Energy Engineers Congress luncheon Sept. 15. "I think we're making progress, but we certainly

  • Laughlin Airmen become Baron barnstormers for day

    Oct. 2 was far from a typical day for one Airman whose normal routine includes drawing blood and trying not to make children cry in the process. When Senior Airman Robert Arrington, a medical lab technician with the 47th Medical Support Squadron was told he'd been selected to fly with the Red Baron

  • Air Force prepares to commemorate 60th anniversary

    Big things are in store for Airmen, as Air Force leaders have planned more than a year's worth of commemoratory activities leading up to the Air Force's 60th anniversary, Sept. 18, 2007. Brig. Gen. Janet Therianos, director of the 60th Anniversary office at the Pentagon, said this upcoming year will

  • Unit stands up at Vandenberg

    U.S. Strategic Command officials have split a single function into two in order to transform and enhance U.S. space capabilities. The Joint Functional Component Command for Space and Global Strike has been divided into JFCC for Space and JFCC for Global Strike and Integration. The split, initially

  • Ceremony brings historic 23rd Wing to Moody

    The 347th Rescue Wing was officially re-designated as the 23rd Wing during a ceremony at 8:23 a.m. here Sept. 29.The ceremony culminated several recent changes to Moody's wing, including the assimilation of the 23rd Fighter Group at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., and Moody's 820th Security Forces Group.

  • Missile squadron poised for 72-hour alerts

    Missile combat crews in the 490th Missile Squadron here are helping the 20th Air Force transform missile operations as crewmembers started performing 72-hour alerts using three-person crews Sept. 30. Twentieth Air Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Thomas F. Deppe, suggested the 72-hour alert initiative and

  • New capability improves search, rescue response

    Pararescuemen in the 347th Rescue Group here are preparing to add a new capability to their life-saving arsenal soon. Kangaroo Duck, a process which involves strapping an inflatable rubber raft to the underbelly of an HH-60 Pave Hawk, will be used to better assist with water-rescue scenarios, like

  • COMUSAFE visits Portuguese defense officials

    The commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe met with Portuguese defense officials to build relationships and tour facilities Sept. 29. During the trip, Gen. Tom Hobbins visited Monte Real Air Base, Alcochete Range and Lisbon's Ministry of Defense, where he met Admiral Jose Manuel Garcia Mendes

  • Reserve personnel records continue going electronic

    Continuing the process of transferring personnel records to an electronic format, Air Force officials will begin scanning the Unit Personnel Record Group of active-duty Airmen in October. "There is only one copy of the UPRG kept at each unit," said Jo Hogue, chief of master personnel records at the

  • Siblings honor brother's sacrifice

    At a small rural church 10 miles from here, friends and family members gathered to honor 1st Lt. Bruce Sweney, an Air Force reconnaissance pilot who was shot down over North Korea Oct. 2, 1951. By all accounts the day was perfect for a memorial service -- bright sunny skies for the flyover, an Air

  • 55th Wing fulfills mission tasks from borrowed airfield

    Every day nearly 450 Airmen from the 55th Wing take the bus to work -- making an hour-long ride that takes them 50 miles away from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. The wing moved airfield operations and support agencies to the Lincoln Air Park ramp in May to continue flying missions remotely while

  • McConnell Airmen 'Stand Down' for homeless veterans

    At any given time the Air Force has thousands of personnel deployed supporting the war on terrorism. Decades ago, it was the Vietnam conflict and the Korean War. What happened to the veterans who fought for our nation then? Some of those veterans who now find themselves homeless made their way to

  • Oct. 1 effective date for Air Force uniform changes

    There will be noticeable changes with the Air Force uniform Oct. 1, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley said. Three changes include doing away with enlisted shoulder board ranks and introducing a new physical training uniform and an insignia. The Air Force introduced shoulder board

  • Weather agency helps commanders with mission decisions

    Before flying to support ground forces or attack a target, Air Force and Army pilots run through a lengthy preflight checklist. Getting a go from Air Force weather forecasters is on the list twice. The meteorological data used by combat weather forecasters is collected by the Air Force Weather

  • How well do you know your fellow Airmen?

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley discusses how to "Take Care of Airmen" in his latest Chief's View on Air Force Link.The chief addresses an Airman's role as a supervisor or wingman."We need to get to know our Airmen and their families -- know where they're from, why they joined

  • Command, control squadron inactivates at Offutt AFB

    The 55th Mobile Command and Control Squadron here was officially inactivated Sept. 27 after 28 years of service. For nearly three decades the men and women of the 55th MCCS have kept a quiet vigil, preparing for the day when the fate of the nation might depend on their ability to provide a

  • USAFE commander honors German military

    By standing their ground for more than three years as sentinels of U.S. Air Forces in Europe installations, departing German servicemembers have not only kept Airmen and their families safe, but also enabled their American counterparts to more effectively engage in the war on terrorism. "Dear

  • Reserve, Guard leaders speak at AFA convention

    Both the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard's top leaders spoke to attendees of the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 26. Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley, Air Force Reserve Command commander, and Lt. Gen. Craig R. McKinley, Air National Guard

  • Air Force undertaking force transformation initiatives

    The Air Force has changed direction in its effort to fulfill its legal requirements to organize, train and equip a flying force. During the Air Force Association's 2006 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 27, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley explained how

  • Scott Airmen come down with the Blues

    For many professional sports teams, summer training camp includes grueling exercises, early wake-up calls and countless hours of practice. Before their season kickoff, St. Louis Blues hockey players didn't expect to be low-crawling at Scott Air Force Base. The Blues visited Scott AFB Sept. 25 and 26

  • Ramstein team aids peacekeeping mission in Darfur

    Ramstein Airmen flew with a Botswana C-130 aircrew to the Darfur region Sept. 23 and 24 to support the African Union peacekeeping mission. Two C-130 Hercules crewmembers from the 86th Operations Support Squadron, aerial port Airmen from the 86th Air Mobility Squadron, and a force protection

  • Schriever Airmen assume GPS satellite responsibilities

    Airmen from the 1st Space Operations Squadron here assumed launch and early orbit responsibilities for Global Positioning System IIR-M 15 shortly after it lifted off Sept. 25 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. The satellite's journey of 11,000 miles began as its Delta II rocket lifted off a

  • Reductions necessary to recapitalize today's service

    Reducing the number of Airmen in the service is never easy business, but it's absolutely necessary to recapitalize today's service, said the Air Force's top personnel officer Sept. 26 at the annual Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference here. "This is a challenging time for all people in

  • Special operations mission grows on several fronts

    The commander of Air Force Special Operations Command spoke at the 2006 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 26 about the importance and growth of special operation forces. "We're growing on a lot of different fronts," said Lt. Gen. Michael W.

  • Support agencies ease deployed Airmen's return

    Family and friends welcomed the safe return Sept. 24 of several Airmen who were deployed in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. After spending time with their families, the Airmen returned to the base the next morning to process through a "reintegration" line at Laughlin's

  • AMC commander: Global mobility aircraft saving lives in Iraq

    Mobility aircraft in Iraq and Afghanistan are helping keep Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Sailors out of harm's way. During the Air Force Association's 2006 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 26, Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, Air Mobility Command commander, said C-130 Hercules