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  • Air Force participates in South Africa exercise

    Air Force people arrived here Sept. 17 to participate in the first bilateral exercise between the air forces of South Africa and the United States.More than 200 airmen from Royal Air Force Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath in England, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., and the Oklahoma Air National Guard

  • Squadron inactivating after 34 years

    Airman 1st Class Travis Reid checks an EC-130 Hercules for potential post-flight fuel and hydraulic leaks. Reid is a member of the 42nd Airborne Command and Control Squadron here which was born during the Vietnam War and is being inactivated Sept. 30. Air Force officials determined the unit's

  • Hangin' out

    Airman 1st Class David Perleberg, from the 363rd Expeditionary Communications Squadron, lowers an aging security camera down from the top of a 100-foot communications tower at a deployed location supporting Operation Southern Watch. A new camera was installed and will assist security forces in

  • ID cards prepare airmen for deployment

    An airman's projected deployment information can fit inside his or her wallet thanks to the new air and space expeditionary force identification card available online.Officials at the AEF Center here recently introduced the cards as a way to help airmen understand the details of their

  • Airman sets world bench press record

    Gene Bell recently set world and national records with a 514-pound bench press at the USA Powerlifting National Bench Press Championships in Bedford Heights, Ohio.The quarter-ton-plus lift gave Bell, a master sergeant assigned to the Air Force Services Agency, the Master's World Bench Press and USA

  • Phoenix Readiness to become 'graduate-level' training

    Expeditionary combat support personnel throughout the Air Force will soon have more opportunities to get "graduate-level training" in the art of building and operating an air base from scratch.Phoenix Readiness, the Air Mobility Command-run training program operated by the Air Mobility Warfare

  • Refresher course allows pilots to hone survival skills

    Out among unknown landscape, pilots scramble to evade potential captors by hiding under bushes and trees until they can escape enemy territory. It will take all their survival skills not to get caught, even if this is only an exercise.About seven times a year, pilots are brought together here for a

  • Sergeant returns home after lengthy surgery ordeal

    Early assessments indicate he is the only person in medical history to survive the removal of a large brain-stem tumor and have few side effects afterward. The tumor was the size and density of a baseball.Tech. Sgt. Michael Newell, 47th Mission Support Squadron group training manager here,

  • 10 years later, ALS continues to evolve

    A little more than a decade old, airman leadership school has evolved in much the same way the rest of the Air Force has. Although the school and curriculum have changed with the times, one thing has not, said Tech. Sgt. Pamela Jones, an instructor and director of education at the Senior Master Sgt.

  • 'Light Bulb' brightens the flightline

    He is been called 'Light Bulb' for so long that only a handful of people know his real name. When asked, he tells them he is sure 'Light Bulb' is his real name.Randy Westervelt, a high voltage electrician with the 437th Civil Engineer Squadron's exterior electric shop here, works day and night to

  • Over, under, inside, out

    Senior Airman Alden L. Garlitz, with the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing security forces squadron, inspects the underside of a vehicle Sept. 10 before permitting it to drive onto the base at a forward-deployed location supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Garlitz is an Air National Guardsman

  • Casualty services keep families first

    The war on terrorism has not changed the priorities of Air Force casualty services people at the Air Force Personnel Center here; families of hurt or killed airmen come first.Operation Enduring Freedom has only made the always-open casualty office staff's work more important to the promise that the

  • A cut above the rest

    Master Sgt. Ed Caffrey, superintendent of a heavy equipment section of the 219th Red Horse squadron here, has forged a new identity for himself.He is one of only 92 master bladesmiths in the world.Although he has always been interested in making knives, he did not take it up until after a visit to a

  • Out on patrol

    An F-16 Fighting Falcon from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., patrols the no-fly zone in support of Operation Northern Watch. The aircraft, assigned to the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, was part of an air and space expeditionary force deployment package. The unit spent the 90-day rotation

  • Give me a brake

    Airman First Class Derek Smith, an engine mechanic with the 776th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, operates the hand pump controlling the brake pressure on a C-130 Hercules. The aircraft was being towed to clear the parking ramp for incoming aircraft at a forward-deployed location supporting

  • Packing to go

    Staff Sgt. Rob Thompson, a radar maintenance technician from the 31st Communications Squadron here, prepares an antenna mast for an upcoming deployment to Sardinia. More than 550 people, 27 aircraft and 569 short tons of cargo will temporarily relocate to Decimomannu Air Base, Sardinia, while

  • Teach the teachers

    Capt. Kristen Leist, an air surveillance officer deployed from the 970th Air Control Squadron at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., briefs Department of Defense Dependents Schools teachers about the airborne warning and control system aircraft and mission during an annual orientation day and tour here

  • Air Force striving to get airmen paid right

    More than a year after a new personnel data system began to trigger an "unacceptable" number of pay problems, Air Force leaders have appointed a "pay czar" and mobilized personnel and finance people to fix and prevent pay problems.A recent success: ensuring more than 150 new retirees -- some just

  • Promotion study list now available

    Promotion-eligible enlisted people can now find out which materials to study for the 2003 testing cycles.The most current Weighted Airman Promotion System catalog, which lists the materials used by test writers to develop the 2003 promotion tests, is now available on the Air Force Personnel Center

  • Officials release supplemental board results

    Fourteen airmen, out of 243 considered, were selected for promotion during the latest senior enlisted supplemental board.This was the largest pool of candidates in years, said officials at the Air Force Personnel Center here.The large number reflects an unusual year. The pace of current operations,

  • Improving quality of life one of AF's top challenges

    Acknowledging that the current operations tempo has placed a severe strain on airmen, the secretary of the Air Force told the service's first sergeants that supporting quality of life issues is one of his top priorities. "I view this as one of the Air Force's most critical challenges," said Dr.

  • Keep 'em flying

    Airman 1st Class Robert Parson, a 777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron crew chief, inspects the rear turbine of a C-130 Hercules before the aircraft departs on a mission supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Parson and other members of the 777th EAS are from the 317th Airlift Group at Dyess Air

  • Two ideas save money, net airmen $10,000 each

    Two airmen here each earned $10,000 recently through the Innovative Development through Employee Awareness program.Master Sgt. Jon Newsom, from the 315th Maintenance Squadron, and Senior Airman Michael Morris, of the 437th Operations Support Squadron, are Charleston AFB's most recent

  • Walking the beat, 10,000 km from home

    Ask most cops why they went into law enforcement, and they will say it is about people -- helping people, meeting people, even just talking with people.For a people-focused cop, Staff Sgt. Travis Hartzell has a dream job. As patrolmaster for the 376th Air Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, he

  • Roche reviews first year of war on terrorism

    "Looking back at what we've achieved over the past 11 months, we can all be proud to call ourselves airmen."That was the bottom line of Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche's speech at the Tuskegee Airmen's 31st Annual National Convention recently in Atlanta."Often, our legacy is driven by

  • Pals for life

    Senior Airmen Lisa Leonard (left) and Desere Daniel, from the 379th Expeditionary Services Squadron, serve lunch at a forward-deployed location. The two Ohio Air National Guardsmen became best friends in the second grade and have since joined the Girl Scouts together, played on the same sports

  • Exercising their right

    (Left to right) Airmen 1st Class Matt Martinez and Alvin Gutierrez, Airmen Stephen Tarouilly and Ruben Martinez, and Airman 1st Class Drew Mueller, all members of the 568th Security Forces Squadron here, register to vote for the first time. Federal Voting Assistance Program officials are

  • Student pilots learn basics of aerospace physiology

    While most people think of parasailing as a vacation sport, it is just another part of training for specialized undergraduate pilot training students here.Experts from the 14th Medical Operations Squadron spend eight and a half days with students during their first phase of training. The

  • Refuelers at rest

    The sun sets behind KC-10 Extenders assigned to the 44th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron at a forward-deployed location supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. The 44th EARS has flown more than 2,000 sorties in support of the war on terrorism and delivered more than 225 million pounds of fuel to

  • First test of 'Net Decoy' system shows promise

    The airmen of the 100th Communications Squadron here hosted the first-ever demonstration of the pioneering "Net Decoy" system, combining two defensive information systems that detect, track and potentially identify cyberspace intruders.During the latter part of August the Air Force Information

  • Dentist keeps airmen in fight against terrorism

    Capt. Zindell Richardson is "all smiles" because he has the corner on the dental market at this forward-deployed location.As the only military dentist in this country, the Campbellsville, Ky., native is responsible for providing dental care to thousands of U.S. and coalition warfighters."The concept

  • Supply flight keeps parts moving at OEF base

    The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing is one of the largest units in the Persian Gulf region to support Operation Enduring Freedom. Its primary aircraft are KC-10 Extenders and KC-135 Stratotankers. The wing has delivered almost 300 million pounds of fuel to U.S. and coalition aircraft in the war on

  • Haute cuisine desert style

    (Left to right) Senior Airman Garth K. Courtney, Tech. Sgt. Ken A. Pronti, Staff Sgt. James L. Hallmark and Tech. Sgt. John A. Barone, assigned to the 407th Expeditionary Aerial Refueling Squadron, look for "customers" on the deck they constructed at a forward-deployed location supporting Operation

  • Air Force seeks partnerships

    Get Air Force people off the lawn mowers and onto the flightline.That is the essential goal behind the Air Force's public-private partnership initiatives, according to Fred Kuhn, deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations."We've got too much money (being spent) and too many people

  • Mr. Sandman

    Staff Sgt. Jon Slingerland, from the 379th Expeditionary Comptroller Squadron at a forward deployed location, sands wood on a hole his unit is building for the base's new miniature golf course. Once complete, the course will be added to a growing list of activities offered by the 379th

  • Let there be light!

    Senior Airman Jeremy Tripp, an electrical power production journeyman from the 438th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Flight, works on an air compressor Aug. 17 that boosts a telescopic floodlight unit into position to illuminate a new laundry facility at a forward-deployed location. (Photo by Staff

  • Clear communication

    Tech Sgt. Jimmy Kuwahara, 40th Expeditionary Communication Squadron radio maintenance journeyman, installs a UHF antenna that will be used for ground to air communication at a forward-deployed location supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Kuwahara is a member of the Hawaii Air National Guard.

  • New radar keeps skies safe

    A new radar is improving safety for aircraft landing at a forward-operating location supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.The AN/MPN-25 Rapid Deployment Radar System was deployed in January."We brought it here to prove the system and provide a higher level of safety for the aircraft around the

  • Spouse's program takes off

    McConnell graduated its first spouses recently from a new program designed to increase spouses' and caregivers' awareness of the Air Force mission, customs, traditions, protocol, support resources and other services available to them."I thought (Heartlink) was very informative, especially for a

  • Thrift Savings Plan offering improvements

    The Thrift Savings Plan's new computerized record-keeping system, now set to kick off in November, will provide more control of accounts for investors and faster processing of transactions, said officials at the Air Force Personnel Center here.During the transition period Aug. 19 to Sept. 16, access

  • Mom, son fight war on terrorism together

    The Schnichels family has done a great job of sticking together.Not only are three of them bearing the same last name stationed together at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., but two are fighting the war on terrorism at the same forward-deployed location in the Arabian Gulf region.Master Sgt. Carol

  • Peterson airman stars in AF commercial

    The moment Airman 1st Class Jessica Sanchez stepped onto the Hollywood sound stage recently, she was "crossing into the blue" at the same time.The missile warning intelligence analyst with the 21st Operations Support Squadron at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., won the role of a young Hispanic woman

  • Airman donates hair to charity

    Senior Airman Terry Ide, from the Electronic Systems Center public affairs office here, has two choices when it comes to wearing her hair in uniform: either cut it or wear it up. For the past four years, Ide has worn her hair, more than a foot long, in a tight bun.This changed recently when she had

  • SATCOM delivers critical info for war on terrorism

    In today's information age, satellites are a vital link for global communication. Commanders and troops rely on them to ensure information is at least one step ahead of the enemy in the war on terrorism. At this forward deployed location, that job falls to a satellite communications team from the

  • Help desk 'makes bits flow' to support war on terrorism

    They call it "making bits flow." That is how members of the 379th Expeditionary Communications Squadron help desk refer to assisting customers at this forward deployed location.The help desk is responsible for troubleshooting and repairing computer problems for about 2,000 warfighters here.The

  • Remembering close air support's humble beginnings

    Even the most complex of systems often begin with a simple idea.Case in point: close air support.While today's soldier can expect aerial support from fighter aircraft, specially designed gunships and helicopters -- even heavy bombers dropping laser guided munitions from several miles away -- the

  • Cable guy

    Staff Sgt. Lonnie Gonzales, from the 363rd Expeditionary Communications Squadron, works with limited space while laying fiber and copper cable for the new base theater here. Gonzales is deployed from Hill Air Force Base, Utah. (Photo by Senior Airman Shannon Kluge)

  • Yokota airmen stay ready

    Tech. Sgt. Michael Cannon, an electrical power production technician from the 374th Civil Engineer Squadron here, installs a barrier cable at the flightline during a readiness exercise here. The barrier is used to assist aircraft during emergency landings. Yokota is the primary airlift resource

  • Dyess NCO nets $10,000 for idea

    A Dyess senior noncommissioned officer is $10,000 richer thanks to his suggestion which will save the Air Force more than a quarter of a million dollars annually.Master Sgt. Stephen Schwartz, NCO in charge of the 7th Component Repair Squadron's engine shop here, submitted his suggestion through the

  • CCAF offers FAA certification for engine maintainers

    After four years in development, a new certification program offered by the Community College of the Air Force could replace the title"aircraft mechanic" with "Federal Aviation Administration-certified aviation maintenance technician" in for airmen working on military aircraft.The Joint Service

  • Busy engine shop keeps F-15s flying

    Airman 1st Class Joshua Spainhoward, from the 325th Maintenance Squadron engine flight, inspects an F-15 Eagle engine. The 30-person engine flight provides maintenance on 183 engines used on some 75 F-15s stationed here. (Photo by 2nd Lt. Albert Bosco)

  • Security forces first line of defense for tent city

    It is 112 degrees outside and you feel like your skin is burning off. Sweat runs down your back as you hurry into your tent to grab a nice cold bottle of water from the fridge. However, some deployed personnel do not have that luxury. They stand ever-vigilant, carrying an extra 15 pounds of gear,

  • Reservists demobilize to prepare for new 'steady state'

    In response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the Air Force mobilized more than 30,000 Air National Guardsmen and Air Force Reservists.Nearly a year later, a large portion of them are being released as the Air Force embraces a new steady state, according to Michael L. Dominguez, assistant secretary

  • Power production farm keeps OEF base running

    Just like a body needs food, a forward-deployed unit needs power.Without them, neither will survive.The 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer power production farm at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, ensures the base's electrical needs are kept well-fed."We produce every bit of power used by the military

  • When lightning strikes

    A rare summer storm brews over tent city at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. Nearly 1,400 airmen are deployed to Incirlik in support of Operation Northern Watch. (Photo by Senior Airman Jimmy Harper)

  • Servicemembers help children in Philippines

    In a desolate portion of the Philippines, at a place not easily found, U.S. servicemembers are working together to make a difference.A group of Florida National Guardsmen, Army reservists, active-duty servicemen, and Philippine soldiers have begun to work together recently to provide civic outreach

  • Bird watch

    Master Sgt. Lloyd Webb, 40th Air Expeditionary Wing flight safety noncommissioned officer, ensures the airfield at a deployed location is clear of birds. The base uses a combination of methods such as airfield mowing, water drainage and pyrotechnics to help reduce the number of birds, which can be a

  • Setting her sights

    Airman Vanessa Dobos of the 58th Training Squadron here will become the first woman aerial gunner in the Air Force when she graduates from technical training in a few weeks. As a gunner and member of a search and rescue crew on an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter, she will be performing a combat duty

  • Quarterly overseas enlisted assignment listing available

    The Enlisted Quarterly Assignment Listing for overseas assignments is now available for the April to June 2003 cycle.The deadline for updating assignment preferences is Aug. 22. Airmen will be notified of their selection by Sept. 9.EQUAL advertises upcoming assignment requirements by Air Force

  • Medical team provides care to Honduran children

    More than 130 Honduran children received free medical care in San Pedro Sula recently when an 11-person medical team from Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, came to the city on a medical readiness training exercise, or MEDRETE.This particular exercise focused on problems

  • Air Force releases all specialties from Stop-Loss

    The last officer and enlisted specialties on Stop-Loss will be released beginning Sept. 1.In making the announcement, Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche said the release will be phased in during a one-month period to allow both the Air Force and affected personnel time for transition."We

  • PERSCO team is mini personnel office

    First impressions can leave lasting effects and at a deployed location, the Personnel Support for Contingency Operations team, or PERSCO team, makes it their business to provide a positive experience and help deployed newcomers.At this location in the Arabian Gulf region, for example, the PERSCO

  • Air Force chaplains ensure religious freedom

    One of the main reasons for the settlement of the 13 colonies that eventually grew into the United States of America was religious freedom. The challenge of religious diversity is the ultimate test of whether people believe in that right, according to the Air Force's top chaplain."This is why I'm a

  • Family tradition inspires deployed NCO

    The word "family" speaks to the hearts of everyone.When some think of family, they think of an old home, a childhood memory or a relative. When Staff Sgt. Ernesto E. Diaz thinks of family, he thinks of the U.S. military.A food service specialist with the 379th Expeditionary Services Squadron at Al

  • Maintainers keep C-5 Galaxy fit for duty

    The mission almost sounds simple. Put a crew on the plane, fly it into the area of operations, pick up the cargo and head home.Sending the C-5 Galaxy into the international airport in Kandahar, Afghanistan, not only takes the skilled precision of aircrews, it also takes the airmen behind the scenes