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  • Maintenance unit's helicopter attains excellence twice in one day

    For the first time since 2005, an HH-60G Pave Hawk assigned to the 56th Expeditionary Helicopter Maintenance Unit here achieved a perfect maintenance inspection rating. Aircraft 89-6205, a 24-year old HH-60, achieved the coveted black-letter initial exceptional release, or ER, July 23. After the ER

  • Born in the military: One family's legacy of service

    Military deployments are difficult for both the service member and the family members they leave behind. Being in a dual-military parent family doesn't make it easier, but after nearly 50 years of combined service, the current Wakefields are continuing their family's tradition."My great uncles

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.

  • Officers, enlisted members offered early retirement

    Technical and master sergeants, captains, majors and lieutenant colonels in certain Air Force specialties may apply to retire with fewer than 20 years of active service under the Temporary Early Retirement Authority, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.Commonly referred to as the 15-year

  • Two combat controllers hike with USAF Seven Summits Team

    For some, hiking and climbing for days, and sometimes months, through some of the harshest environments known to man, would seem like an arduous task. Two Airmen from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., experienced just that as they summited Mount Rainier, Wash., July 19 through 22.Staff Sgt. Brian

  • Airmen flip for charity

    What originally began as a dream workout, changed to working out a dream when Airmen from the base here had the idea for the ultimate CrossFit challenge: Flipping an 800-pound tire 11 miles to raise money for wounded veterans. "My goal was to flip the tire downtown," said Staff Sgt. Cody Lytle, who

  • Welsh meets with Wyoming's Total Force Airmen

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and his wife, Betty, visited with Airmen of 153rd Airlift Wing at the Wyoming Air National Guard Base here July 19.During an Airman's call, Welsh applauded the 153rd Airlift Wing's role in hosting the Air National Guard's first active-duty associate

  • Free smartphone app designed to keep Airmen informed

    The Air Force launched a free mobile application geared toward informing Airmen and families about force support squadron morale, welfare and recreation events happening on their bases."MyAirForceLife," developed by the Air Force Personnel Center, links eligible patrons to force support

  • AF to convene selective Lt Col, Col early retirement board

    The Air Force will convene a selective early retirement board Dec. 9 to consider eligible lieutenant colonels and colonels for retirement under the FY14 Force Management Program.SERB is one of several FM programs to be implemented in FY14 to help size and balance the force to meet authorized end

  • PHOTO ESSAY: C-5 Galaxy crew loads cargo at Charleston

    Total force Airmen continue to work together and pool resources to ensure the success of overseas contingency operations. View the slideshow below to see how Airmen assigned to the West Virginia's Air National Guard's 167th Airlift Wing prepare for a mission out of Joint Base Charleston,

  • Air Force takes swift action against sexual assault

    It's not an overstatement to say that the past many years have been challenging for those in the military working to prevent sexual assault and sexual trauma. However, for those who've been victimized it has been much worse, and we should never forget that. The harm in this crime is not just

  • No more redundant inspections: AF implements new inspection system

    The Air Force recently implemented a new inspection system, aimed at giving more power to wing commanders.With the signing of Program Action Directive 13-01, Air Force inspection system Implementation Tiger Team transitions from the planning phase to the execution phase. The program, which was beta

  • Air Force Cycling Team pedals across Iowa

    Come rain, wind or an average temperature of 90 degrees, 94 Airman began pedaling across Iowa as part of the Registers Annual Bicycle Ride across Iowa, better known as RAGBRAI, July 21.The Air Force Cycling Team, under the leadership of Senior Master Sgt. Larry Gallo, assigned to 433rd Airlift Wing,

  • Sexual assault prevention focus group visits begin at Wright-Patterson

    To better understand and deter sexual assault within the service, Maj. Gen. Margaret Woodward, the Air Force Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office director, kicked off the first in a series of visits to installations with a stop at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, July 22-23.Woodward

  • Thunderbirds egress specialist finds fulfillment in service

    Many Airmen discover their paths early in life. Some join the Air Force after graduating high school, and others wait a few years before making the decision to enlist. For one Airman assigned to the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, deciding to join the Air Force took 11 years.Staff Sgt.

  • Two special operations Airmen earn Silver Stars

    Two Air Force Special Operations Command combat controllers stationed in San Antonio were each presented a Silver Star for gallantry in combat during a ceremony here July 22.The two combat controllers, Tech. Sgt. Ismael Villegas and Staff Sgt. Dale Young, were decorated by Lt. Gen. Eric E. Fiel, the

  • Exercising to honor, inspire

    At the beginning of their deployment, a team of four Royal air force members from the No. 1 Air Control Center set out to exercise their way back to Lincoln, England, roughly 3,400 miles away, in honor of United Kingdom and U.S. service members who have been injured or killed in contingency

  • CSAF thanks Schriever AFB, addresses importance of every Airman

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III visited Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., July 19 to thank the team as well as provide some insights on current Air Force issues.As part of a two-day visit to Colorado, Welsh and his wife, Betty, met with Schriever AFB Airmen and their families at a key

  • Civil engineers build medical facility, save AF thousands

    Consistent with fluctuating operations in deployed locations, the ability to quickly and efficiently build structures to house new missions is crucial. The 1st Expeditionary Civil Engineer Group here has specialized teams of Airmen who support projects to fulfill construction requirements. "When a

  • Through Airmen's Ears: A journey into music resonates success

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Under the steel-grey wings of an MQ-1L Predator A on display at the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum here, visitors took their

  • Airman earns "Service Member of the Year" award

    Master Sgt. William G. Janczewski II was honored July 18, on Capitol Hill, as "Service Members of the Year" by newspaper publisher Military Times, along with four other service members, one from each branch of service. "It's very, very humbling," Janczewski said of his being named the Airman of the

  • CMSAF speaks to Airmen at Minot AFB

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody heard directly from the enlisted force about issues important to them during two Airmen's calls here July 12. In discussing his vision for the Air Force, the chief said with the tough fiscal road ahead, the force is on the cusp of some dramatic changes

  • Technicians safeguard fuel, oxygen

    Aircrew members depend on several moving parts to ensure an aircraft is properly maintained and prepped for a safe mission. A part of this preparation is ensuring that the fuel and oxygen within the aircraft are safe and free of contaminates that could negatively affect the mission.Airmen at the

  • Stay connected with social media without sacrificing career

    Engaging in social media can be a positive experience that entertains, keeps people connected and allows opinions to be expressed on a wide variety of topics.In some cases though, social media can ruin personal reputations or careers, and create an open window for criminals to access personal

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.

  • Kandahar remembers fallen heroes with memorial ceremony

    The men and women of the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing came together during a remembrance ceremony here July 13 to honor the Airmen assigned to the wing's area of operations who paid the ultimate sacrifice.While deployed to Kandahar Airfield in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, 13 Airmen lost

  • Quality Assurance: Maintenance commander's 'eyes and ears'

    To ensure the safety of pilots and ground crews, aircraft maintainers are held to a high standard of proficiency and job knowledge in fulfilling their mission requirements.Their skills are monitored and inspected regularly by some of the career field's most knowledgeable maintainers."We cultivate a

  • Voluntary fiscal 2014 force management programs announced

    The Air Force will implement several officer and enlisted force management programs for fiscal 2014, officials said today.Force management programs enable the Air Force to both size and balance the force, with the goal of meeting mandated end strength numbers in the right career fields and at the

  • CSAF says readiness harmed by steep cuts

    The rigid requirements of sequestration spending cuts have made it difficult for the Air Force to maintain readiness, the service's top officer said yesterday.Speaking to CNN's John King at the annual Aspen Institute Security Forum in Aspen, Colo., Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III

  • AF officials announce fiscal 2014 force management programs

    In ongoing efforts to size and shape the force to current and future requirements, Air Force officials announced the fiscal 2014 force management programs.The Air Force ended fiscal 2012 159 Airmen over end strength and anticipates ending fiscal 2013 at or marginally over end strength. The fiscal

  • STRATCOM commander discusses mission, future of Global Strike

    The commander of U.S. Strategic Command discussed the mission and future of Air Force Global Strike Command at an all-call here July 15."The skills that we have for the nuclear deterrence mission will be needed as far into the future as I can see," Gen. C. Robert Kehler said. "As long as we have

  • PHOTO ESSAY: Exercise Global Medic 2013

    Each year, service members from each Reserve component gather to test their capabilities and interoperability. View the slideshow below to catch a glimpse of how it went this year for Airmen and Soldiers in the medical career field during the exercise that was held at Fort McCoy, Wis.SLIDESHOW

  • Holding Airmen accountable: Mandatory discharge for sexual assault

    The Air Force recently adopted two new measures to eliminate sexual assault from within the ranks, including requiring discharge for Airmen who commit sexual assault, and requiring the Air Force's most senior commanders to review actions taken on these cases. According to Capt. Allison DeVito, chief

  • Security Forces Airmen recall IDF attack, bringing members closer

    Members of the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron had just finished dinner and were on the way back to their compound on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan June 18. Heading south on a perimeter road, they passed a bus stop located about 50 yards from their compound, where service members were

  • Gallantry earns pararescueman Silver Star

    An Airman assigned here earned the Silver Star medal for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force near Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan April 23, 2011. Maj. Gen. Frank Padilla awarded Staff Sgt. Zachary Kline the Silver Star in a ceremony here July 14, citing

  • Special duties require commander nomination

    The selection process for 10 special duty positions now requires unit commander nomination and hiring authority certification, Air Force Personnel Center officials said. The process change implemented this month affects staff sergeant, technical sergeant and master sergeant positions in special

  • 10 special duties become developmental opportunities

    Selection for 10 special duty fields is now a nominative rather than volunteer-based process, Air Force officials announced today. In the past, any qualified Airman who met eligibility criteria defined in the special duty catalog could apply for a special duty opportunity. However, as resources

  • AF encourages Airmen to be key part of SAPR solution

     In an effort to address the growing concern of sexual assault in the Air Force, the service has kicked off an initiative to give Airmen the capability for their voice to be clearly heard called "Every Airman Counts." "I believe Airmen are a key part of the solution to this," said. Maj. Gen.

  • Sequestration impact looms despite resumed flying operations

    Air Force leaders announced July 15 that flying training would resume at numerous units, bringing an end to the three-month halt that resulted from the budget sequestration reductions. Congress approved a $1.8 billion reprogramming request that transferred money from several programs to pay for

  • National commission to visit 13 bases

    The "National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force" is planning to visit 13 Air Force locations, beginning with Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., on July 16.Appointed by the FY13 National Defense Authorization Act, the commission is reviewing the Air Force's structure to determine if

  • Innovation extends ORS-1's life, mission

    The Operationally Responsive Space-1 satellite launched June 29, 2011, and has been a star Air Force performer since its first day on orbit. Members of the 1st and 7th Space Operations Squadrons celebrated the spacecraft's second birthday recently. "This is a great time to recognize all of ORS-1's

  • First Airman Resilience Center opens at Altus AFB

    A new Airman Resilience Center opened its doors during a ribbon cutting ceremony here July 11.The ARC is the first facility of its kind at the base. "The ARC includes five classrooms for training use, a theater room, a game room and an electronic gaming area," said Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Mathe, the

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.

  • New commander takes lead in air campaign

    U.S. Air Forces Central Command has a new leader.In a change of command ceremony here July 11, Lt. Gen. John W. Hesterman III took command of USAFCENT from Lt. Gen. David Goldfein.Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, the commander of U.S. Central Command, presided over the ceremony."The power of the

  • A 5,000-mile journey to recovery

    An active-duty Air Force crew aboard a C-17 Globemaster III made history July 10 while flying specialized medical teams and a patient requiring equipment never before used on board a tran-Atlantic mission. The spouse of an active-duty Army service member, who wishes to remain anonymous, was being

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman reflects on journey from maintainer to pilot

    "I remember the first time I climbed into an F-16 (Fighting Falcon) and the canopy closed," he said. "I had my mask on, and it was so quiet. I was amazed at how quiet and peaceful it was. At that moment, I knew the cockpit was where I was meant to be."To get into that cockpit, Maj. Robin Lytle had

  • AF chief scientist addresses future

    The Air Force chief scientist addressed members of the Air Force Association about the Global Horizons study, which looks into the near and long-term application of science and technology in the force.Dr. Mica Endsley, who was recently appointed as the 34th Air Force chief scientist, focused her

  • Financial managers get certification program

    Air Force Financial Managers are joining forces with their sister services to create a more effective training and certification program. The new Department of Defense Financial Manager Certification Program will affect nearly 10,000 Air Force active duty officers, enlisted and civilian financial

  • Fanning makes first visit to Nellis, Creech AFBs

    Acting Secretary of the Air Force Eric Fanning visited Airmen here and at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., July 8 as part of his first round of base visits since assuming the position in June.Fanning was confirmed as the 24th Under Secretary of the Air Force in April and took on the additional role of

  • Airman crosses from deaf culture into the blue future

    The house in Norfolk, Va., was noisy. The children shouted across the house to each other. The T.V., when on, always had closed captions. The father was born able to hear and eventually lost his hearing. The mother was born deaf. They aren't aware of the noises they make. They shout occasionally--to

  • Canadian controller works alongside American air battle managers

    The cool breeze gently lifts a bright red maple leaf off the ground whipping it into the air during an autumn soccer scrimmage in Ontario, Canada ... wait a second, rewind. The hot desert wind whips and whirls the sand in every direction as Canadians battle their way from work to home during their

  • Principal military official stops moves to Egypt

    Military officials have temporarily halted movement of personnel, to include permanent change of station moves and most temporary duty assignments to Egypt, due to the Department of State's ordered departure of all dependents and non-mission essential personnel from Egypt.The stop movement order,

  • Airman's actions lead to heroic rescue

    For Airman 1st Class Jake Bush, 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron electro-mechanical technician, July 1 was a seemingly normal Monday. Just hours after completing a CPR refresher training course, Bush was put in an unlikely situation which required him to put his skills to good use. He rescued

  • Air Force officials release first enlisted LEAP selection board results

    The U.S. Air Force Culture and Language Center recently released the results of the first Language Enabled Airman Program selection board solely for enlisted Airmen. The selection of 199 applicants nearly triples the number of enlisted Airmen in the program.The program aims to sustain, enhance and

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman saves lives, delivers twins

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)It was a typical day for Senior Airman Rainier Jeffrey as he rode to the Upolu Hospital in Samoa. As a medical technician deployed out to sea with the

  • Airmen set world's record during exercise

    Airmen from the Dyess's 317th Airlift Group set a world's record for the largest C-130J formation during a Joint Operational Access exercise on June 19.JOAX is a 12-day combined military training exercise designed to prepare Airmen and Soldiers to respond to worldwide crises and contingencies."This

  • New manual covers mentoring program

    A new Air Force manual that provides detailed information on mentoring within the Air Force, including the definition, program benefits and objectives, has been published.Air Force Manual 36-2643, Air Force Mentoring Program, incorporates information from, and supersedes, AFI 36-3401, Air Force

  • Deployed controllers deliver hope

    When serving on a remote forward operating base in Afghanistan, service members rely on deliveries of ammunition, tools, food, water and other supplies. Many times these vital provisions are airdropped by 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron cargo jets. "Cargo is the life blood of downrange

  • K-9 Airmen deploy with 'best friend'

    One of the most difficult parts of a deployment for service members is leaving behind friends and family. Security forces Airmen in the Military Working Dog section, however, have a unique opportunity when they deploy. "We get to deploy with our best friend," said Senior Airman Andrew Hanus, a 379th

  • AF leaders stand behind civilians during tough furlough times

    Acting Secretary of the Air Force Eric Fanning and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III send the following furlough message to the Airmen of the United States Air Force:As you all know, Department of Defense civilian furloughs begin this week. With few exceptions, our civilian Airmen face

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.

  • EOD Airmen remove 35 tons of ordnance from range

    Explosive ordnance disposal Airmen from the 366th Civil Engineering Squadron were joined by fellow EOD Airmen from nine different bases to perform the annual range clearance at Saylor Creek and Juniper Butte Range complexes, Idaho.Members from the 366th Fighter Wing and other units have spent the

  • AF chaplain, NASCAR team to help service members

    On April 27, 2012, Chaplain (Col.) Steven West went to Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va., to speak about ministry; he left with a plan to change the world. He left his office as the chaplain for the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to meet with Dell Hamilton, a partner of Hamilton

  • 'Check Six' teaches deployed service members combatives

    When faced by an attacker, sometimes the only means of defense are ones instincts and ability to fight back. To hone those instincts, deployed service members are armed with basic, defensive fighting skills at the weekly Check Six combatives classes offered at the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing

  • Joint STARS: Deployed maintainers saving lives

    U.S. and coalition ground forces deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations depend on many different airframes and assets to complete their day-to-day operations. That includes the E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System maintained by the 7th Expeditionary Aircraft

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: On the Road to Recovery; A Wounded Warrior Story

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)The cool breeze and darkening night slowly embraced the German landscape. Everything seemed to be perfect and in place. However, events quickly turn

  • Deployed Airmen in right place, right time

    "There were people everywhere screaming and yelling," explained Capt. Cassie Cosentino, 4th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Public Health officer in charge, as she recalled being faced with a horrific encounter while supporting operations in Southwest Asia, April 10.Cosentino, Senior Airman Husein Khan,

  • Recent Academy grad now DOD's top women's triathlete

    Her heart beats faster and faster and beads of sweat drip down her face, as she sprints toward the finish line just seconds ahead of several other competitors. This race earned her the title of fastest woman triathlete in the Department of Defense.At the age of 15,  2nd Lt. Samantha Morrison, recent

  • AF, Army unite to protect Transit Center

    When faced with a shortfall in manning, an Air Force reservist here devised a plan to join forces with the Army to keep security operations on par."Most of the time, a singular service component is given the mission of base security," said Master Sgt. Brian Nicoletti, the 376th Expeditionary

  • Iron Airman challenge promotes fitness resiliency

    All Airmen must maintain fitness standards as a mission readiness requirement. However, fitness can also be used as a great motivator for people to achieve higher levels of resiliency. The Iron Airman Challenge, which consists of timed push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups and a distance run, is a new program

  • Maintaining the maintainers

    Maintainers fix and keep aircraft flying; we all know what they do. But, how are our maintainers able to solve complex technical problems and keep our more than 50 year old tanker fleet in the air?Ask any maintainer and they will probably tell you the Maintenance Qualification Training Program is

  • Voluntary retraining application window closes July 7

    Enlisted Airmen in overmanned career fields who want to retrain into an undermanned field have until July 7 to submit their application under Phase I of the fiscal 2014 Noncommissioned Officer Retraining Program, Air Force Personnel Center officials reminded Airmen.The two-phase program is used to

  • Senior leaders remember fallen heroes on America's birthday

    Acting Secretary of the Air Force Eric Fanning, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody send the following Independence Day message to the men and women of the U.S. Air Force:Happy Birthday, America! For 237 years, our Nation has been built

  • Airmen participate in 'speed-mentoring' event

    Dozens of Airmen received mentorship, advice and an opportunity to converse with senior NCOs at a speed-mentoring event June 21 at Hurlburt Field, Fla.The event mimicked "speed dating." Attendees rotated from one senior NCO to another with the opportunity to ask various questions -- an attempt to

  • Twins complete long-awaited reenlistment

    Master Sgt. Antone Scott always had wanted his identical twin brother to be a part of one of his re-enlistment ceremonies, but for 10 years, timing and location kept them apart.But, when Scott raised his hand here June 27 to take the oath for his fifth enlistment, his brother was there to administer

  • ADL creator adds to AF e-learning

    Learning. For John Hawk it often starts here with someone needing to train thousands of Airmen as effective and easy and economical as possible.Hawk is the I.G. Brown Training and Education Center's creator of Advanced Distributive Learning products for the Air National Guard. He sorts though loads

  • Security Airmen take action while under attack

    A quick and efficient response by Afghan and U.S. Air Force security forces personnel helped defeat an attack by insurgents at Kabul International Airport earlier this month, according to U.S. military officials. The attack began at about 4:30 a.m. on the morning of June 10. Within minutes, security

  • Airmen played 'opfor' during Pacific exercise

    The 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed here from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., participated in exercise Pacific Bond 2013 June 24 and 25, in support of the U.S. Navy, Royal Australian Navy and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force fleet defense training.Two B-52 Stratofortresses from the 23rd EBS

  • July/August Airman magazine now available

    The July/August issue of Airman magazine is now available to download and viewable through a web browser.In this issue, our cover story, titled "tick, tick, BOOM," tells the story of how explosive ordnance disposal technicians perform their dangerous mission to save lives and how their

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.

  • Academy cadets deploy, experience expeditionary life

    More than 40 U.S. Air Force Academy cadets visited the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing here to observe deployed operations first-hand and interact with deployed U.S. and coalition forces."Being out here really broadens our horizons, allowing us to truly take in what it means to be an Airman," said

  • PHOTO ESSAY: Airmen join coalition forces in EOD mission

    A joint-coalition explosive ordnance disposal mission took place June 12 near Kandahar Airfield when U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, Slovakian and Australian EOD personnel came together to dispose of excess military ordnance.Romanian soldiers provided security for the mission while the other NATO

  • AF aerial firefighters continue to battle West Fork Complex fire

    Another 11,000 gallons of fire retardant was dropped on West Fork Complex fires by Air Force aerial firefighting aircraft June 26, aiding ground crews in containing the growing blazes.Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve aircrews, flying their Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130

  • Davis-Monthan Airmen work to end veteran homelessness by 2015

    Col Michael T. Rawls, the 355th Fighter Wing vice commander, spoke at a press conference about ending veteran homelessness by 2015 June, 21 in Tucson, AZ.The White House has announced an initiative to end veterans homelessness by 2015, and Tucson is one of 25 flagship cities selected to lead this

  • Jennies to jets to stealth: Bomb wing turns 90

    From Jennies to jets to stealth bombers, the 131st Bomb Wing's history really began with its co-located flying squadron, now the 110th Bomb Squadron, which traces its roots back to the 110th Observation Squadron. The 110th OS was organized by Maj. Bill Robertson and his brothers, Lieutenants Frank

  • Concentration camp survivor to fighter pilot: 'Freedom a beautiful thing'

    "I was pretty young with all this but I was probably, at first, more revengeful than I should have been. When the occasion arose, I did not give the Germans very much of a chance. I took it out on them. I may have been wrong but I guess I was very vengeful so I didn't give them a break, but I

  • Wounded warriors adapt, overcome at Andrews sports camp

    More than 30 Air Force wounded warriors gathered here June 26, to kick off a two-day adaptive sports camp designed to help them overcome challenges and enjoy a physically active lifestyle.This was the first Air Force Wounded Warriors Adaptive Sports Camp, held especially for the patients at here and

  • Alert Reaper Airmen find IED

    Most Airmen can mentally rewind to the Combat Airman Skills Training course and recall the frustration and apprehension of not being able to locate all the improvised-explosive devices set out in the training lanes. Because the training is so realistic, at first, most Airmen trigger the training

  • AF drops 50,000 plus gallons of retardant on Colorado fires

    More than 50,000 gallons of fire retardant was dropped by Air Force aerial firefighting aircraft June 25 on wildland fires burning throughout Colorado's West Fork Complex.Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130s from both the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard performed 18 drops

  • 352nd SOG welcomes Osprey to fleet

    The 352nd Special Operations Group resurrected a key capability when two CV-22B Ospreys touched down June 24 here.The Ospreys are the first of 10 slated to arrive as part of the 352nd SOG expansion, which will last through the end of 2014.The CV-22 fills part of the role previously accomplished by

  • Weather warns warriors, saves services silver

    As the dust clouds roll in, 379th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron weather forecasters here analyze the intensity, direction and impact of the impending storm to base assets and the mission."Our radar allows us to notify maintenance crews out on the airfield that conditions are unsafe and

  • Squadron's lone female gunner aims high

    Fresh out of training, the only female aerial gunner assigned to the 66th Rescue Squadron arrived here.After graduating from East Valley High School in 2010, Airman 1st Class Natasha Libby said she realized she couldn't afford college. She found a job at a sandwich shop where she worked for 11

  • Flight engineer reaches combat sortie milestone

    A fllight engineer assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron here reached 400 combat sorties, a milestone not easily achieved. Master Sgt. Brian Fahey accomplished this feat flying June 14 on two different aircraft platforms. He flew his 255th combat sortie on the KC-10 Extender in

  • Training helps deployed Airman save lives

    "I wouldn't really consider these lifesaving gestures, I was just doing what I am trained to do," said Senior Airman David Kitchen, 455th Expeditionary Aerial Port Squadron, aerial transportation journeyman.In many circumstances training acquired in the military helps airmen save lives, but for

  • Civil engineers recall, reflect 17 years after Khobar Towers bombing

    On the night of June 25, 1996, near Dhahran Air Base, Saudi Arabia, terrorists positioned a tanker truck filled with explosives less than 100 feet away from a building in the Khobar Towers complex that housed deployed Airmen. Shortly before 10 p.m. local time, the bomb detonated, killing 19 Airmen

  • Aerial firefighting continues against Rocky Mountain fires

    Air Force firefighting aircraft continued dropping thousands of gallons of fire retardant June 24 in an effort to contain growing Rocky Mountain wildland fires.Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard C-130 Hercules equipped with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System performed two drops against

  • Air Force selects 5,654 for technical sergeant

    More than 5,000 staff sergeants have been selected for promotion to technical sergeant, Air Force officials said today. The 5,654 selected represent 15.03 percent of the 37,608 eligible.The list of selectees will be released to the public June 27 at 8 a.m. CDT.The average score for those selected

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: One Airman's journey to a brighter future

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)As a teenager, Airman 1st Class Michael Gray, 86th Security Forces Squadron patrolman, had to support himself. Gray had to pay for everything, from the