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U.S. Air Force News

  • Air Force senior leaders share lessons learned from Desert Storm

    During recent visits to Howard University and the University of Maryland, two Air Force senior leaders shared memories and lessons learned from Operation Desert Storm with more than 160 Washington, D.C., area Air Force ROTC cadets as part of the Air Force’s focus on the 25th anniversary of the

  • Air Force continues to improve care in the air

    The Air Mobility Command Surgeon General’s office and researchers across the Air Force, to include the 711th Human Resource Wing at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, have been working together to improve how the Air Force provides care in the air. The AMC/SG is responsible for clinical

  • AF remembers pioneer of DOD transportation

    Retired Gen. Duane F. Cassidy, the first "dual-hatted" commander of both U.S. Transportation Command and Military Airlift Command, passed away Feb. 8 at the age of 82.

  • F-35 program moving forward, addressing challenges

    The F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter Program is moving forward while addressing various challenges, the program's executive officer said Feb. 10. He detailed a number of challenges in the program, including incorporating fixes to address the current flight restrictions on lightweight pilots.

  • SecAF, CSAF testify on FY 2017 AF posture

    Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee on the fiscal year 2017 Air Force posture on Capitol Hill Feb. 10.

  • AF presents fiscal year 2017 budget

    The Air Force presented its fiscal year 2017 president's budget request Feb. 9 following the Defense Department and sister services’ budget briefings. The Air Force requested a top-line budget of $120.4 billion in Air Force-controlled funding that continues to take care of people, strike the right

  • AF implements new DOD-wide changes to maternity leave

    Beginning Feb. 2, active-duty female Airmen will receive up to 12 continuous, non-transferable weeks of fully paid maternity leave in accordance with Defense Department-wide changes to the policy outlined in Defense Secretary Ash Carter’s Force of the Future announcement Jan. 28.

  • Arabian Gulf Shield improves interoperability

    Training concluded Feb. 3 at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, with a scenario designed to test Gulf Cooperation Council Liaison Officer (GCC LNO) procedures and connectivity to host nation air operations centers.

  • Carter talks budget, readiness with Nellis community

    Defense Secretary Ash Carter visited Nellis Air Force Base Feb. 4, during the last leg of his defense budget installation visits. After meeting with service members at the California-based Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Carter spoke to Nellis Airmen to

  • Luke pilot flies 500th hour in F-35

    A 61st Fighter Squadron pilot made history Feb. 2 as the first Luke Air Force Base pilot to achieve 500 flight hours in an F-35 Lightning II. Lt. Col. Matthew Hayden, also the 56th Fighter Wing chief of safety, achieved this milestone flying his 270th sortie, a routine training mission.

  • Comms program hits 100,000 hours of warfighter connectivity

    The Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) program reached 100,000 combat flight hours Jan. 30. The system, which provides coalition interoperability among air, space and surface systems by forwarding and translating voice and data across disparate networks, began operating in theater in

  • Maintainers put the fight in fighter at Souda Bay

    More than 15 F-16 Fighter Falcons assigned to the 480th Fighter Squadron at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, are on a forward training deployment at Souda Bay, Greece, for bilateral training with the Hellenic Air Force until Feb. 15.

  • Yokota Airmen help prepare Sailors for refuels

    Airmen fuelers from the 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron provided essential training on the R-11 refueling trucks to Sailors from Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, at Yokota Air Base Jan. 25-29. The training allowed members to prepare to support Navy aircraft at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam,

  • Ramstein hosts 8th CMSAF

    Ramstein Air Base hosted the eighth chief master sergeant of the Air Force for a visit of the base Jan. 25-29. Retired Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Sam E. Parish spoke with more than 700 of the Air Force's newest chiefs and future NCOs during his visit.

  • Racking up miles: Incirlik Airman cycles for AF

    The air is crisp like the frost on the ground; winter is approaching as Senior Master Sgt. Jason Chiasson hops onto his sleek road bike. Today he will only ride 25 miles, a short day compared to the 100-mile days in his strict training schedule as an Air Force Cycling Team cyclist.

  • AF awards contract for next Air Force One

    The Boeing Company was awarded a contract Jan. 29 for risk reduction activities for the Presidential Aircraft Recapitalization program, which will field the next Air Force One.

  • FYI: Politics, social media

    Things are starting to heat up on the political scene, so in this week's episode of FYI, Tech. Sgt. Holly Roberts-Davis reminds us about the Defense Department regulations concerning politics and social media.

  • US, Japan participate in Keen Edge 16

    Members from the Japan Self-Defense Forces and United States Forces Japan came together to conduct a joint-bilateral command post exercise Keen Edge 16 at Yokota Air Base, Japan, from Jan. 23-29; this was the 14th command post exercise since 1986.

  • James applauds DOD Force of the Future initiatives

    Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James declared her support of department-wide reforms focused on improving quality of life for military parents, following Defense Secretary Ash Carter’s Jan. 28 announcement on the next round of Force of the Future initiatives.

  • STRATCOM chief talks nuclear deterrence, modernization

    The global security environment calls for a continued strong nuclear deterrent along with modernization for elements of the nuclear triad and advanced training for U.S. Strategic Command’s workforce, the STRATCOM commander said Jan. 22 during a Washington, D.C., event.

  • A shared love, goal, mission

    Since beginning their careers in 2005, Majs. Regina Wall and Jared Wall have shared almost every duty station and multiple deployments together.

  • A look back at Desert Storm, 25 years later

    Twenty-five years ago, the Air Force participated in Operation Desert Storm, the largest air campaign since the conflict in Southeast Asia. The campaign’s purpose was to drive the Iraqi military out of Kuwait, release the country from Saddam Hussein’s invasion and reestablish its sovereignty.

  • Army, Air Force collaborate on education, innovation

    Gen. David G. Perkins, the commanding general of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), visited officials from Air Education and Training Command Jan. 7-8 to collaborate with Air Force leaders on advancing education and innovation within the respective military services.

  • AFSOC historian retires after 50-plus years of service

    The longest-serving historian in the Air Force retired at Hurlburt Field Jan. 7. Herb Mason, the Air Force Special Operations Command historian, spent more than 50 years preserving the Air Force story for generations to come.

  • AF Safety Center marks 20th anniversary

    This year the Air Force Safety Center commemorates the organization's 20th anniversary. Since its designation, the basic mission has remained the same: preserving lives and combat capability through mishap prevention.

  • AF officials announce civilian reduction in force

    In a continuing effort to meet Defense Department funding targets and rebalance the civilian workforce, some Air Force installations will implement civilian reduction in force authorities effective through April 4.

  • BLUE: The Spirit of Exploration

    Have you ever dreamed of going into space? In this episode of BLUE, we meet two Air Force astronauts who share their experiences and give us a glimpse into the future of space exploration.

  • Air Force cancels 2016 season of Tops in Blue

    Air Force officials announced on Dec. 21 that Tops in Blue, the service-unique entertainment program, will cancel its 2016 season, allowing an extended review of the program.

  • Campaign behind the hat

    During a push to gain military training instructors, then Staff Sgt. Chi Yi found himself donning the under-the-brim stare that welcomed him to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, years before.The former vehicle operations specialist accepted the challenge of molding future Airmen, an ambition

  • AF introduces enlisted Global Hawk pilots

    Air Force officials announced a new initiative Dec. 17 to enhance the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance mission by integrating enlisted remotely piloted aircraft pilots into the force.

  • SMART program keeps medics ready for any contingency

    Military medical professionals have to always be ready for war and for whatever contingency the future brings. They need to either improve or remain current in medical skills necessary for any future battlefield, with its host of wounds and injuries, and for humanitarian assistance or disaster

  • Airman Handbook desktop icon available Dec. 18

    Airmen will be able to access the Airman Handbook via a desktop icon slated to begin Dec. 18.The Airman Handbook is a compilation of policies, procedures and standards that guide Airmen’s actions within the profession of arms.

  • Deployed Airmen, others come together to support injured teen

    Deployed service members at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, joined representatives from Boeing and the Qatar Emiri Air Force to send a care package to a teenager recovering from an all-terrain vehicle wreck.Gregory is a high school junior, an Eagle Scout and a Civil Air Patrol cadet. He likes hunting,

  • AF leaders gather to talk professionalism

    Air Force leaders discussed the future of professionalism in the total force and how to forge better Airmen during a summit here Dec. 2-3. Nearly 80 leaders from all major commands joined stakeholders from Headquarters Air force, Air University, U.S. Air Force Academy, and the Air Force Guard and

  • Enhanced Use Lease brings 30-MW solar energy project to Eglin AFB

    As part of an Air Force Community Partnership and Energy Program initiative, the Air Force and Gulf Power Company signed an Enhanced Use Lease Nov. 24 to develop a 30-megawatt photovoltaic solar energy project on a 240-acre parcel of land on Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

  • 45th Space Wing supports NASA launch

    The 45th Space Wing supported NASA's successful launch of Orbital ATK CRS-4, aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket to the International Space Station from Space Launch Complex 41, Dec. 6.

  • SecAF implements additional security measures after attacks

    In response to the defense secretary’s call to improve the security and force protection of defense personnel after the tragic events in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James introduced more stringent security measures to reduce the possibility of violent acts directed toward

  • EOD techs conduct post-blast analysis training

    After an explosion, when the smoke settles and the blaze has been contained, a new mission begins. Like a puzzle, shrapnel blasted in every direction can be pieced together to uncover the mode of detonation. Explosive ordnance disposal Airmen assigned to the 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer

  • How we quit smokin'

    Major components of the Childers Filtration System include sets of filters, air hoses to and from the filter sets and oil drain tubing which send collected oil to a catch bottle, at Dover Air Force Base, Deleware. The CFS was created by a team led by retired Master Sgt. Michael Childers, the former

  • Upgraded E-3 Sentry deploys to combat theater

    The first E-3G Sentry (AWACS) arrived in Southwest Asia Nov. 18, marking the deployment of the most comprehensive modification to the weapon system in its 38-year history. The Block 40/45 improved communications, computer processing power, threat tracking and other capabilities.

  • Airman achieves dream of U.S. citizenship

    Growing up in rural Tarlac province in the Philippines, Air Force Reserve Senior Airman Anne Venice Jalos, a finance manager with the 446th Airlift Wing here, never envisioned that at age 19 she would be serving in the U.S. military as a naturalized citizen.

  • Air Force acquisition lead moves to MITRE

    The Air Force announced Nov. 18 that Dr. William A. LaPlante, the assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, is transitioning from government service to a senior position at the MITRE Corporation, a not-for-profit organization that operates federally funded research and development

  • Eglin crew chiefs advance with F-35

    As the Air Force continues to develop their newest fighter jet, the F-35 Lightning II, the 33rd Fighter Wing ensures the Airmen tasked with taking care of it receive the training they need to advance with it.

  • PACAF hosts first visit of Korean cadets

    Pacific Air Forces hosted more than 70 Republic of Korea Air Force Academy cadets at its headquarters Nov. 10 for its first-ever visit by a ROKAFA cadet class.

  • Veterans in Blue: honoring those who served

    The Air Force maintains a special portrait display in the Pentagon as part of its commitment to honoring the devotion and service of veterans. Volume VI will replace volume V of the Veterans in Blue project this November.

  • Yokota enhances capabilities through exercise

    Members of the 374th Airlift Wing participated in exercise Vigilant Ace 16 from Nov. 1-10, in conjunction with a Samurai Readiness Inspection at Yokota Air Base. Vigilant Ace is a large-scale exercise on the Korean Peninsula designed to enhance the interoperability of U.S. and allied forces through

  • Air Force International Affairs builds international Airmen

    The Air Force’s International Affairs deputy shared why building global air force partnerships through integrating political-military relationships, security assistance, technology and information disclosure issues ensures relationships endure during an Air Force Association monthly breakfast Nov.

  • Air Force shows leadership, commitment in Dubai

    American Airmen showcased the capability of airpower through senior leader engagements, Airmen interactions with a global audience, and aircraft on the ground and thundering through the skies at the 2015 Dubai Airshow during the week of Nov. 11.

  • DOD VOLED to hold virtual education fair Nov. 19

    In an effort to expand the reach of military voluntary education and help make higher education accessible for all service members, veterans and family members, the Defense Department’s Voluntary Education Program will host its first virtual education fair Nov. 19.

  • Eglin AFB wins 2015 federal energy award

    The award recognizes Eglin Air Force Base's innovative approach for combining advanced technologies and common sense to saving critical energy resources and reducing utility costs for the base.

  • Airfield managers maintain flightline during Vigilant Ace 16

    During the readiness exercise Vigilant Ace 16, every participating aircraft requires a safe and functioning flightline in order to complete their mission-specific directives. Airmen assigned to the 51st Operations Support Squadron airfield management flight are responsible for ensuring the

  • Securing the future by Bending the Cost Curve

    Bending the Cost Curve, one of the 13 Make Every Dollar Count cost initiatives launched by the Air Force, includes a growing and evolving set of more than 20 acquisition reform activities. These activities are focused on finding ways the Air Force can be more effective at how it spends money to get

  • ACC intel officer shares new ISR perspective

    Air Combat Command’s senior intelligence officer shared her perspective on fusion warfare with the intelligence community, defense industry and media during an Oct. 22 assembly at the Air Force Association’s Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies.

  • AF announces KC-46A preferred, reasonable alternatives

    Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, has been chosen as the preferred alternative for the first Reserve-led KC-46A Pegasus main operating base, Air Force officials announced Oct. 29. The KC-46As are expected to begin arriving in 2019.

  • AF leaders testify on F-35 progress

    Leaders in the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office and the Air Force F-35 Integration Office testified on the fifth-generation aircraft’s development before a House Armed Services subcommittee Oct. 21 on Capitol Hill.

  • Air Force awards LRS-B contract

    The Air Force announced today the contract award of Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) and early production for the Long Range Strike Bomber to Northrop Grumman Corporation.

  • Military kids learn life lessons from NBA pros

    Seventy-five Defense Department youth from various military installations here learned life lessons and basketball skills from NBA legend Bruce Bowen and San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills during a Junior NBA clinic at Cole High School on Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Oct. 19.

  • Family isn't always blood

    People like routines, schedules and structure, especially in the military. Change can sometimes be unwelcome and overwhelming, particularly if it's a sudden, drastic change due to an illness. For Tech. Sgt. Thomas Echelmeyer, of the 21st Aerospace Medicine Squadron, that's exactly what happened. His