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U.S. Air Force News

  • Randolph Airmen urge students to make the right choices

    If experience is the best teacher, some 200 students from a San Antonio middle school learned invaluable lessons last week from a group of Randolph Airmen with personal stories to tell and messages to impart.Dwight Middle School students visited here for the new school year's first session of the

  • Scott Airmen teach Iraqi Forces life-saving techniques

    Airmen with the 375th Security Forces Squadron here, who are deployed to Joint Base Balad, Iraq, recently helped create a new training plan for Iraqi guards.Senior Airman Aaron Jennings, a unit trainer with the 532nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, is one of the security forces Airmen who

  • 'Aim High ... Fly-Fight-Win' to be Air Force motto

    Incorporating extensive inputs from all ranks and career fields in the development effort, Airmen have selected "Aim High ... Fly-Fight-Win" as the service's motto. An enduring statement of Airmen's pride in their service, the motto is a two-part expression -- a call to action, with a response of

  • Efficiencies will keep military strong in tight economy

    Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III reiterated the need for efficiencies as a way to keep the military strong during tight economic times during a briefing with the World Affairs Council Oct. 6 here.Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced his efficiency initiative during a speech in

  • Top chief discusses training, wingmanship during Academy visit

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force visited with the Air Force Academy's enlisted cadre Oct. 1 and talked about the way ahead for the Air Force, professional military education and taking care of Airmen and families.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy was in Colorado

  • Armament Symposium brings DOD, industry together

    For the 36th year, the Air Armament Center partnered with the National Defense Industrial Association to host its annual Air Armament Symposium here Oct. 5 and 6.The symposium, a two-day forum for both industry and government personnel, was an opportunity to exchange information, recognize

  • Mission complete for C-130, C-17 aircrews supporting flood relief

    As flood waters recede and Pakistan's aid delivery shifts focus from air to ground transportation, the Pakistan government informed the U.S. recently that U.S. military aircraft and other international cargo plane airlift support was no longer required. At Pakistan's request, the U.S. military has

  • Afghan air force members attend fly-away security team training

    Nine Afghan air force security forces members received flyaway security team training here from Sept. 27 through Oct. 4. They are assigned to the quick reaction force and have received previous basic military police and air base defense training. The training provides the Afghan air force an added

  • Tests to compare CCAF, civilian degrees

    Education offices at 60 Air Force and Air National Guard bases around the world will test Community College of the Air Force graduates to determine how they compare to counterparts in civilian institutions.The testing begins Oct. 14 and runs through Nov. 15.First-time CCAF degree recipients who have

  • Mullen: Communities, veterans can help each other

    The United States owes a debt to its veterans and their families that America's communities and their leaders can help repay, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said Oct. 1.Speaking to hundreds of people during a town hall meeting at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen

  • Exercise aims to change game

    A training exercise held at Joint Base Lewis-McChord recently might change how Air Force and Army units conduct close air support.Pacific Strike 2010 demonstrated capabilities that could vastly improve close-air-support operations for deployed units as well as in garrison, said Army I Corps' Chief

  • Air Force defeats Navy 14-6 in ground battle

    In a game filled with flyovers, it was ground pounding that dominated as the Air Force Falcons sunk the Navy Midshipmen 14-6 Oct. 2 at Falcon Stadium here.The Falcons showed why they have the number one rushing offense in the country after racking up 292 yards on the ground. Their season average

  • Clues in cyberspace catch criminals in the real world

    For many, cyberspace is a vast and intangible place. A land of green ones and zeros floating on a sea of black, where an e-mail originated in Switzerland can travel to a server in Mozambique within a matter of seconds. In the ever-changing landscape of cyberspace, information can be hidden anywhere

  • Air Force officials field advanced radar pod

    Air Force officials are fielding a radar pod designated the AN/ASQ-236. The new pod was fielded on the F-15E Strike Eagle this summer. The release of this new sensor will enhance all-weather precision geo-location and provide greater surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities supporting current

  • Website is one-stop shop for deployment-related issues

    Airmen can access information about their upcoming deployment at the Air and Space Expeditionary Force Online website. The AEF Online website, located at https://aef.afpc.randolph.af.mil/, provides a single access point for all AEF-related issues to include reporting instructions, tempo banding,

  • National Guard launches mobile education lab

    As part of the president's "Educate to Innovate" initiative, National Guard officials debuted The Energy Lab -- a mobile classroom featuring interactive learning tools focusing on the science and technology behind alternative energy sources.Unveiled Oct. 1 at the Ronald Reagan Building and

  • NJ-based CRG assumes alert rotation for global mobility mission

    Airmen from the 621st Contingency Wing here will assume responsibility for a four-month rotation of Joint Task Force, Port-Opening alert Oct. 1.Approximately120 mobility Airmen assigned to the CRW's 817th Contingency Response Group will join 55 Soldiers from an Army Rapid Port Opening Element based

  • Secretary Gates predicts more women in special operations

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said Sept. 29 he anticipates that more women will serve in military special operations in the future."My guess at some point is that there will be a careful step in that direction with the special operations forces," Secretary Gates told about 300 ROTC students at

  • Gates praises service, sacrifice of all-volunteer force

    The American people are losing contact with those who make up its military, and the nation needs to understand the service and sacrifices that U.S. military personnel and their families make, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said at Duke University's Page Auditorium Sept. 29.The secretary spoke to

  • Officials implement new training model

    Given the complexities of today's combat missions and the inherent, life-threatening dangers faced by Airmen today, it is critical that Airmen receive effective training before engaging in battle. To provide Airmen with the most realistic training environment away from the battle space, Air Force

  • Agreement gives green light to ESC efforts in Kyrgyzstan

    A delegation led by Electronic Systems Center Commander Lt. Gen. Ted F. Bowlds reached an agreement with Kyrgyzstan government officials recently on efforts that will benefit the nation of Kyrgyzstan and U.S. operators who rely on the Manas Transit Center there."This agreement marks the formal

  • ACE Cyber Security Boot Camp prepares future officers

    With constantly evolving threats to cyberspace affecting national security, the Air Force is coming up with new ways to enhance cyber security. Educating the force is one way to face the challenges of keeping cyberspace secure, and future officers are receiving this education before they earn their

  • Online development plan improving total force career roadmaps

    The web-based career tool for total force Airmen, known as My Development Plan, is undergoing changes aimed at positively affecting the Air Force and its members' futures, officials said Sept. 28.With a total force focus, MyDP is geared to help users make informed decisions about their career with

  • Balad first base to host resiliency training

    Deployments cause stress and stress, if not managed, can lead to consequences such as arguments, fights, mission failures and possibly suicide.Joint Base Balad is the first base in Southwest Asia to test the Flash Forward Resiliency Training Program, which is one of many programs that will be

  • Education center to enhance Vietnam Veterans Memorial

    A major fundraising effort is under way to build an underground education center next to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial here that will place faces and stories with the names etched in the smooth, black granite known simply as, "The Wall.""There is magic in that wall with its 58,000 names," said

  • First responders train to support airport

    Members of the 8th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department here participated in Gunsan airport's G-20 summit on terrorism and civil aviation air incident training at the airport Sept. 17.According to airport officials, the exercise tested the "cooperative and emergency response systems" of the

  • Officials ponder reserve components' future

    Defense Department officials said a report released earlier this week will help them implement recommendations made by the Commission on the National Guard and Reserve two years ago."There is a very strong commitment to implement most of recommendations of (the commission)," said Dennis M. McCarthy,

  • Airmen urged to complete all PCS requirements

    Airmen who recently completed a permanent change of station move have probably completed all the obvious steps involved in the move -- boxes unpacked, children settled into new schools, PCS travel voucher completed.However, travelers are advised that they're not yet done with their move if they

  • Joint warfighters hone skills at Atlantic Strike

    Joint and coalition warfighters improved their close-air support skills during an exercise led by Air Combat Command and U.S. Joint Forces Command's Joint Fires Integration and Interoperability Team Sept. 13.Atlantic Strike 10-02 trained warfighters to find, fix, track, target, engage and assess

  • House reviews quality of military off-duty education

    A House Armed Services Committee panel heard testimony from Defense Department officials Sept. 21 on the quality of off-duty servicemember voluntary education opportunities.During 2010, an estimated 380,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines will receive $580 million in DOD tuition-assistance

  • Airman inducted into Pentagon's Hall of Heroes

    Chief Master Sgt. Richard Etchberger was posthumously inducted into the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes in a ceremony Sept. 22 following presentation of the Medal of Honor during a White House ceremony the day before."Today, we bring honor to Chief Etchberger's memory and our nation's highest tribute to

  • Yokota, Kadena leaders join for smart operations course

    Airmen from both Yokota and Kadena air bases came together as part of an Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century senior leader's course Sept. 20 and 21AFSO21 is a standardized approach by which Airmen break down a day-to-day process into individual steps to determine more efficient ways of

  • U.S., Bangladesh airmen team up for Cope South 2010

    More than 40 Yokota Air Base Airmen and two C-130 Hercules deployed to participate in Exercise Cope South 2010 with the Bangladeshi airmen at Kurmitola Air Base, Bangladesh.During the exercise, the nations' airmen will exchange airlift, airland and airdrop delivery techniques that will deepen

  • F-15 engine tested on tri-fuel blend

    Continuing the march toward certifying the entire Air Force fleet on alternative fuels, an F-15 Eagle engine is undergoing performance testing here using a unique blend of three different fuel types.The F100 engine is being tested with a combination of JP-8 conventional aviation fuel; a biofuel

  • TACP Airmen build park for Air Force Enlisted Village

    After about six weeks of hard work, sweat and dedication, several Air Force Tactical Air Control Party volunteer Airmen from Hurlburt Field, Fla., completed a new park at the Air Force Enlisted Village in Shalimar, Fla. The AFEV held a ceremony recently to dedicate the newly-built park. The event

  • Combat Air Force Airmen integrate into new plan

    Combat Air Force officials released the 2010 CAF Strategic Plan Sept. 15, a document that focuses on the development, planning and employment of integrated combat capabilities."The Combat Air Force is a group of eight major commands and the Airmen that work in those commands across our Air Force;

  • Former POW inspires audience with experiences, wisdom

    Members of Ramstein Air Base honored prisoners of war and those missing in action at a luncheon Sept. 17 here. Members of the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing hosted the event in remembrance of National POW/MIA Recognition Day, featuring guest speaker retired Navy Capt. David Hoffman. "Thank you for

  • Leaders say happy birthday, Air Force

    The Air Force's top leaders send a message to the total force to celebrate the Air Force's 63rd birthday and to remind them to remember the commitment and sacrifice of all the Airmen deployed around the globe.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz

  • AETC commander addresses innovation through training

    The commander of the Air Education and Training Command spoke on innovative recruiting, training and educational goals used to develop Airmen to meet the Air Force and warfighter mission during the Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition at National Harbor in Oxon

  • Air Guard a more cost-effective, operational force

    For the Air National Guard to continue as an operational force, it should be fielded concurrently with the same equipment as its active-duty counterparts, the director of the Air Guard said Sept. 13."Now that costs money, but it doesn't cost nearly as much money as trying to maintain an operational

  • AMC commander relates importance of global reach to AFA attendees

    The commander of Air Mobility Command emphasized the national, joint and coalition importance of the support AMC provides to combat and humanitarian operations during the Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition at Oxon Hill, Md., Sept. 14.Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr. said

  • Air Force undersecretary reinforces value of acquisition estimate tool

    The Air Force relies on numerous vendors for critical supplies and everyday items, and the Long-Range Acquisition Estimate helps ensure that the Air Force gets the highest-quality products and services at the lowest prices. Through better requirements identification and planning, and use of the

  • AFSPC commander focuses on leverage in space community

    The commander of Air Force Space Command detailed challenges of the space community during the Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 14. Gen. C. Robert Kehler outlined how leverage, integration and innovative thinking can all bring the space community

  • USAFE commander assesses future strategy

    The U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander focused on the way ahead during his address at the 2010 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Oxon HIll, Md., Sept 14."Our relationship with our European allies remains the cornerstone for U.S. engagement with the world

  • Chief of staff highlights contributions of Airmen to national security

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz spoke on the state of the Air Force during the Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition at National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md., Sept. 14. His comments highlighted the contributions of Airmen to national security in the

  • Reserve chief proposes closer look at active and reserve force mix

    The commander of the Air Force Reserve Command who also is chief of the Air Force Reserve spoke to a standing-room only crowd about military structure for the 21st Century Sept. 13 at the Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition 2010.Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr. was

  • Air Force Research Laboratory officials launch new age in testing

    Air Force Research Laboratory Det. 7 officials here began a new phase of rocket testing with the delivery of an Upper Stage Engine Technology program turbo pump Sept. 8.The pump was delivered to the AFRL's upgraded 2A rocket test stand where it will undergo a series of tests using liquid

  • Social starts week celebrating outstanding Airmen

    The Air Force's 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year attended a social here Sept. 11 to kick off a week of events planned to honor them.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy and his wife, Paula, welcomed the Airmen and their guests to Airey House, their official residence named after the first

  • DOD to reduce fuel, water consumption

    Defense Department officials plan to reduce the military's water and fossil fuels consumption by more than 20 percent in the next decade, under an Obama administration plan to make government agencies better stewards of the environment.Ashton B. Carter, the undersecretary of defense for acquisition,

  • Medics showcase patient care concepts to Afghan airmen

    Air Force medics introduced some of their patient care concepts to Afghan airmen Sept. 8 here.For the first time, 451st Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility Airmen oriented four Afghan airmen to methods used to secure patients and load and move

  • Iraqi Air Force Academy opens its doors

    More than 150 cadets from around Iraq began class at the newly re-built Iraqi Air Force College here Sept. 1. The inaugural class's arrival was marked by an Iraqi C-130 aircraft, flown by Iraqi pilots, picking up the students from New Al Muthana Air Base, Baghdad, and transporting them to

  • Simulator 'heats up' training

    Construction team members and fire trainers came together here Sept. 9 to view a new aircraft fire training simulator designed to enhance future firefighter training for the Air Force, and host nation responders.The aircraft simulator is already scheduled for use by the 886th Civil Engineer

  • New ISR group supports cyber operations

    The 659th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group was activated Sept. 8 during a ceremony here.The mission of the 659th ISR Group, commanded by Col. Peter Lambert, is to provide direct ISR support to the 24th Air Force, which contributes to U.S. Cyber Command's mission. Members of the

  • Valiant Shield exercise begins at Joint Region Marianas

    Air Force bombers, fighters, tankers and support aircraft from the Pacific theater are arriving and making preparations for Valiant Shield 2010. The U.S. Pacific Command exercise, which runs Sept. 12 through 21, and will be conducted near Guam."Valiant Shield 2010 exercises the military's ability to

  • Undersecretary visits Wilford Hall Medical Center

    Undersecretary of the Air Force Erin C. Conaton visited Wilford Hall Medical Center here Sept. 3 to learn about the Air Force's premier health care, medical education, research and readiness wing.Ms. Conaton met with Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Thomas W. Travis, the 59th MDW commander, and other senior leaders

  • Post 9/11: This isn't your father's National Guard

    Since the attacks of 9/11, the National Guard has had to make some of the most dramatic changes in its 373-year history, a senior National Guard leader said in a recent interview. "We have evolved and we have changed," said Maj. Gen. William H. Etter, the acting director of domestic operations at

  • Incirlik weather techs train to support contingency operations

    Once a quarter, weather technicians with the 39th Operations Squadron here can be found training with a piece of equipment that can help save lives, prevent disastrous mishaps and some say even predict the future. This piece of equipment is called a Tactical Meteorological Observing System. The TMOS

  • Cyber Task Force passes mission to Cyber Command

    After spending the better part of the past decade defending the Defense Department's computer networks, the Joint Task Force Global Network Operations command cased its colors.The task force was deactivated in a ceremony Sept. 7 here at the Defense Information Systems Agency. The task force's people

  • ACC commander visits Ellsworth, talks hot topics

    The commander of Air Combat Command visited here Aug. 31 through Sept. 2, and met with Airmen to show his appreciation for their work and answer their questions.Gen. William M. Fraser III also addressed a range of concerns from Ellsworth Air Force Base Airmen, including deployment tempos, how local

  • C-17 conducts flight test with biofuel

    The Air Force's ongoing alternative fuels certification efforts reached a new milestone Aug. 27 when a C-17 Globemaster III from here flew on all engines using jet fuel blended with a combination of traditional petroleum-based fuel, or JP-8, biofuel derived in part from animal fat, and synthetic

  • Chief scientist describes future technology

    "Humans today are still more capable than machines, but by 2030 that is absolutely not going to be the case anymore," said Dr. Werner Dahm, the Air Force Chief Scientist, in describing one of the conclusions he reached during the Air Force's first in-depth look at future technology in more than a

  • Airmen train in Arctic Circle

    More than 200 Airmen from here arrived at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 20 and 21 to participate in an exercise with some of the Air Force's most advanced operational fighter squadrons.The 209 members of the 391st Fighter Squadron and aircraft maintenance unit will spend

  • Air Force officials seek nominees for Ph.D. program

    Air Force officials are seeking to develop officers as strategic thinkers through a program that will allow them to obtain a doctorate in strategic studies.The Air Force Chief of Staff Ph.D. program will allow officers to attend a top-tier university to complete their doctorate in studies such as

  • SecAF thanks American Legion for care of Airmen, veterans

    The secretary of the Air Force addressed thousands of Legionnaires at the American Legion's 92nd National Convention here Sept. 1 to thank them for their devotion to Airmen and veterans. In his speech to the nation's largest veterans service organization, Air Force Secretary Michael Donley said the

  • Gates: War in Iraq over, U.S. transitioning to Iraqi forces

    The war in Iraq is over and the United States is entering the final phase of the U.S. engagement in Iraq, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here Sept. 1.U.S. combat operations have ceased, the secretary said. American forces are still participating in some counterinsurgency operations with the

  • Net-Centric Ops Conference to examine changing environments, apps

    The theme for the eighth annual Net-Centric Ops Conference, to be held Sept. 20 at the Wentworth-by-the-Sea Hotel and Resort in New Castle, N.H., is "Changing Environments -- Changing Applications." Organizers of the conference say discussions will be focused on fully realizing net-centric

  • Space and Missile Systems Center officials save energy, money

    Most people would agree that saving energy, especially when it saves money and resources, is a good thing. But developing concrete ways to conserve and actually produce tangible results can often be difficult to accomplish. Ed Wilson, the energy manager at Los Angeles Air Force Base, and his team

  • Joint aviation coordination cell established to aid Pakistan flood relief

    A number of Pakistan, U.S. and international organizations, both military and civilian, gathered at Pakistan Air Force Base Chaklala, Pakistan, Aug. 28 to form a joint aviation coordination cell aimed at streamlining air operations supporting Pakistan's flood relief efforts. After torrential rains

  • Enlisted force development initiatives approved

    The Force Management and Development Council members approved an initiative that will change the way the Air Force grows the next generation of senior enlisted leaders. The initiative originated with the Enlisted Force Development Panel and will enable the enlisted force to move forward in

  • Destructive F-16 test makes strides toward new drone's development

    An F-16 Fighting Falcon was intentionally blown apart on the range here as part of a test on an aerial-target flight termination system Aug. 19. The purpose of the test conducted by the 780th Test Squadron, and overseen by the QF-16 special programs office, was to demonstrate that the FTS design

  • Language program application deadline nears

    Air Force officials are accepting application packages through Sept. 13 for officers interested in participating in the Language Enabled Airman Program, which offers an opportunity to develop a foreign language skill throughout an Airman's career.Launched earlier this year by Air Force Culture and

  • Air Force Research Lab conducts second successful robot refueler test

    The test of a robotic refueling system by researchers at the Air Force Research Laboratory's Materials and Manufacturing Directorate in late July 2010 marks the second successful test of technology that could dramatically change the way the U.S. military services its aircraft.The prototype device

  • Renovated heritage museum reopens

    Air Force officials reopened a newly-named and renovated enlisted heritage museum here Aug. 12.In addition to spending $730,000 to renovate a building that has housed the museum since 1956, the name was officially changed from the History and Traditions Museum to the USAF Airman Heritage Museum.Gen.

  • Air Force family, strategic balance among top SecAF priorities

    At the Air Force Sergeant's Association Professional Airmen's Conference here Aug. 18, the Air Force secretary emphasized his commitment to Airmen and their families, and a focus on strategic balance to best support current and future operations.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley addressed

  • Volunteer mentors support families of fallen

    The day Scott Warner saw Marines standing at his front door, his world came to a crashing halt.The servicemembers told Mr. Warner that his son, Marine Pvt. Heath Warner, had been killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq's Anbar province.Mr. Warner and his family, including his two younger sons, tried to

  • C-17 squadron sets new standard in deployed airdrops

    Members of the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron here dropped more than 1,192,000 pounds to 22 different drop zones, including fuel, water, food and additional supplies needed by servicemembers on the ground at forward operating bases across the area of responsibility.The endeavor, called

  • Expeditionary Medical Support training a first at JB Elmendorf-Richardson

    Eighty-one Airmen from around the Pacific Air Forces participated in the first Expeditionary Medical Support Training here Aug. 9 through 13.The course, typically held at Brooks City Base, San Antonio, is a mandatory pre-deployment requirement, where participants are taught what is expected of them

  • Academy repeats as 'Best in the West'

    The Air Force Academy received "Best in the West" ranking for the fourth-straight year in U.S. News and World Report's 2011 Best Colleges rankings released Aug. 17.The Academy also earned second place in the nation for best undergraduate engineering specialties of aerospace, aeronatical and

  • CMSAF shares perspective about readiness, development, resiliency

    The Air Force's top NCO spoke at the Air Force Sergeants Association Professional Airmen's Conference Aug. 17, citing readiness, deliberate development and resiliency among Airmen and their families as his main focuses.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy said statistics of 40,000 Airmen

  • Dover Reserve aircrew supports Canada's Operation Boxtop

    The Air Force Reserve Command's 326th Airlift Squadron put another "pin" on the map due to its recent support of Canadian Operation Boxtop.The aircrew's mission was to deliver a Halverson 25K-loader to Thule Air Base, Greenland, for transport to a Canadian air base referred to as Canadian Forces

  • Air Force officials reviewing command, control training infrastructure

    Air Force officials awarded an independent-study contract to DP Technology Services Inc., Aug. 16, for studying the development of an advanced operational-level C2, or command and control, training campus. "This study is the first step in developing a solution which will benefit Air Force C2 in the

  • Fighting Falcons return from exercise in Sweden

    Members of the 555th Fighter Squadron and 31st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron spent two weeks conducting air-to-air and air-to-ground exercises with members of the Swedish air force at Norrbotten Wing here.Over the course of two weeks, members of the U.S. Air Force worked side-by-side with their

  • 480th activated as Spangdahlem's newest F-16 squadron

    The 480th Fighter Squadron was activated as the 52nd Fighter Wing's newest F-16 Fighting Falcon squadron as of 13 Aug. at 1:48 p.m.The new squadron comes after the Combat Air Forces Restructuring plan transitioned 21 F-16s assigned to the 22nd and 23rd fighter squadrons here to the 148th FW at

  • Academy ranked 11th-best school in nation by Forbes

    The Air Force Academy was ranked the 11th-best college in the nation on Forbes Magazine's 2010 America's Best Colleges list, which was released Aug. 12.The rankings are compiled by Forbes and the Center for College Affordability and Productivity, which evaluated more than 600 undergraduate programs.

  • Airman receives top honors from American Bar Association

    The 3rd Air Force-United Kingdom director of legal services here was named the top Air Force judge advocate by officials from the American Bar Association.Col. James Durant III accepted the 2010 Outstanding Military Service Career Judge Advocate Award from Lt. Gen. Richard C. Harding, the Air Force

  • Holloman defenders train with FBI

    Members of the 49th Security Forces Squadron fine-tuned numerous law enforcement techniques during two days of training with members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Albuquerque division, here Aug. 5 and 6.The FBI Special Weapons and Tactics agents worked with Holloman AFB defenders while

  • 'Vigilant Eagle' tests NORAD, Russian response

    An automated female voice commands over onboard speakers, "Traffic! Traffic! Descend! Descend!" as a North American Aerospace Defense Command F-22 Raptor approaches the right wing of the track of interest. Five minutes after take-off from Anchorage en route to the Far East, Fencing 1220, a

  • Gates strives to change Pentagon's culture

    The initiative to reduce Defense Department overhead and to eliminate duplicative capabilities is part of a larger thrust to change the culture of the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here Aug. 9.The department must be more frugal with the taxpayers' money and must put what money it

  • Air Force Reserve officials streamline call-up process

    Air Force Reserve Command officials are proposing comprehensive changes to how reservists are managed and called to active duty based on lessons learned from nearly nine years of combat and surge operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.Collectively called "AFR 2012," this series of projects establishes a

  • Couple's path to marriage winds through deployment

    Young girls often dream about what their perfect wedding will be like. They dream of the perfect dress, cake, ring and who their dashing groom will be.Senior Airman Sheri Nolen spent her childhood in Denver more interested in playing in the dirt and running around. "I never really thought about a

  • McKinley tells Guard enlisted force to prepare for prolonged overseas role

    The National Guard likely will continue to play a significant role in overseas contingency operations for the foreseeable future, the chief of the National Guard Bureau said here Aug. 8."Just like we have in Kosovo for 14 years and the Sinai (and) the Horn of Africa, I think the National Guard will

  • Air Force, Navy take steps toward joint RPA training

    In a first of many joint meetings, Beale Air Force Base leaders hosted a Global Hawk and Broad Area Maritime Surveillance Joint Cockpit Working Group Aug. 3 through 5. The group met to develop joint operations and training with the Air Force and the Navy remotely piloted RQ-4 and BAMS programs.The

  • Air war architect reflects on Operation Desert Shield 20 years later

    The day retired Gen. Charles A. Horner received the call 20 years ago that eventually launched Operation Desert Shield he was flying his F-16 Fighting Falcon, engaged in an air-to-air training mission near the North Carolina coast with two F-15 Eagles from Langley Air Force Base, Va. General Horner,

  • Senate confirms Mattis for top CENTCOM post

    The Senate unanimously confirmed Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis as commander of U.S. Central Command.General Mattis, who previously served as NATO supreme allied commander for transformation and commander of U.S. Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, Va., received the Senate nod Aug. 5.In his new

  • Air Force Cycling Team rides across Iowa

    More than 160 men and women of the U.S. Air Force joined thousands of bicyclists for the 38th Des Moines Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, better known by the cyclists as RAGBRAI. The Air Force Cycling Team, or AFCT, under the leadership of Lt. Col. Joseph Robinson, donned their team

  • Air Force primed to adopt official motto

    Seeking an enduring and distinctive way to reflect the Air Force's cultural identity and adapt to changing missions, senior leaders have solicited feedback from Airmen to help develop potential mottos, officials said Aug. 2."The intent is to create a phrase that captures the spirit of the Air Force,