12th Air Force hosts Blue Flag

More than 900 U.S. and coalition forces from around the globe began battling a new enemy June 18:  the fictitious "Califon," an aggressive nation bent on controlling the mineral fields located on the island of "Pacifica." The scenario is part of exercise Blue Flag 07-2, an operational-level exercise

Chief Pfingston loses fight with cancer

Former Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Gary R. Pfingston died of cancer June 23 in San Antonio. "Today the Air Force mourns the loss of a great enlisted leader," said Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley. "Gary's life was a shining example of service to our nation and we

June 24 airpower summary: Surveillance supports operations

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 24, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an F-15E Strike Eagle dropped guided bomb unit-38s and

June 23 airpower summary: Recon aircraft capture big picture

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II fired 30mm cannon

Education key to fight current, future air ops

The U.S. Central Command air component commander said the Air Force has better-trained Airmen today fighting the war on terrorism, but also said all Airmen must continue to prepare for today's fight and tomorrow's wars. Lt. Gen. Gary North was here June 20-21 to address current senior leaders in the

Officials push for incentives, integration for reserve forces

The reserve components are vital to the military and its ability to fight the war on terror, so it's essential that they're properly managed and compensated, the service personnel chiefs told the Commission on the National Guard and Reserves June 21. The chiefs shared insights into better ways to

June 21 airpower summary: Keeping fighters in the fight

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s

History project honors vets with 'The Great War'

The Veterans History Project, a program of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center, presents "The Great War," a tribute to World War I veterans, in a new section of its Web site at www.loc.gov/vets. Rich in personal detail, photographs, journals and letters, "The Great War" provides a

ACC commander to retire this fall

Air Force officials announced June 20 that the commander of Air Combat Command will retire from the Air Force this fall. The president has nominated Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. John D. W. Corley to the Senate to succeed Gen. Ronald E. Keys as the ACC commander. General Keys assumed command of

Secretary discusses alternative fuel initiative

With more than 140 aircraft appearing at the Le Bourget Airport for the 47th International Paris Air Show, the future of jet fuel and rising cost of oil jet fuel were among the topics of keen interest. A press conference held by the Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and the Administrator

Air Force's small business programs open doors for veterans

When this a small business manufacturer received its aerospace quality standard certification late last year, the company had no idea how far that accomplishment would take them. The training M2 Global received from the Air Force's Manufacturing Technical Assistance Production Program opened doors

June 18 airpower summary: Strike Eagles watch over troops

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped guided bomb

Pilots' missions relocate for Spangdahlem's runway repair

Spangdahlem Air Base's runway closed June 15 and is scheduled to remain closed for repairs until mid-July. Although the 52nd Fighter Wing will cease flying operations from Spangdahlem, the pilots and crews from the 22nd, 23rd and 81st Fighter Squadrons will deploy to other locations and continue to

"Operation Air Force" cadets deploy to Southwest Asia

Many students resuming classes in the fall will write the obligatory school report, "What I did over my summer vacation." But, at summers end, not many will be able to say they spent their summer in Southwest Asia to help support operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom and operations in the Horn of

Summer lab gives cadets engineering experience

A group of Academy cadets are spending their first weeks of summer getting their hands dirty to gain practical engineering experience. The three-week Field Engineering and Readiness Laboratory exposes cadets to several aspects of civil engineering, including heavy equipment operation, steel bridge

Mentoring program can go long way for Air Force cadets

The Air Force Cadet Officer Mentor Action Program has been mentoring young Air Force officers and cadets for nearly two decades. Currently, there are 12 active chapters. Officials at Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command say they would like to see more bases initiate chapters. The program, also

Top Air Force recruiters, trainers of year announced

Air Education and Training Command announced the following Air Force winners of the 2007 U.S. Air Force Recruiter, Military Training Instructor and Military Training Leader of the Year Awards in the following categories: Recruiter of the Year Category: Staff Sgt. Jason Rodriguez, 344th Recruiting

Letter to Airmen updates force reduction status

In the latest Letter to Airmen, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne discusses how force reduction cuts ensure that the Air Force will remain the world's premier air, space and cyberspace force. "One of the duties we have as Airmen is assuring future Airmen that they will be as capable and

Course prepares mobility team leaders

Of the 57 in-residence and online courses offered at the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center's Mobility Operations School, one course targets future leaders in mobility command and control. The Mobility Air Forces Mobile Command and Control Leadership Course, offered four times a year with 16

Command, control battle lab closes doors after one decade

The Command and Control, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Battlelab held its official inactivation ceremony here June 14. The C2ISRB was one of seven battlelabs established by the Air Force in 1997 to address the acquisition system's inability to rapidly field technology and the

Pilots get taste of combat during Red Flag-Alaska

The exercise is Red Flag, but it is in Alaska this time, not Nevada. There are similarities -- both exercises focus on advanced tactical training for aircrew members against air and surface threats. Both employ an aggressor force in the air and from the ground. Both have similar training objectives

Elmendorf celebrates C-17 arrival

Elmendorf officially received its first C-17 Globemaster III airlifter June 11 during a ceremony here. The C-17, "Spirit of Denali," was delivered by Alaska's Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell. "The C-17 is an exceptional aircraft and what a smooth ride," said the lieutenant governor. "This is a great day for

Air Force Week California concludes with air show

Amid tumble dives and barrel rolls, vintage aircraft and modern fighters, the California Capital Air Show concluded Air Force Week here June 9 and 10. The event, which took place at Mather Airport, the site of former Mather Air Force Base, drew more than 50,000 people and offered a variety of

Allies team up for joint exercise at Kunsan

Members of the 8th Fighter Wing and the Republic of Korea air force have teamed up for a joint training exercise June 8 at Kunsan Air Base. Two South Korean F-16s from the 111th Fighter Squadron, two F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 35th Fighter Squadron, Airmen of the 35th Aircraft Maintenance Unit

Defense secretary, servicemembers reflect on D-Day heroism

The defense secretary was among hundreds of people who walked above the windswept cliffs and paused among fog-shrouded headstones here June 6 to honor those who died during the D-Day invasion 63 years ago. Secretary Robert M. Gates took a private moment in the American Cemetery, reflecting on row

U.S., Japanese Airmen meet for cultural exchange

Air Force and Japan Air Self Defense Force officers came together at the JASDF's Meguro College here May 31 for an English language cultural exchange. During the year-long Command and Staff Course at the college, JASDF majors and captains learn the necessary skills to take on future challenges. One

Checkmate: Strategic studies group supports leaders

The Air Force chief of staff announced June 4 the establishment of a new Air Force strategic studies group at the Pentagon that will carry a familiar name -- Checkmate. The new Checkmate will act as a catalyst for strategic initiatives and directly support the chief of staff and Air Force leaders

Joint forces combine for Red Flag-Alaska exercise

More than 1,400 military members from the United States, Singapore and Australia have converged on Alaska to sharpen their collective warfighting edge in Red Flag-Alaska 07-2, which runs from May 31 to June 15. Red Flag-Alaska, a series of Pacific Air Forces commander-directed field training

SECAF: Dominance in cyberspace is not optional

The Air Force's senior leader's message was clear: dominance in cyberspace is not optional.  He made that case to attendees May 23 at the inaugural 55th Wing Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Symposium in Omaha. "Our own nation's neural network resides in cyberspace," Secretary of the

Air Force officials promote sustainability

In general terms, it's development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In the Air Force, it's the capacity to continue the mission without compromise. In a word, it's sustainability. Without it, operations are diminished

Joint forces combine for Red Flag-Alaska exercise

More than 1,400 military members from the United States, Singapore and Australia converged on Alaska May 31 to sharpen their collective warfighting edge in Red Flag-Alaska 07-2, which runs through June 15. Red Flag-Alaska, a series of Pacific Air Forces commander-directed field training exercises

Academy graduates challenged to serve with honor

 "Willingness always to take the right path, even if it is the hard path, is called character," Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates told the 977 graduating members of the U.S. Air Force Academy's Class of 2007. The challenges graduates will face will test both their spirit and resolve, Secretary

Health study uses data from war on terrorism

When a landmark Defense Department-sponsored health study was launched six years ago, one of its goals was to evaluate the impact of future deployments on long-term health. The investigators did not know how timely the project would be.Today, the Millennium Cohort Study has enrolled tens of

Changes on horizon for Air Force pilots

The Air Force recently announced there are changes forthcoming in aircrew management. A new process called Transformational Aircrew Management Initiatives for the 21st Century, or TAMI-21, is intended to account for force structure changes that have caused imbalances in pilot inventory distribution

Language, cultural studies gain more focus at service academies

Gen. George Washington would probably roll over in his grave if he knew the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. -- the school he advocated to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign military expertise -- is increasingly sending its cadets overseas to learn with and from their foreign

Aerospace leaders discuss challenges, opportunities

Royal United Services Institute officials invited members throughout the aerospace community to attend an air power conference at their headquarters May 24 at Whitehall in London. The air force chiefs of staff from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy, and the U.S Space

Air Force artist depicts C-17 in 'Waikiki Sunrise'

When the "Spirit of Hawaii Ke Aloha" landed on the flightline here in February 2006, it symbolized a new era in airlift for the Pacific. That first jet has since been joined by seven others, comprising the first C-17 Globemaster III squadron based outside the continental United States. Artist Keith

Biological team protects Balad Airmen from bioterrorism

Two lab technician Airmen team up as a pair of modern "CSI-type" technicians, using test tubes, centrifuges, and other sophisticated testing equipment to keep Balad Air Base Airmen safe. Maj. Thomas Shaak and Staff Sgt. Raul Gutierrez are assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group's

Yokota hosts Pacific Global Air Mobility Seminar

U.S. Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force and Japan Air Self Defense Force personnel gathered at Yokota Air Base May 17 and 18 to discuss the roles of air mobility and mission capabilities the countries provide to the Pacific region. The Pacific Global Air Mobility Seminar is an office of the

Air Force accessions program celebrates 10 years

Three of the Air Force's leadership training programs -- ROTC, Officer Training School and Junior ROTC -- were joined together in 1997 to create what is now the Air Force Officer Accessions and Training Schools, or AFOATS. Earlier this month, members of the AFOATS staff celebrated their

Maintainers increase combat capability of B-1

Airmen at the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing proved just how crucial it is to be trained and work efficiently while responding to a "catastrophic" hydraulic system failure during a B-1 Lancer combat mission. The aircrew had to perform an emergency gear extension upon returning to base due to the

Fallen Canadian Snowbird pilot returns home

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds pilot who died in an airplane crash during an air show practice at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., returned home to the 15 Wing Moose Jaw by Canadian CC-130 Hercules May 22. Family and members of Capt. Shawn McCaughey were on hand to render full military honors to

115 chosen for Officer Training School

Air Force officials here May 23 selected 115 men and women from across America for an opportunity to become Air Force leaders following their selection for an officer's commission. Air Force Recruiting Service officials considered 476 applications as part of Officer Training School Selection Board

Air Force's OTS, ROTC staffs prep for summer training surge

While many are planning big vacations and some relaxation during the next few months, Officer Training School and ROTC cadre members are "digging in" for a busy summer. The OTS staff will train more than 800 commissioned officer trainees between June and August. The "summer surge" is in addition to

CSAF's Scope highlights air dominance with F-22, F-35

The CSAF's Scope focuses on current topics the Air Force chief of staff feels are of special importance to today's Airmen. Among Gen. T. Michael Moseley's top issues this month is the Air Force's air dominance in the future. Two key parts of the Air Force's future success in air dominance focuses on

DOD stands up joint space office

The Department of Defense stood up the joint service Operationally Responsive Space Office in a ceremony May 21 at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. The ORS Office will be responsible for integrating joint ORS capabilities and for applying ORS resources to the development, acquisition and demonstration

Attack controllers call in air strikes at Kansas range

As F-16 Fighting Falcons circle overhead, joint terminal attack controllers from the 1st Air Support Operations Squadron keep an eye on a nearby village. Only this village isn't in Iraq or Afghanistan. It's Kansas and the Smoky Hill Air National Guard Range. The joint terminal attack controllers,

Vietnam visit strengthens military ties

The U.S. Pacific Command deputy commander met with military and civilian leaders in Vietnam recently, looking for opportunities to build upon a small yet developing relationship and to identify possible future military engagement activities. Lt. Gen. Daniel P. Leaf led a military delegation that

Self-defense course kicks way into training

Traditional thinking for Air Force pre-deployment preparation may have Airmen reading the Airman's Manual from front to back and getting in some form of combat skills training at home station. Would that same effort include learning about the Linear Infighting Neural-override Engagement, or LINE,

ACC leader: Air Force must balance resources, look ahead

The Air Force's increased operations tempo is putting a strain on aircraft and Airmen, said the Air Combat Command commander at a conference at Offutt Air Force Base. Gen. Ronald E. Keys, addressing 150 ACC leaders gathered at Offutt AFB, said increased flying hours on aging airframes are a

Officials emphasize motorcycle safety across force

With motorcycle fatalities on the rise over the past two years in the Defense Department, senior military officials are making sure that servicemembers and civilians are keeping safety in mind while hitting the roads this summer. The Army took the lead by hosting the two-day National Capital Region

Ramstein Airmen test new communications systems

Twenty-eight Airmen and civilians from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, tested new communications systems at the U.S. European Command-sponsored exercise, Combined Endeavor, held April 27 through May 10. The 1st Combat Communications Squadron's team from the 86th Airlift Wing is at the Lager Aulenbach

Air Force research team's 'out of box thinking' earns honors

Efforts to advance experimentation war gaming within the Air Force and the Defense Department resulted in a team from the Air Force Research Laboratory's Directed Energy Directorate receiving the Air Force Modeling and Simulation Experimentation Award for 2006. The team, which consists of team

Iraqi air force capabilities continue to increase

The capabilities of the Iraqi air force continue to grow as they performed their first double patient transfer May 8 here. Two months the Iraqi air force conducted its first aeromedical transfer, a policeman transported from the American 28th Combat Support Hospital to an Iraqi treatment facility,

Nations at Combined Endeavor combat cyberspace security

As technology continues its steady advance, controlling cyberspace becomes increasingly critical to securing warfighting capabilities. In order to help prevent future conflicts by integrating and streamlining communications on a global scale, the 13th annual Combined Endeavor exercise April 27 to

DOD humanitarian projects help fight HIV epidemic

One of five volunteer counseling and testing centers aimed at mitigating the effects of the HIV virus opened here May 9. Two U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen assisted with this project funded by the U.S. Department of Defense's Office of Defense Cooperation Humanitarian Assistance Program. Tech.

41-year-old N.Y. doc answers Air Force's call

Little else is audible above the sounds of construction and traffic. Although it's been nearly six years, a constant flow of onlookers still gather on the breezeway above to view the site of one of the most tragic events in American history -- 9/11. Passersby pause at the "Ten House" long enough to

SECAF sees bright future for Eielson Airmen

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne highlighted the importance of the local mission to the future of the Air Force and victory in the war on terrorism during his visit here May 8 to 10. During a trip to the 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron May 9, he praised Alaskan Airmen for their

Joint initiative transforms air defense in Asia

Air Force and the Japanese Self Defense Force leaders paved the road to increased interoperability with the stroke of a pen at a ceremony here May 15. Brig. Gen. Joseph Reheiser, 5th Air Force vice commander and 13th Air Force deputy commander, and JASDF Maj. Gen. Haruhiko Kataoka, director of the

McGuire NCO Academy closes its doors

After three decades of operation, officials at the McGuire NCO Academy closed its doors, furled and encased its flag, and held its inactivation ceremony here May 3."I'd like to put this NCO academy into perspective," said retired Col. Leland Martin, the academy's first commandant, a former base

Chief McKinley offers service dress perspective

In his latest "Enlisted Perspective," Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley discusses the new heritage service dress uniform and how the uniform will better represent the Air Force to the American public."I look forward to the day when I stand tall in a new service dress uniform with

Charleston test platform for new all-electric vehicle

Over the next six months four new, energy-saving vehicles can be seen zipping across the base's roads. The Department of Transportation-certified, all-electric, zero-pollution, low-speed vehicles are Miles ZX40 and ZX40S. They are capable of moving at speeds of 25 mph for 50 miles before a recharge

Gliders help future Air Force leaders soar

Multinational communicators network at seminars

Phoenix Endeavor, a part of Combined Endeavor 2007, offered three weeks of spectrum-management seminars to military communication specialists from 12 nations. The seminars, April 27 through May 10, introduced the finer points of managing and requesting frequencies from host nations. Combined

Air Force gains larger presence in Romania

The Romanian parliament passed legislation the first week of May that now authorizes the U.S. military to use several of its bases. The announcement came just as the Air Force was wrapping up a 10-day exercise, called Sniper Lance 2007, in the former Eastern Bloc country. This was the second

Airmen live, learn warrior ethos

Airmen going through basic training are focusing on living and learning what it means to be combat-ready. This education centers on Air Force warrior ethos -- strengthening an Airman's mind, body and spirit. "The warrior ethos has always been a part of an Airman's character, but some people may have

Romanian pilot returns favor, bridges gap in joint exercise

All his life he dreamed of being a pilot. Growing up near an air base, he always hoped he too would be able to take to the sky like so many pilots he saw day after day. That dream became a reality in 2001 when 1st Lt. Mihaita Marin began to fly. He started his journey toward flight in 1999 when he

Terrorism officials stress Airmen remain aware

After the attacks on September 11th, many people have become much more concerned with force protection methods, especially anti-terrorism measures. Despite the fact five years have passed, local security forces still receive numerous calls about anything that is seemingly awry. Although their

Air Force security forces director visits Minot

The director of Air Force security forces visited here from April 30 to May 3 to observe firsthand the base's security mission. Brig. Gen. Mary Kay Hertog discussed deployment tempos, training and the future of the career field while here. "My number-one priority is to provide our security forces

Charleston loadmasters train Davis-Monthan Airmen

In an effort to further develop Air Force capabilities, Charleston Air Force Base loadmasters traveled to Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., in late April to train augmentees on how to assist loadmasters when loading C-17 Globemaster IIIs. With C-17s flying around the world delivering cargo to warfighters,

Aviano Airman LEADs the way to bright future

When a retired Army master sergeant challenged a young man to out do him, the Airman pushed himself to live up to the challenge. Airman 1st Class Chase's drive to do more has led him to face an upcoming 10 months of arduous work. Airman Ray was notified April 26 that he was accepted in to the Air

First steps of future Airmen

Mobility officials host AFSO 21 conference

More than 40 experts from across the Air Force gathered at Air Mobility Command's Logistics Directorate here April 23-26 for a "fruit ripe for picking" conference aimed at cutting red tape from base support agreements. "We took out a lot of the waste, steps that were unnecessary and duplicated

'Dumpster diving' raises awareness about recycling

During a dumpster diving experiment here May 1, elementary students found that residents at the base don't make the grade when it comes to recycling their trash. Fifth grade students and teachers from Yokota Air Base's West Elementary School sifted and graded refuse. Collecting the empirical

Backscatter technology leaves bad guys no place to hide

Members of the 820th Security Forces Group here are set to employ a new high-technology search system in the war on terrorism that will help increase base security that also can deter acts of aggression against coalition forces. Known as the Z backscatter van, the $1.2 million, 13,000-pound,

General discusses ISR at congressional breakfast

At a breakfast on Capitol Hill April 27, the Air Force deputy chief of staff for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance addressed members of Congress, their staffers, and other civilian and Air Force leaders about the future of the ISR mission. The conference, second in a series of Air Force

New JKO Portal to offer joint online training

A new system unveiled April 27 is designed to better prepare servicemembers to operate with other services, government agencies, foreign militaries and non-governmental organizations while reducing the time they spend away from home or their units for military classes. David S.C. Chu, undersecretary

Artist honors Air Force medical field with 20-foot mural

A mural, which pays tribute to the Air Force's medical readiness mission, from entering the military here at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, to an actual deployment, was unveiled in a ceremony held here at the 59th Medical Wing. "The mural is dedicated to every deploying Air Force medical member,

Air Force Marathon a premier running event

If you think you have one good reason for not running the U.S. Air Force Marathon Sept. 15, here are five excellent reasons why you should. For starters, it's the only marathon in the world where runners receive inspiration and encouragement from the skies above, as Air Force aircraft fly overhead

Judge Advocate General holds Heritage to Horizon meeting

Maj. Gen. Jack L. Rives, the Judge Advocate General, recently hosted a "Heritage to Horizon" meeting at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C.  Eleven JAG Corps leaders, all retired general officers or Senior Executive Service civilians, gathered to discuss the way ahead for the corps. The group brought

Making Iraq's future brighter: Operation School Supplies

No more pencils, no more books ... literally. Airmen from the 506th Air Expeditionary Group here are doing what they can to put these and other needed supplies back in the hands of Iraqi children. Operation Iraqi School Supplies is a program where school supplies are donated to local Iraqi students

AFPC, Tinker work to improve civilian personnel services

Air Force Personnel Center officials here, in partnership with members of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., are embarking on a test that will allow Air Force officials to closely study and review consolidated support to a large civilian employee population. For

Explosive ordnance members honor fallen heroes

Six fallen Airmen were honored during the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Memorial held April 21 at Eglin Air Force Base's Kauffman Annex. "It's an honor to be here and pay our respect to fallen warriors and families who gave so much," said Maj. Gen. Del Eulberg, the Air Force civil engineer,

Air Force civilians win presidential rank awards

Several Air Force civilians were presented the 2006 Presidential Rank Awards here in a ceremony held April 20 in the Women's Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery. The President of the United States annually awards distinguished and meritorious ranks to career members of the senior executive

Chief of staff hosts Air Force acquisition summit

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley hosted a meeting of senior Air Force leaders to discuss the service's top acquisition issues and strategies at the Pentagon April 23. "We want our Airmen of tomorrow to inherit an Air Force that provides them the best tools to do the job of defending

AFSO 21 interests Royal Air Force

Two Royal Air Force members became more acquainted with Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century during an April 20 visit to Pope Air Force Base. "The visit has been very impressive and has helped us learn more about AFSO 21," said Air Vice Marshall Peter Dye, the director of transformation

Yokota residents pay tribute to Holocaust victims

The Constitution protects American citizens' rights to worship as they choose by allowing the "free exercise thereof," but history shows citizens of other countries have not been as fortunate. Yokota Air Base residents exercised "the right of the people peaceably to assemble" at a memorial service

Space professional development program is 1st-of-its-kind

The first course of a five-course, space certificate pilot program initiated by Air Force Space Command and the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs concludes this month for 20 space professionals. The goal of this "first-of-its-kind" program is to increase the technical foundation of space

Iraqi Air Force celebrates 76th anniversary

The 76th anniversary of the Iraqi Air Force drew a crowd of approximately 100 distinguished visitors, guests and Iraqi and U.S. servicemembers to New Al Muthana Air Base in Baghdad, Iraq. The guests poured into the enormous C-130 Hercules hangar which was decorated with Iraqi flags, colorful

April 21 airpower: B-1B Lancer hits insurgents

Coalition airpower supported Coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations April 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. Another B-1B dropped GBU-31s on a building where insurgents were

General discusses future of medical services

The assistant Air Force surgeon general discussed issues regarding the medical career field's role in the war on terrorism, Base Realignment and Closure, the future of Air Force nursing, and force shaping effects within the Air Force Medical Service during a visit April 19 here. Maj. Gen. Melissa A.

Turkey partners with U.S. in war on terrorism

In just three days, forces from the United States, Turkey and Afghanistan worked together on a joint mission to transport more than 135,000 pounds of Turkish equipment and supplies from Incirlik Air Base to Kabul AB, Afghanistan. The Turkish equipment was loaded onto an American C-17 Globemaster III

DOD's top enlisted leader visits Okinawa

The Department of Defense's top enlisted leader visited Okinawa April 11 to 13 to see firsthand the role the U.S. military plays on Okinawa to include the missions at Kadena Air Base. Army Command Sgt. Maj. William Gainey, the senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, met

Doolittle Raiders 65th anniversary kicks off at Randolph

The 65th anniversary reunion of the Doolittle Raiders launched with an opening ceremony attended by more than 250 spectators April 17 here. The ceremony included several short speeches from Randolph Air Force Base leadership and the Doolittle Raiders' historian and manager. Second Lt. Austin

Airman's Creed exemplifies warfighting ethos

The Air Force chief of staff introduced the new "Airman's Creed" April 18 to provide Airmen a tangible statement of beliefs that they can hold most dear. The Airman's Creed reflects pride in the role of air, space and cyberspace power and the Air Force's commitment in supporting and defending the

Medics treat servicemembers throughout Southwest Asia

Getting warriors back in the fight is a duty for the medical professionals in the 379th Expeditionary Medical Group in Southwest Asia. The 96 percent of wounded warriors returned to duty shows not only that they are good at what they do, but also that they provide critical support to the theaterwide

Scientific Advisory Board helps move ideas from concept to reality

When today's Airmen use one of the many cutting edge technology tools at their disposal, they can thank a small group of scientists and engineers for helping make it a reality. The Air Force Scientific Advisory Board continued their long tradition of helping the Air Force bring new ideas to reality

Air Force undersecretary: celebrate successes, secure the future

A top Air Force official provided insight to the year's successes and upcoming challenges at the 23rd National Space Symposium here April 10. Dr. Ronald Sega, undersecretary of the Air Force, addressed a near-capacity crowd of military, civilian, space industry and academic leaders gathered for the

Guard, Reserve leaders speak before Senate

Military leaders from the National Guard and Reserve testified before members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Defense, April 11 on Capitol Hill to give a status on the forces and to bring focus on the services' budget. Lt. Gen. Craig R. McKinley, the director of the Air

CMSAF talks quality of life at Aviano

The highest enlisted member in the Air Force made a stop here to talk with America's warfighters. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley discussed topics affecting Air Force members now and in the near future, but a major priority for the chief is the upkeep of the Air Force's quality