Afghan baby born at Bagram Airfield hospital

It was the middle of the night and hospital staff's pagers were going off. Inside Craig Joint Theater Hospital there was a scramble to pull together the people and equipment needed for a successful procedure. It wasn't a coalition servicemember's life they were trying to save; they were bringing a

Hawgsmoke A-10s dazzle local visitors

The Hawgsmoke 2008 bombing and gunnery portion of the competition took place Oct.16 as A-10 Thunderbolt IIs attacked targets on the nearby Smoky Hill Range, dazzling the spectators who gathered to observe. It was Day 3 of the event and members of the press, community leaders and other distinguished

Secretary Donley visits Bagram Airmen

Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley visited with Airmen from Bagram Airfield Oct. 15 during his first visit to the country since being confirmed by Congress earlier this month. During his visit, Secretary Donley held an Airman's call for approximately 400 Airmen stationed here. "Since I

SECAF discusses vision with Airmen in AOR

After gaining insight into the diverse mission capabilities of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley discussed the Air Force vision with Airmen from the wing Oct. 14 at an air base in Southwest Asia. The secretary toured the base for much of the day, delving

Hawgsmoke 2008 gets into full swing

With the arrival of the last group of A-10 Thunderbolt IIs late in the afternoon, Hawgsmoke 2008 got into full swing Oct. 15 as pilots flew out to the Kansas Air National Guard's Smoky Hill bomb and gunnery range nearby for range familiarization flights. The clearing sky signaled the end of nearly

Dover Airman donates kidney to fiance

A Dover Air Force Base NCO gave her heart to her fiance in 2005, and almost four years later she gave him the gift of life Sept. 22. Master Sgt. Laura Perry, an air Reserve technician with the 512th Civil Engineer Squadron, donated her kidney to her fiance and fellow squadron member, Staff Sgt. Mark

Guard unit provides 'one-stop' Predator training

As the Air Force's and Air National Guard's unmanned aircraft system mission continues to grow, Airmen with the 163rd Maintenance Group here are stepping up their training program to ensure availability of enough highly-skilled personnel to support these systems, especially the MQ-1 Predator.

NATO air chiefs discuss common challenges, solutions

Nineteen NATO air chiefs gathered to discuss how to meet the security demands of a changing world at the chief of staff of the Air Force-hosted 2008 NATO Air Chiefs Conference Oct. 5 through 12 here. The theme for this year's conference was "The Community of Airmen: Solutions to Common Challenges,"

Vector focuses on political activities

In his second Chief of Staff of the Air Force Vector, the service's top general  addressed the balance between the Department of Defense and the political process. "As the November elections approach, I encourage all Air Force personnel -- active duty, National Guard, Reserve and civilian employees

Football: Falcon freshmen spark 35-10 win

U.S. Air Force Academy freshmen quarterback Tim Jefferson and tailback Ashley Clark led the Falcons' high-powered running attack to a 35-10 victory over the San Diego State Aztecs Oct. 11 at Qualcomm Stadium here. Clark, making his first start of the season, rambled for 109 yards on 15 carries and

Chief of staff emphasizes logisticians' role

You don't have to sell Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz on the value of logistics. "Acquisition, engineering and wholesale logistics form the foundation of numerous Air Force capabilities ... Logistics professionals who perform these services are critical to everything the Air Force

PRT unit makes 'a difference beyond the berm'

Every group, every mission here in Afghanistan is designed for a purpose. It's no different for the Kapisa and Parwan Provincial Reconstruction Team. The 91-person joint-service team has a goal of improving security and government capacity in its area of responsibility, an objective its members

Panjshir women teach Afghan cuisine to PRT Airmen

The provincial director of women's affairs hosted the women's affairs team from the provincial reconstruction team in Afghanistan's Panjshir province for fellowship and an Afghan cooking class Oct. 2. Miriam Panjshiri and her sister, Nasrene, work closely with the PRT's women's affairs team, and

EC-130 squadron surpasses 10,000 combat hours

Members of the 41st Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron here surpassed 10,000 combat hours in the EC-130H Compass Call while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in September. The 41st EECS, deployed from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., flies the EC-130H. The Compass Call's primary

Deadline extended for health system questionnaire

The deadline for participating in the Military Health System questionnaires has been extended due to overwhelming response.  Wounded, ill or injured servicemembers and their families now have until Nov. 28 to help MHS leaders better understand the needs and expectations of warriors in their care.

Top enlisted Airman visits Creech Airmen

The chief master sergeant of the Air Force visited Creech Air Force Base Airmen Oct. 6 and 7 to get a firsthand look at the base and its operations. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley thanked base Airmen for their performance and impact in fighting the war on terrorism and to let

AFMC captures AF Marathon major command trophy

Air Force Materiel Command, headquartered here, is the sophomore winner of the U.S. Air Force Marathon Major Command Challenge Commander's Trophy. The announcement was made Oct. 3 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz. General

Giving Airmen time back

Improvements in technology, review of manpower solutions and additional duty workload, and refining ancillary training topped the recommendations presented to Lt. Gen. Richard Newton III, deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services, by a team he chartered to find what impacts Airmen's

Pararescuemen recall recent rescue mission

If jumping out of a perfectly good airplane into the middle of the Pacific Ocean in the middle of the night to help out complete strangers isn't your idea of a rush, then maybe a career as a pararescueman isn't for you. That's exactly what a team of PJs from the 31st Rescue Squadron and the 320th

Ceremony recognizes disabled employees' contributions

Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England praised the work and contributions provided by disabled Defense Department contract employees at a Pentagon award ceremony Oct. 9."I'm here to say thank you for your great, great work," Secretary England, the event's host, told a group of disabled employees

Training instructors build tactical course for Iraqi airmen

Military training instructors saw an unmet need in the Iraqi air force basic military training program and found a way to fill the need. For Staff Sgt. Matthew Coltrin and Tech. Sgt. Chris Ramsdell, MTIs deployed from the 322nd Training Squadron, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, no BMT course is

Retirement home earns prestigious accreditation

The Armed Forces Retirement Home has received accreditation from the prestigious Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities-Continuing Care Accreditation Commission.The accreditation, which will extend through August 2013, results from the findings of an on-site survey of the AFRH

Air Force senior leaders take up key decisions

The nuclear enterprise, cyber organization, end strength, force shaping, and command and control of Air Force operations were just some of the topics discussed when Air Force senior leaders met at CORONA on Oct. 1-3 at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley

PRT strives to build relationships in remote village

A 40-person team of Airmen, Sailors and Soldiers from the Kapisa and Parwan Provincial Reconstruction Team recently traveled to a remote village to provide medical services. After traversing a rugged, hand-hewn mountain roads barely wide enough for a Humvee, the team of security and medical experts

Special duty assignment pay now available for EOD Airmen

Air Force officials recently approved special duty assignment pay for most Airmen in the explosive ordnance disposal career field. Since 2002, the overall retention rates for EOD Airmen has declined by 30 percent because of high operations tempo and the inherent dangers involved in this demanding

Gunship commander receives Cheney Award

The aircraft commander of an AC-130H Spectre gunship was named the recipient of the Cheney Award Oct. 6 for providing close-air support to troops on the ground in Afghanistan in May 2007. The Cheney Award is presented each year to aviators who demonstrate an act of valor, extreme fortitude or

Cannon Airmen train for special operations forces resupply

What seems like routine training for 27th Special Operations Wing C-130W Hercules aircrews, loadmasters and logistics Airmen here in reality prepares them to execute missions downrange. "Special operations forces that are deployed rely on this type of air drop very much," said Staff Sgt. Jerimy

Readiness center offers personal, professional guidance

Deploying can be difficult on servicemembers for a number of reasons. They may experience personal, financial and professional strains within the area of responsibility, which can detract from their operational readiness. One shop here shoulders the burden to ease that stress. Being the first and

Chinese military delegation visits Hickam AFB

A delegation from China's People Liberation Army visited here as part of a professional exchange with senior U.S. military enlisted personnel Oct. 2. The People's Liberation Army delegation of 12, led by Maj. Gen. Zhong Zhiming, chief of military affairs for the PLA Headquarters General Staff,

AF announces selection process for deputy support group commanders

Air Force Personnel Center officials recently released the selection process and eligibility requirements for officers interested in calendar year 2009 mission support group deputy commander positions. Following the Air Force chief of staff's force development construct, officers will be matched to

Volunteer program aims to go Air Force-wide

What started off as a desire to volunteer at a local hospital now has the potential to spread Air Force-wide. Staff Sgt. Jewell Hicks Jr., an executive communications support Airman with the 375th Communications Squadron here, began Airmen for Children in July. The program encourages Scott Air Force

HH-60Gs integrate with Army AH-64s for war missions

Airmen and Soldiers here took integration one step further with rotary wing aviation operations in Afghanistan. While the Army AH-64 Apaches and Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawks have flown medical evacuation missions together for some time now in Afghanistan, on Sept. 25 they flew their first joint combat

Gen. McKinley approved to lead Guard Bureau

Lt. Gen. Craig R. McKinley was confirmed as the 26th chief of the National Guard Bureau by the Senate Oct. 2 in Washington, D.C. He will also become the first four-star general in the nearly 372-year history of the National Guard. The current director of the Air National Guard, General McKinley was

Senate confirms Gen. Fraser as next vice chief of staff

General William M. Fraser III, a command pilot, will be the Air Force's next vice chief of staff, based on a Senate confirmation vote, which occurred Oct. 2. Now the president must offer the official appointment to the general before he can assume his new position. General Fraser, who now serves as

Senate confirms Donley to be next secretary of Air Force

Michael B. Donley will be the next secretary of the Air Force based on an Oct. 2 Senate confirmation vote here. Secretary Donley had been designated by the president to begin serving as acting secretary on June 21, 2008. The former director of administration and management for the Defense

Top cover: Airpower integral to ground force's success

Pilots on board F-15E Strike Eagles helped turned the tide as Army Soldiers fighting terrorists in Afghanistan were pinned down and needed assistance in mid September.An improvised explosive device had disabled a vehicle and Soldiers were stranded, but airpower was there to help. "As we got within

Feedback sought from servicemembers, their families

The Military Health System invites wounded, ill or injured servicemembers and their families to respond to a new pair of questionnaires designed to help MHS leaders better understand the needs and expectations of the warriors in their care. The questionnaires -- one for wounded, ill or injured

Air Force launches 'BlueTube' site for online videos

When you get an interesting or funny Air Force video in your e-mail, do you ever send it out to family, friends and co-workers? Now the Air Force has its own channel, called AirForceBlueTube, for those videos on the popular video-sharing site YouTube.com. "We wanted to have a one-stop shop to host

Africa Command unfurls colors during Pentagon ceremony

The flag for a new U.S. unified command that seeks to meld civilian expertise with military planning and logistics was unfurled Oct. 1 during a Pentagon ceremony. Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward unfurled the colors and told Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Charleston officials begin transporting new Army vehicles

Charleston Air Force Base officials began receiving and immediately shipping six new Army High Mobility Engineer Excavator vehicles to warfighters in Southwest Asia Sept. 29 here. Charleston AFB is the first Air Force base to receive and ship the HMEE, which is a newly developed military

Air Force Reserve exceeds recruiting goal

Air Force Reserve recruiters signed up 8,390 people in fiscal year 2008, exceeding the goal by almost 5 percent.  The additional recruits followed as the command met its annual goal of 8,000 on Aug. 28, some 33 days ahead of schedule. Col. Francis M. Mungavin, Air Force Reserve Command Recruiting

Simulation center prepares medics for saving lives

In this world where hospital staffs hold human lives in their hands, where do they train to function under this ultimate responsibility? When they are put under the stress of doing a job so important that even the military considers them doctors first and military second, where do they learn to

Deep Freeze Airman given Christchurch civic award

Fresh off the successful night-time landing of a C-17 Globemaster III on the cold Antarctica ice, a 12-year veteran of Operation Deep Freeze missions has become the first American to receive the Christchurch Civic Award. Lt. Col. Jim McGann, 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron commander, received

Provisional team prepares for cyber mission assurance

The Air Force Cyber Command (Provisional) staff here has spent a year defining and shaping the future of the service's cyberspace operations. There have been numerous contributions from the team that will assist the Air Force as it decides how it will "fly, fight and win" in the cyberspace domain,

MH-53s fly final combat missions

Aircrews flew the remaining six MH-53 Pave Low helicopters on their last combat missions in support of special operations forces Sept. 27 in Southwest Asia. The last mission, a SOF logistical resupply and passenger movement throughout central and southern Iraq, marks their last combat mission before

Registry tracks effects of embedded metal fragments

A Defense Department registry is helping officials gather data to be sure the long-accepted practice of leaving embedded metal fragments in wounded warriors' bodies as long as vital organs aren't threatened is valid. Officials at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology created the Embedded Metal

Air Force climate survey begins Oct. 1

Air Force leaders want to know what to know what's on the minds of Airmen. The Air Force launches its 2008 climate survey Oct. 1 via an e-mail invitation to every Airman across the total force, including civilians. The survey covers home life, work environment, leadership and morale issues. It will

New Air Force chief scientist has AFMC ties

Dr. Werner J.A. Dahm will begin his assignment as the new Chief Scientist of the Air Force in October, replacing Dr. Mark Lewis. While his post will be at the Pentagon, Dr. Dahm has a connection with Air Force Materiel Command. Dr. Dahm was a research engineer from 1979 to 1981 at the Arnold

Airmen train at Fort Bragg for 'outside the wire' deployment

More than 175 Airmen from 55 different bases around the world are training here with an "outside the wire" mindset as they prepare for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.The Airmen will be part of Provincial Reconstruction Teams on 270-day deployments to help rebuild the infrastructure and

Servicemembers prepare for Afghan deployments

Airmen, Sailors and Soldiers formed 12 Provincial Reconstruction Teams and are receiving training here as part of a 270-day rotation to Afghanistan in an effort to help rebuild the infrastructure and legitimize the Afghan government. Each PRT, consisting of a main body of Airmen or Sailors and an

Recruiting group closes its doors

Air Force Recruiting Service officials are deactivating the 367th Recruiting Group here Oct. 1 as recruiting units are realigned from four groups into three and reducing recruiting squadrons from 27 to 24. AFRS officials are reorganizing health professions recruiting into 24 regional hubs throughout

International Space Station conducts tests for Air Force

Air Force Research Laboratory officials here recently partnered with NASA to conduct materials experiments aboard the International Space Station. The project incorporates 500 materials samples into two suitcase-like containers attached to the exterior of the International Space Station. The

Senior leaders held accountable for nuclear enterprise missteps

Air Force leaders released details today about administrative actions being taken against 15 officers in connection with deficiencies outlined in a report reviewing elements of the service's nuclear enterprise. "The Air Force has no more solemn obligation than the security and reliability of the

Iraqis learn, overcome challenges of helo operations

Iraqi helicopter aircrews are increasingly in demand as Iraqi security forces assume responsibility of their nation's security from their American counterparts. These crews are trained at Taji Air Base, Iraq, using UH-1 Hueys and Mi-17 Hips, where they learn the ins and outs of helicopter

Military leaders discuss National Guard role

Air and Army Guardsmen from across 54 U.S. states and territories met to discuss current and future plans at the 130th conference of the National Guard Association of the United States Sept. 20 through 22 here. Some 2,000 citizen-Soldiers and citizen-Airmen heard from key military leaders including

Gen. Schwartz outlines future role, relationship with Guard

The Air Force chief of staff reached out to National Guard leaders, inviting collaborative planning and support of the total force as he spoke at the National Guard Association of the United States Conference Sept. 22 here. Gen. Norton A. Schwartz addressed 2,000 citizen-Soldiers and citizen-Airmen

Deployed Airman witnesses daughter's birth via Internet

For Airman 1st Class Roger Prokes, a patrolman with the 95th Security Forces Squadron here, being deployed didn't mean he would miss the birth of his daughter. Modern technology would see to that. "Just in case my husband wasn't back, I had spoken with the director of labor and delivery at my

New battle gear improves capabilities for combat Airmen

Battlefield Airmen will soon receive a new equipment item that will improve their ability to execute their combat duties. The new airman battle system-ground is a tactical ensemble, or equipment item, for Airmen who perform their mission outside the wire in close coordination with ground forces. "It

Bystander intervention vital in preventing sexual assault

Air Force officials here are developing a bystander intervention training program for the annually-required Sexual Assault Prevention and Response training to enhance the annual training Airmen receive. The new training, geared for small groups and interactive skills development, helps train Airmen

Air Force Association honors AFMC during conference

Air Force Association officials presented awards to six individuals and one team from Air Force Materiel Command during AFA's 24th Annual Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition. The conference took place Sept. 15-17 in Washington, D.C. The commander of AFMC, Gen. Bruce Carlson was

Brothers meet at 20,000 feet

Family reunions are always special, but for two brothers stationed at different bases in Southwest Asia their meeting at 20,000 feet over a combat zone is even more memorable. During the encounter Sept. 10, Capt. Jason Moraes, a KC-10 Extender pilot for the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, refueled his

Air Force officials announce team excellence awards

Air Force officials here recently announced the five teams selected for the 2008 Chief of Staff Team Excellence Awards. The awards recognize teams that used a systematic approach to enhance mission capability, improve operational performance, and create sustained results. Improvements made by the

Joint unmanned aircraft system mission crosses Atlantic

An Air Combat Command RQ-4A Global Hawk unmanned aircraft system from the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., made a trans-Atlantic flight Sept. 20 with the assistance of Navy officials. The 19-hour flight from Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md., to Southwest Asia had Air

Special Operations Command earns multiple AFA awards

Air Force Special Operations Command officials here took home four awards during the Air Force Association's annual Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition held from Sept. 15 to 17 in Washington, D.C. Each year, AFA officials honor the outstanding achievements of men and women throughout

STRATCOM leader charts nuclear path for American military

The U.S. Strategic Command commander here recently laid out his vision for the future of America's strategic deterrence mission and the importance of nuclear stewardship. Gen. Kevin P. Chilton also outlined the necessary measures to correct the accountability and day-to-day management issues with

Airmen honor America's fallen

Crouched in the shade of an elm tree between the Washington Monument and World War II Memorial here, a major used portable communications equipment Sept. 20 to direct three F-15 Eagle pilots to fly over a national tribute to honor America's fallen and their families. "It was inspirational and

Iraqi airmen keep helicopter fleet flying

An American Airman assigned to the 770th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron at Taji Air Base is helping Iraqi airmen learn how to be aircraft maintainers as the Iraqi air force takes steps to take off on their own.Tech. Sgt. Lee Everhart, an Mi-17 air adviser with the 770th AEAS, is part of the

Air Guard has 'turned the corner' after BRAC

Three years after the Base Realignment and Closure rulings, the Air National Guard is finally starting to settle down, the director of the Air National Guard said Sept. 17 here. "We're actually at a point in history where things have turned the corner," Lt. Gen. Craig R. McKinley told a crowd at the

Leaders pledge support to bring missing servicemembers home

On a small parade field at the steps of the Pentagon and across the river from the skyline of the nation's capital, top military and political leaders today pledged to continue looking for missing servicemembers no matter the cost. "Over the past 230-plus years, a promise has been made to the men

First AFSA chapter in Afghanistan commemorates POW/MIA Day

While Americans throughout the U.S. observed National Prisoner of War/Missing In Action Day Sept. 19, Airmen halfway around the world at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan held their own recognition ceremony. The POW/MIA recognition ceremony was put on by the Air Force Sergeants Association

PACAF summer safety campaign most successful in years

Pacific Air Forces wrapped up the annual 101 Critical Days of Summer safety campaign with no reportable fatalities and an overall decrease of 20 percent in total ground safety mishaps from the same time last year. This year's campaign, themed "I Can Save My Own Life," was the most successful safety

Airman gives aid at 37,000 feet

Today's Air Force prepares Airmen to be ready for any contingency, and often emergency situations arise at the most unexpected times. For Capt. Sam Millar, the 18th Operations Group Aeromedical Evacuation Branch chief, that situation arose about eight hours into a flight from Narita, Japan, to

Base officials to save $800,000 by changing light bulbs

Dover officials expect to save more than $800,000 a year with a new energy-saving initiative called Operation Change Out. The voluntary U.S. Department of Energy program suggests military facilities, like base residential areas, exchange incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescent ones. "We're

Staff Sgt. James Weltin

Staff Sgt. Shawn Ryan

Staff Sgt. Eric Eberhard

Chiefs discuss issues at AFA symposium

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley and five command chief master sergeants from the major commands answered a variety questions during a Command Chief Master Sergeant Forum Sept. 16 at the 24th Annual Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition. A few of the topics covered

General discusses role of Reserve

The Air Force Reserve Command's vice commander addressed a gathering of service members and civilians Sept. 16 during a presentation at the 24th Annual Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition here. Maj. Gen. Allan R. Poulin discussed the command's role in the war on

Servicemembers in Afghanistan honor Air Force birthday

Servicemembers from the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan honored the 61st anniversary of the Air Force Sept. 18 during a ceremony at Camp Eggers here. The day's celebration struck a cord with CSTC-A Airmen who work to mentor and advise members of the Afghan National Army air corps,

Wilford Hall Airmen aid Hurricane Ike evacuees

Approximately 100 medics from Lackland Air Force Base worked around the clock Sept. 12 through 14 to assist with Hurricane Ike evacuees from the Gulf Coast region who arrived at Port San Antonio. Wilford Hall Medical Center members assigned to the 59th Medical Wing staff helped move 137

Chairman salutes Air Force on 61st birthday

Adm. Michael G. Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sends his greetings to all Airmen on the 61th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force. "Leonardo DaVinci said, "Once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward." When it comes to flying and fighting, no

Servicemembers to follow long absentee voting tradition

A pen-and-ink drawing in the Oct. 29, 1864, issue of Harper's Weekly portrayed a long line of Pennsylvania Soldiers outside their A-framed tents, each awaiting his turn to vote in the 1864 presidential election. Artist William Waud's rendering captured the high interest in the high-stakes election

Donley, Schwartz send birthday message

In a  joint Letter to Airmen, the acting secretary of the Air Force and the Air Force chief of staff present the 61st Air Force birthday message for all Airmen."On Sept. 18, 1947, our nation established the United States Air Force, signifying the commitment of the American people to leverage the

Willow Grove unit completes last A-10 deployment

The Pennsylvania Air National Guard unit stationed at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove, Pa., will be transitioning to a joint interagency installation as a result of the Department of Defense's 2005 Base Realignment and Closure recommendations. With the new mission coming onboard,

Air Force officials honor 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

Air Force officials here recognized the service's 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year at an awards dinner Sept. 15 during the Air Force Association's 24th Annual Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition here. The 2008 award recipients were drawn from 33 people representing major commands,

AF leaders to host nuclear summit

Acting Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Norton A. Schwartz will host a nuclear summit Sept. 18 at Bolling AFB, D.C. Discussions will center on structure, process and cultural issues vital to improving Air Force stewardship of its nuclear enterprise, which

Gen. Schwartz addresses Air Force future

The chief of staff of the Air Force addressed Air Force Association Air and Space Technology Convention delegates Sept. 16 here to share his vision for the future of the service. "The work we must accomplish is serious stuff," Gen. Norton A. Schwartz said, "but I know we are up to the task." Part of

Former Joint Chiefs chairman remembers 9/11

Sept. 11 was a day of remembrance across the country as Americans reflected on the events that occurred that day in 2001. Gen. Richard B. Myers, the now-retired chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, traveled to Maxwell to speak at the Air Force Wargaming Institute. While here he shared his unique

General Odierno takes command of forces in Iraq

Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno assumed command of Multinational Force Iraq from Army Gen. David H. Petraeus during a ceremony at al Faw Palace here Sept. 16. The change of command occurs after incredible progress in the country, said Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, who traveled to Baghdad to

Joint patrol provides Airmen with valuable knowledge

It's been more than 30 years since the Vietnam War ended and since the Air Force has been solely responsible for a base's defense in a war zone, but that's all about to change at Joint Base Balad by the end of September. The Air Force is taking responsibility for base defense from the Army, and to

AF leaders issue joint mission message

In their first joint Letter to Airmen, the acting secretary of the Air Force and the Air Force chief of staff focus on the Air Force mission to fly, fight and win in air, space and cyberspace.  "The mission statement reflects our rich heritage and continuing commitment to provide decisive air and

Air Force develops plan for filling unmanned aircraft system positions

Air Force leaders are taking a two-pronged approach to address the increasing need for pilots of unmanned aircraft systems in Afghanistan and Iraq, an Air Force official said recently. The first approach will use a small percentage of undergraduate pilot training graduates for the short term. The

General Schwartz kicks off AFA convention

The Air Force Association's 24th Annual Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition got underway here Sept. 15. In remarks to open the conference, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz said service leaders will work to regain America's trust by improving its performance, citing work

Acting Secretary Donley speaks at AFA conference

From uniforms to deployments, nuclear priorities and the service's future, acting Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley spoke of a variety of topics at the Air Force Association convention here Sept. 15. "We are providers of tremendous capability of air and space," Secretary Donley said. "All

Father & son take to the air

It's not every day a father gets to dogfight against his son in a high-performance fighter aircraft, 20,000 feet over the Pacific Ocean. It's even rarer when the aircraft being flown by the son is the same tail number that the father flew almost thirty years earlier. That's exactly what happened

The 2008 AF Climate Survey launches Oct. 1

Have you ever wished you could tell your leaders what you think? That power will soon be at your fingertips with the launching of the 2008 Air Force Climate Survey Oct. 1-8. During that time, individual e-mail invitations will be sent out Air Force-wide that will include a survey link and

Phoenix Raven training highlights capabilities of security forces Airmen

For Staff Sgt. Ian Martin, the figure 1709 is more than just a number, it's the beginning of a new life.The number means the staff sergeant, who is from the 121st Security Forces Squadron at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, is the 1,709th person to become a Raven. Air Force security

Reservists fly Operation Deep Freeze Springfly missions

Ten reservists from the 446th Airlift Wing deployed Sept. 4 to Christchurch, New Zealand in support of Operation Deep Freeze, 2008-2009 Springfly. Springfly is the ODF ramp up phase to prepare buildings and equipment, as well as pave the overland traverse to the South Pole, in preparation for the

Airmen, bears coexist on Hurlburt Field

Security forces members from Hurlburt Field and Eglin Air Force Base, along with local civilian officials, gathered at the weapons range learn bear aversion tactics from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission here recently. The training participants learned various techniques to

Team augments Afghan doctors, builds treatment capacity

With the assistance of Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team medics, doctors in Panjshir province treated 473 Afghan patients this week in two districts, Rohka and Shutol. Crowds of people gathered at the clinics shortly after Capt. Glenn M. Little, medical team chief, and medical technicians