NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Joint servicemembers convoy supplies to Afghan refugees

    Dozens of joint servicemembers delivered clothing and supplies to an Afghan refugee camp near Kabul July 27 as part of a volunteer community relations program offered by the garrison chaplains at Camp Eggers. Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan members delivered a truck full of

  • Humanitarian team returns from Pacific mission

    A team of approximately 50 medical, dental and civil engineer servicemembers returned to Hickam Air Force Base July 28 after completing a mission to provide civil assistance and training to local residents of three Pacific islands. The team of Airmen, Sailors and Soldiers departed Hickam AFB for the

  • Assisted living residence gets perfect inspection score

    The staff at Hawthorn House, the Air Force Enlisted Village's assisted living residence, recently earned a perfect score during an inspection by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. As one of the four official charities of the Air Force, the Air Force Enlisted Village provides a home

  • Airmen mentor Afghan air corps soldiers

    From firefighters to aircraft mechanics to squadron commanders, several Airmen are mentoring and training their Afghan National Army air corps counterparts as members of the Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan here in the nation's capital. It's a job that's like no other, said Master

  • Luke Airmen assist in roll-over rescue

    Two Luke Air Force Base sergeants were identified as instrumental in rescue efforts after four local youths found themselves in an overturned truck in a wash near the Phoenix International Raceway July 26. Working in their off-duty time at the Phoenix International Raceway, Tech. Sgt. James Orsund

  • 37 Rodeo 2007 competition winners announced

    Air Mobility Command's Rodeo 2007 officials announced the winners of 37 awards July 26 at McChord Air Force Base. Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, the AMC commander, presented the following awards to the winning teams at Rainier Ranch here. Best Operation Support Aircraft-VIP Special Air Mission: 89th Airlift

  • Former chief of staff visits Fairchild, praises AMC

    "The primary purpose of the United States Air Force is to fight and win America's wars."With this statement, retired Gen. Ronald R. Fogleman, the former Air Force chief of staff, summed up an address on the history of Air Mobility Command and the Air Force during his meeting with more than 400

  • Space institute hosts first international students

    Four Australian military members recently traveled more than 10,000 miles to Peterson Air Force Base to expand their knowledge of U.S. space operations and the constantly changing global arena of space. Air Force Space Command officials invited these international students to attend the National

  • Transportation Airmen compete in Rodeo 2007

    With engines blazing, the door slams onto the ground causing man and machine to make a mad dash toward a giant beast with its mouth open, growling, shaking and waiting to devour all in its path. This is the scene of one of the biggest competitions for ground crews in Air Mobility Command's Rodeo

  • Security forces Rodeo teams tested by the best

    When it comes to adding realism to Air Mobility Command's Rodeo 2007 security forces tactics competition being held here July 21 through 28, the Airmen testing the competitors are among the best the Air Force has to offer. The approximately 30 role players and coordination and support staff for the

  • Security forces NCO earns Bronze Star with Valor

    An NCO with the 366th Security Forces Squadron here was awarded a Bronze Star with Valor and the Army Commendation Medal here July 19 for his actions Aug. 8, 2006, in Qalat Province, Afghanistan. Nearly a year ago, Staff Sgt. Jason Kimberling was part of a three-person security forces convoy

  • Commander visits Japan earthquake relief team

    Lt. Gen. Bruce Wright, U.S. Forces Japan commander, visited with an earthquake relief team July 21 comprised of Navy Seabees and Japan Ground Self Defense Force members.  The team was working in the Niigata Prefecture, an area hit by an earthquake July 16. During the trip the general commended the

  • Airman missing 28 years comes home

    For nearly 30 years, the family of a deceased Airman has been waiting for his return home. The wait ended July 18 when Staff Sgt. Donald Michaud's remains returned to New England and met by two members of the Patriot Honor Guard from Hanscom Air Force Base accompanied by Logan Airport firefighters

  • Heritage tailflash connects fighter past

    In medieval times, knights and royal families used heraldic symbols to identify themselves and remember their heritage. With modern military traditions connected to that time of chivalry and honor, 51st Fighter Wing officials from Osan Air Base are bringing back a symbol that promotes its heritage.

  • Planners keep Rodeo 2007 aircraft flying

    On a gray Pacific Northwest morning in the middle of July, McChord Air Force Base resembled a European airfield at the height of the Berlin Airlift. While the operations tempo for McChord AFB has been high for the last several years, the influx of aircraft here for the 2007 Air Mobility Command

  • Airmen save the day for Turkish Rodeo team

    When the Turkish C-130 airplane broke down just before the 2007 Air Mobility Command Rodeo competition began, American Airmen banded together to make the impossible happen. When all was said and done, a maintenance job that normally takes weeks was performed in five days, all in the spirit of Rodeo

  • Training leads to improved capabilities at Red Flag-Alaska

    A combat, search and rescue team saved two aircrew members who were downed in hostile territory as part of a complex, multinational training scenario July 19 at Red Flag-Alaska, an air combat exercise over the Pacific Alaska Range Complex. Red Flag-Alaska includes sophisticated CSAR training to

  • Kyrgyz medical students see capabilities at Manas

    Kyrgyz students from a local medical lyceum toured Manas Air Base July 18 to see how American and coalition forces are organized and equipped to handle medical situations. The students, ranging from 17 to 19 years of age, came to the 376th Expeditionary Medical Group and heard from Air Force medical

  • Cultures come together at Rodeo 2007

    On the outside, the United Arab Emirates' tent looks just like the 20 or so others dotting Rainier Ranch, the off-duty area for the 2007 Air Mobility Command Rodeo competition at McChord Air Force Base. But the similarities end when the front flap of the olive-green tent is opened. In a scene that

  • Dedication recognizes Airmen who deliver under fire

    Senior Enlisted Leader Summit participants and officials recognized the perseverance of Airmen on convoy duty at the Air Force Convoy Gun Truck Dedication at the Air Force Enlisted Heritage Hall July 23 at Maxwell Air Force Base's Gunter Annex, Ala. More than 350 people in attendance dedicated a

  • Task force provides training to El Salvadorian military

    Joint Task Force-Bravo, a 26-member task force, traveled to San Salvador, El Salvador, July 16 to train soldiers deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During the week-long training mission, El Salvadorian soldiers were instructed on driver, convoy and perimeter security; communications;

  • 'Incredibles' respond to injuries at a moment's notice

    A 379th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron Critical Care Air Transport Team responded to two Soldiers who were critically injured by a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. The team that responded is known as the "Incredibles." The "Incredibles" are the first team from Lackland Air

  • Security forces Airmen protect Sather Air Base

    Every week, more than 2,000 foreign nationals bring an average 600 vehicles in and out of Sather Air Base -- Baghdad's only passenger and cargo airfield. Many of these foreign nationals go unescorted in the rest of the Victory Base Complex -- and for this reason, strict precautions are required.

  • Air Force med techs solve equipment problems at Vietnamese hospital

    While the USS Peleliu's embarked medical staff has been conducting medical and dental civic action programs throughout the Da Nang region, a small team of Air Force technicians have been working behind the scenes to contribute to Pacific Partnership's medical mission as well. Three Air Force

  • Enlisted leaders hit the road to set example

    They stretched, did push-ups, sit-ups, formed up, then literally hit the road to make examples of themselves. Nearly 400 senior enlisted leaders at the first Senior Enlisted Leader Summit, including instructors and students at the Air Force First Sergeants Academy, exercised and ran one-and one-half

  • Bagram hospital staff saves baby after IED blast

    A blast from an improvised explosive device claimed the lives of two Afghan parents, however, their 9-month-old daughter, Salma, survived the attack and is recovering at the Craig Joint-Theater Hospital here. After more than two weeks of fighting for her life, Salma, which means "protected" in

  • English a common denominator at Red Flag-Alaska

    Speaking in English is the common denominator for all players at Red Flag-Alaska, but for those whose native tongue is not English, this proves to be a challenge. Non-English speaking pilots quickly become task-saturated as they process a large amount of information in a different language. More

  • Risk to Tricare beneficiary data met with proactive response

    A limited amount of Tricare beneficiary data may have been placed at risk through a violation of internal computer security practices at Science Applications International Corporation. Analysis shows the chance any data was compromised is low, but action is being taken to ensure that affected

  • 'Living Legends' offer Airmen historical perspective

    The three-part "Living Legends" series concluded at the Pentagon Conference Center July 19. The "Living Legends" series included three seminars featuring panels of past and present Air Force leaders who discussed advancements in air power from World War II to the present day war on terrorism. The

  • Wranglers make Rodeo 2007 shine

    For the more than 200 "Wranglers" -- the team of Airmen here who work behind the scenes at Air Mobility Command's Rodeo 2007 -- there are no shiny trophies or recognition at the event's closing celebration for a job well done. They're a group of unsung heroes who work long hours at tough jobs, all

  • Art exhibit draws crowd to Air Force heritage

    A collection of art illustrating Air Force heritage since before the service's beginning through today's expeditionary operations was the spotlight for local military, civic and business leaders during a gathering July 18 in honor of the Air Force's 60th Anniversary. The exhibit, titled "Heritage to

  • Drink up: Tigris River is life for troops in Baghdad

    It is no different now than it ever has been in Baghdad; life is sustained by the Tigris River. This 1,150-mile-long channel of water is known for its swift flow and ancient history -- and every bottle of water in the Victory Base Complex is filled to the brim from this river. The VBC is home to

  • AU provides curriculum, manpower for Iraqi officer training

    When Air University officials received a request in November to develop a curriculum for two Iraqi air force officer training schools, it produced the material in less than three months. "It took 79 days from beginning to end," said Dr. Charles Nath, director of curriculum at the Air Force Officer

  • International teams build relationships at AMC Rodeo

    A record-breaking international presence here marks this year's Air Mobility Command Rodeo, under way now through July 27. The last of nine international teams touched down here July 17, with observers from 25 additional countries arriving by the end of the week.In total, 296 international guests

  • Singer encourages new recruits to stay focused

    A rising country music singer and a former Air Force pararescueman recorded two public service announcements to encourage servicemember July 17 at the Air Force Recruiting Service here. Donovan Chapman, who served in the Air Force for 11 years, recorded one message that saluted Air Force

  • Unexpected delivery made at Ramstein's gate

    Three-week-old Jordan Christina Dixon doesn't know it, but she made Ramstein Air Base history. At 5:18 a.m. July 1, 6-pound, 15-ounce Jordan Dixon was the first baby born into the hands of the 435th Civil Engineer Squadron fire, crash and rescue team at Ramstein AB's West Gate."It was amazing to be

  • Yokota Airmen aid Japan after earthquake

    Airmen from the 374th Airlift Wing flew a C-130 Hercules with 10,000 pounds of water and 100 air-conditioning units to Niigata Prefecture July 18 from here to support victims of an earthquake that shook the northwest side of Japan July 16. The C-130 assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron left with

  • ROTC cadets complete inaugural 'Props and Wings Challenge'

    More than 330 ROTC cadets were pushed to their mental and physical limits during Air University's first Props and Wings Challenge here July 17. The challenge culminated nearly four weeks of rigorous field training for incoming junior classmen at universities nationwide who plan to get their Air

  • New service coat to better represent Airmen set for testing

    Air Force officials are now set to begin fit and wear tests of the new service coat to better establish a dress uniform that fits the "warrior ethos" Airmen have today. It's important for the uniform to represent the roles and accomplishments of Airmen, said Brig. Gen. Floyd L. Carpenter, the Airmen

  • Tankers keep aircraft in the fight at Red Flag-Alaska

    Tankers are patrolling the Last Frontier ready to provide in-flight refueling to aircraft in need to keep fighter aircraft participating in Red Flag-Alaska focused on fighting. Red Flag-Alaska is a multinational exercise from July 12 through 27 that provides realistic combat training in a safe and

  • Guide helps leaders manage people in distress

    Air Force officials introduced 12 monthly initiatives in April to help Air Force members effectively manage stress, and July's initiative is "The Leader's Guide to Managing Personnel in Distress." The guide was created to help supervisors, first sergeants and commanders recognize distress-related

  • Military team to conduct humanitarian assistance in Oceania

    Approximately 50 Air Force, Army and Navy members will travel to the Pacific islands of Vanuatu, Kiribati and Nauru July 20 to 30 to provide medical, dental and engineering support and training to local residents there. This mission displays the Air Force's ability to quickly deliver relief in the

  • Air Force museum wins heritage award

    The National Museum of the United States Air Force recently was awarded the 2007 Air Force Heritage Award by the USAF History and Museums Program for its exhibit, "Return with Honor: American Prisoners of War in Southeast Asia." The exhibit, which opened in May 2006, features reproductions of three

  • Air Force Honor Guard visits Air Force Enlisted Village

    Residents at the Air Force Enlisted Village here were treated to a special visit from the Air Force Honor Guard drill team July 13. The team was in Florida for a recruitment tour, and during their visit to nearby Hurlburt Field, the Airmen asked about the possibility of performing at the Air Force

  • Agency helps expedite C-130 sale to Norway

    A quick turnaround by Air Force Security Assistance Center officials and other Air Force Materiel Command Foreign Military Sales organizations helped strengthen the tactical airlift capability of the Norwegian air force by arranging for the sale of four C-130J Hercules aircraft. The $516 million

  • New prosthesis could help keep troops in the fight

    A new prosthesis under development will give servicemember amputees more flexibility and help them better perform their military jobs if they choose to stay on active duty. A preview of the new technology July 17 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here drew key staff and several servicemember

  • Air Force and Better Business Bureau partner

    Representatives from the Air Force and the Council of Better Business Bureaus signed a memorandum of understanding July 16 at the Pentagon that will benefit Airmen and their families. Tim Beyland, assistant deputy chief of staff for Manpower and Personnel, and Steven Cole, chief executive officer of

  • Exercise Angel Thunder trains combat search, rescue

    About 200 Davis-Monthan Airmen from the 563rd Rescue Group, the 943rd Rescue Group, the 355th Operations Group and the 55th Electronic Combat Group, along with the 12th Air Force Plans Shop and Personnel Recovery Coordination Center, are participating in Exercise Angel Thunder July 9 to 20 here. The

  • Fairchild security forces team trains for Rodeo

    It's 9 a.m. and already getting warm as three security forces Airmen run to the first of nine checkpoints in a multi-stage field training exercise July 13 at Fairchild Air Force Base. The 92nd Security Forces Squadron's Air Mobility Command Rodeo 2007 team is training for the competition, which runs

  • Air Force Cyber Command online for future operations

    The Air Force's soon-to-be newest major command, Air Force Cyber Command, is still on track, or rather still online. Air Force Cyber Command is creating a foundation now for the combat Airmen of today and tomorrow, said Lt. Gen. Robert J. Elder Jr., commander of 8th Air Force here and the joint

  • Japanese forces arrive for Red Flag-Alaska

    Airmen from the Land of the Rising Sun arrived in the Land of the Midnight Sun July 11 in preparation for the Red Flag-Alaska air combat training exercise. After a seven-hour flight across the Pacific Ocean, six Japanese F-15s from Hyakuri Air Base near Tokyo and a U.S. KC-10 Extender carrying 21

  • Excercise tests Reserve C-130 unit's re-supply capabilities

    Airmen in the Air Force Reserve Command's 911th Airlift Wing here conducted Exercise Bold Effort July 14 to hone their transport and re-supply skills vital during a time of war.The exercise began when eight C-130s departed the airfield here and headed for Rickenbacker International Airport

  • CENTAF chaplain visits Djibouti orphanages

    The U.S. Central Command Air Forces command chaplain visited Camp Lemonier July 10 to 13 to meet with servicemembers and spent time at two local orphanages where he and members of the Alaska Air National Guard joined the boys in a basketball game.Chaplain (Col.) Gregory Tate also looked at the

  • Airmen cross into Navy blue

    The Philippine segment of Pacific Partnership on the USS Peleliu was completed July 7 with the help of some unlikely "Sailors." Air Force medical professionals joined the four-month humanitarian mission and according to them, have adjusted well to their new nautical working environment. "It's very

  • Missile deactivation begins at Malmstrom

    The first Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was removed from a launch facility near Brady, Mont., July 12 as a result of the order to begin missile deactivation activities here.The 341st Space Wing received formal direction June 29 from Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley

  • Air Force chief of staff initiates MQ-1 Predator plus-up

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley is accelerating delivery of the Defense Department's December 2009 goal of 21 daily MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle combat air patrols, or CAPs, by one year.At the chief of staff's request, Air Force officials coordinated deployment actions with

  • Airmen support Afghan presidential mission

    A Phoenix Raven security team with the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia provided security for a C-17 Globemaster III and its crew July 11during an Afghan presidential support mission at a remote airstrip here. Staff Sgt. Mike Kincaid and Airman 1st Class Joseph Celata made up the

  • Guard and Reserve officer PME enhanced

    Leaders of the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve have long recognized the importance of professional military education for career progression. However, Guard and Reserve officers traditionally have had limited availability for on-base seminar programs. Due to increased operations tempo and

  • AETC Symposium set for Sept. 5 to 7 in San Antonio

    The 2007 Air Education and Training Command Symposium giving insight into today and tomorrow's Air Force is scheduled for Sept. 5 through 7 at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center in San Antonio.The symposium offers attendees the chance to ask a panel of commanding general officers a question

  • Airmen hold munitions exercise at Kunsan

    Airmen from across the Air Force are participating in the annual Combat Ammunition Production Exercise July 10 through 13 here. CAPEX is a three-day non-rated exercise that provides Pacific Air Forces and Air Combat Command units with training in mass-munitions assembly in support of aircraft sortie

  • Mobility team answers call for critically injured Soldiers

    Airmen of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing turned a typical transport mission into a lifesaving effort for a critically injured Soldier where time was of the essence and there was no room for error. Airmen from across the area of responsibility -- a C-17 Globemaster III aircrew, two KC-135

  • Flag officers train for theater-level combat leadership

    Eighteen Air Force, Navy, Marine and international general officers attended Air University's Combined Forces Air Component Commanders course offered by the College of Aerospace Doctrine, Research and Education recently. The purpose of the course is to prepare flag officers for theater-level combat

  • Air Force streamlines officer, enlisted evaluation forms

    Air Force officials are introducing new officer and enlisted evaluation forms as it transforms its personnel processes. The major part of this effort has been directed at reducing the workload associated with preparing officer and enlisted performance reports while ensuring the evaluation process

  • General brings Air Force story back home

    A once-young usher who worked at Busch Stadium, home of the World Series multi-champion Cardinals, is a man who now ushers in technologies which go way out of the ballpark. Nearly 40 years after his days of escorting people to the stands at Busch Stadium, Maj. Gen. Thomas F. Deppe, the 20th Air

  • Fairchild Airmen train for Rodeo 2007

    Airmen who will represent Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., at the bi-annual Air Mobility Command Rodeo 2007 teamed up with their counterparts from McChord AFB, Wash., for four days of training recently at the Grant County International Airport here. This year's "Rodeo," the name given to the major

  • Latest Roll Call discusses contacting Airmen directly

    This week's Roll Call discusses how the Air Force chief of staff wants to expand on the information receiving process through a direct e-mail program. E-mails from "CSAF@us.af.mil" come directly from Gen. T. Michael Moseley. Airmen are encouraged to discuss these messages with fellow Airmen and

  • Training, communication key to success for A-10 pilots

    When A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots throughout Southwest Asia respond to a ground commander or joint terminal attack controller's call for close-air-support, pilots on alert respond with the appropriate ordnance loaded to accomplish the mission. Putting those bullets and bombs on target doesn't just

  • Recruiter receives 2007 Pitsenbarger Award for heroic, selfless act

    The Air Force Sergeants Association named Staff Sgt. Robert Payne, an Air Force recruiter at Bala Cynwyd, Pa., as its 2007 Pitsenbarger Award recipient recently. The AFSA's Pitsenbarger Award annually recognizes Air Force enlisted members who perform heroic acts, on or off duty, that result in

  • Manas fuels team gets high praise

    When the 40 Airmen from the 376th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron's Fuels Management Flight pulled back on the huge 4,000 pound fuel bladder to put it in to place on July 9, they were actually leaning forward. For the second time in just over two weeks, the fuels Airmen replaced one of

  • RED HORSE Airmen support Army in southern Baghdad

    In the midst of the ongoing security surge around Baghdad, a team of Airmen with heavy construction skills and expertise are helping fortify the Army's presence at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, south of the city. It's a dynamic situation for the Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair

  • Medics bring relief to Senegal

    Airmen provided medical care to more than 4,400 people here as Airmen, Marines, Sailors and Soldiers formed Task Force 225 and conducted joint training during Exercise Shared Accord June 16 to 28 in Senegal. Fourteen Air Force Reserve Command medics teamed up with a battalion of Marine reservists

  • Army medics save Air Force broadcaster's life

    The quick actions of Army medics following a June 28 mortar attack here proved critical in helping save an Air Force broadcaster's life.Tech. Sgt. Jeramie Brown, an Air Force broadcaster with a news team at Forward Operating Base Murray was injured from shrapnel from a mortar and two Soldiers

  • Medical element helps Honduran village

    Approximately 40 American and Honduran servicemembers from the medical element at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, provided medical care for more than 1,000 people during a two-day Medical Readiness Training Exercise in the village of El Horno, Honduras. Airmen and Soldiers of the medical

  • Diverse trauma training saves lives

    A hands-on medical trauma training course being conducted at a local university medical center here is using the experience of medical crews who have treated thousands upon thousands of wounded warriors to teach others. The Air Force Expeditionary Medical Skills Institute's Center for Sustainment of

  • Chief Pfingston laid to rest at Arlington

    Former Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Gary Pfingston was laid to rest July 6 at Arlington National Cemetery. The 10th CMSAF, an Evansville, Ind., native, lost his battle with cancer June 23. He served as the highest ranking enlisted Airman from August 1990 to October 1994. "Chief Pfingston

  • Air Force General Estes Jr. passes away

    The general who once led the command charged with re-supplying deployed U.S. forces passed away July 2 at his home in Bethesda, Md. From July 1964 until he retired in August 1969, retired Gen. Howell M. Estes Jr. was the commander of the Military Air Transport Service, later known as the Military

  • Controllers call in air strike to disrupt enemy

    Situated in a dusty Army headquarters tent at this forward operating base south of Baghdad, a team of joint tactical air control party Airmen orchestrated the destruction of an explosives-laden roadway recently, stopping the flow of ordnance and weapons into Iraq's capital. By calling in the air

  • Two Space & Missile Pioneers selected for 2007

    Air Force Space Command officials have announced the 2007 Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers are retired Gen. Lew Allen Jr. and retired Maj. Gen. Joe H. Engle. They will be honored at an award ceremony and a hall of fame induction luncheon here Aug. 8. General Allen, a former Air Force chief of

  • Airmen join forces for Talisman Saber

    More than 270 Airmen here deployed to Australia to conduct the field training exercise portion of Talisman Saber 2007.  The exercise ran from June 18-26 and was followed by combined training with the Royal Australian Air Force. During the exercise, 37 Airmen from the Maj. Richard Bong Air and

  • Training mission results in real-life rescue

    A series of coincidences and an alert helicopter crew from Air Force Reserve Command's 920th Rescue Wing here saved the life of a 66-year-old Florida man. Several miles off of the coast of Florida's Daytona Beach, Lt. Col. Paul Nevius and his crew were piloting an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter back to

  • Air Force Week strikes a chord with America's heartland

    As Americans reflect on the nation's freedoms this Independence week, events throughout the St. Louis region are putting special emphasis on the Air Force. During the second day of weeklong events here celebrating Air Force Week St. Louis, a concert was held July 3 at Jefferson Barracks County Park

  • Latest Roll Call discusses ancillary training requirements

    This week's Roll Call discusses the decision by Air Force leaders to reduce the amount of ancillary training Airmen will perform each year. The numerous training briefings Airmen are required to attend annually will be combined into a new "block instruction" plan, which will be arranged to more

  • Chairman sends Fourth of July message

    The following is an Independence Day message from Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace. "July 4, 2007, marks our nation's 231st year of independence."Traditionally, America celebrates the Fourth of July with family picnics, community parades, patriotic concerts and

  • Airmen honor 30 years of AWACS

    The 552nd Air Control Wing here celebrated the 30th anniversary of the E-3 Sentry, also known as the Airborne Warning and Control System, or AWACS, June 29 through July 1, with 552nd commanders and Airmen, past and present, coming from around the globe to share their stories. "The AWACS heritage is

  • Fairchild rescue flight saves woman

    A four-man crew from the 36th Rescue Flight here saved a 19-year-old woman June 30 after she was bucked off of a mule in rough terrain near Sherman Pass, Wash.After receiving a 3 p.m. call for search and rescue support from Air Force Rescue Coordination Center officials from Langley Air Force Base,

  • Air Force leaders send Independence Day message

    The following is an Independence Day message from Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley. "To the Airmen of the United States Air Force: "On July 4, 1776, 56 men signed a document that established the foundation for new nation where "all men

  • Wing shield carries 65 years of history

    When the Army Air Forces approved the heraldic emblem of the 50th Pursuit Group (later renamed 50th Fighter Group) in 1942, no one could have foreseen the distinguished history that would unfold under that flag. The 50th FG shield had an opinicus -- a magic beast comprising the head of an eagle, the

  • Annual training requirements to be shortened to 90 minutes

    After examining how much time Airmen spend on annual ancillary training, Air Force leaders have decided that time should be allocated more efficiently. In effect as of Oct. 1, ancillary training requirements will be reduced to 90 minutes, as opposed to almost nine hours per Airman spread throughout

  • Airmen prepare base for lasting presence

    Several projects in various stages of completion at this Southwest Asian base will give Airmen an enduring presence and help them accomplish their mission supporting the war on terrorism. Members of the 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron and 379th Air Expeditionary Wing force protection

  • Newest 'Week in Photos' features Airmen around the globe

    The "Week In Photos" Web feature on Air Force Link provides visitors with photos that highlight Airmen and Air Force missions around the world. In one photo, Maj. (Dr.) Rich Hendershot examines an infant during a visit to an El Salvadorian clinic June 14. Twenty-six Airmen assigned to the Colorado

  • Bush nominates Mullen, Cartwright to top military posts

    President Bush nominated Navy Adm. Michael Mullen to serve as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Marine Corps Gen. James E. Cartwright as his vice chairman, June 28.Speaking in the White House Roosevelt Room, President Bush called the two men "experienced military officers who are

  • Former Falcon to join All-America Hall of Fame

    A 1993 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy will be inducted into the College Sports Information Directors of America Academic All-America Hall of Fame at the 20th annual induction banquet July 1 in San Diego.Maj. Lance Pilch is the sixth academy graduate to be inducted into the Hall of Fame,

  • Buddy Wing Program improves communication at Kunsan

    Airmen of both the 35th Fighter Squadron from Kunsan Air Base and the South Korean 155th Fighter Squadron from Junwon AB are teaming up for a Buddy Wing Program exercise June 27 to 29 here. The purpose of the Buddy Wing Program is to exchange ideas, introduce tactics and improve interoperability

  • Ellsworth Airman to appear on 'Emeril Live'

    An Ellsworth Air Force Base Airman will be featured on the Food Network's "Emeril Live" June 30 in an episode titled "Emeril's Military Contest." Tech. Sgt. Wesley Williams is the 28th Services Squadron dining facility manager and entered and won a contest that judged the culinary skills of military

  • Predators reach quarter-million flight hours

    Airmen from the 11th Reconnaissance Squadron flew an MQ-1 Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle past the 250,000 flying hour milestone marking the historic milestone with a ceremony June 22 at Creech Air Force Base. "This historic achievement in the evolution of air and space power underlines the United

  • 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

  • Maintaining healthy relationships key to mission success

    Military life presents a wide range of stressors for total force Airmen and their families. Deployments, increased operations tempo and decreased manning can have negative effects in both the workplace and the home if Airmen do not know where to turn for help. As part of ongoing efforts to educate

  • 4 Hill Airmen receive Bronze Stars

    Four NCOs from the 775th Civil Engineer Squadron received Bronze Stars during a mid-June ceremony at Hill Air Force Base for their actions while deployed in support of the war on terrorism. The four explosive ordnance disposal Airmen are Staff Sergeants Evan Knight, Bradley Kline, Steven Overstreet

  • Aeromedical evacuation teams ready to help anytime

    Bagram Air Base aeromedical evacuation teams bring the hospital to the wounded supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. The 455th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight has four, three-person teams consisting of a nurse and two medical technicians, with one team ready to go at a moment's

  • 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