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  • Kunsan Airmen pay tribute to triple ace fighter pilot

    Members of the 8th Fighter Wing, known as the "Wolf Pack," honored Brig. Gen. Robin Olds, who passed away June 14, during a commemoration event June 19. General Olds, former commander of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing and also known as the first "Wolf," was a triple ace fighter pilot who shot down 16

  • Expeditionary bands play for troops in Southwest Asia

    For Army Spc. Jose Feurtado, there were no thoughts of the combat wounds healing in his neck. There were no thoughts of the mortar attack in Baghdad that put them there two weeks before. There were no thoughts of his upcoming return to the combat zone from his convalescent leave at the 379th

  • 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

  • CSAF's Scope focuses on new medal, training

    The CSAF's Scope focuses on current topics the Air Force chief of staff feels are of special importance to today's Airmen. This month, Gen. T. Michael Moseley's top issues include the Air Force's Combat Action Medal and ancillary training. "Since 9/11, we have seen a dramatic increase in the number

  • National Air and Space Museum family day wows visitors

    More than 17,000 people got an up close and personal look at several civilian and military aircraft during the "Reach for the Sky" family day at the National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center here June 16. The event paid tribute to the Air Force's 60th Anniversary celebration, and featured a

  • Kadena NCO court-martialed for child porn

    A non-commissioned officer recently received nine months confinement, reduction in rank to airman basic and a bad conduct discharge for possessing and displaying child pornography here. Staff Sergeant Jason M. Hooks, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, pleaded guilty to the charges before a military

  • Kadena wins White House recycling award

    The Pacific Air Forces' largest air base recently won a federal government environmental award. Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, was awarded the 2007 White House Closing the Circle Award for recycling. The Closing the Circle awards recognize the significant contributions and positive impacts of

  • Air Force presents pro cycling event

    The inaugural Crystal City Classic cycling event presented by the Air Force June 16 is an effort to build an Air Force signature sports event in the Washington, D.C., area. The idea for the Air Force to sponsor a cycling event began last year after the Des Moines Register's Annual Great Bike Ride

  • Fallen Bakers Creek servicemembers honored

    On June 14, 1943, a B-17 Flying Fortress converted to carry passengers took off from Mackay, Queensland, Australia, carrying 40 servicemembers on leave back to the war in the Pacific Theater. Soon after takeoff, the plane crashed, killing all but one. That story was held secret until just a few

  • 23 nations join forces to evaluate warfighting needs

    Assessing technologies to determine their potential for meeting critical warfighting needs is the aim of operators during interoperability trials at the Coalition Warrior Interoperability Demonstration taking place here through June 21. An annual event, CWID is sponsored by the chairman of the Joint

  • Fallen pilot remembered

    Maj. Kevin Sonnenberg, assigned to the 112th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, died June 15 when his F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed shortly after takeoff. He had just departed on a mission to provide air support to coalition ground forces fighting anti-Iraq forces. Major Sonnenberg, known as "Sonny" to

  • Portable armories make munitions conveniently available

    Two newly acquired portable armories on base are streamlining the weapons processes for Airmen in theater here. The new armories will allow the 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron to roll up operations at one of their two armory locations and eventually combine their operations at a

  • Red Flag-Alaska wraps up

    The second Red Flag-Alaska exercise of the year ended June 15 after two weeks of intense, air-combat training over Alaska's mountain ranges. "I think this was a great exercise," said Col. William Wignall, the Air Expeditionary Wing commander for the exercise. "The tactical problems presented by the

  • New C-17 checklist reduces redundancies

    A team here has developed a way to shorten C-17 Globemaster III preflight time by one hour and 30 minutes by reducing redundancies and eliminating overlap during the aircraft preflight procedures. The plan is to implement checklist changes at all Air Force bases flying the C-17s, which include C-17

  • 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

  • Legendary fighter pilot Robin Olds dies

    Legendary fighter pilot, retired Brig. Gen. Robin Olds, died June 14 from congestive heart failure one month short of his 85th birthday.General Olds, rated a triple ace for having shot down a total of 16 enemy aircraft during World War II and the Vietnam War, served his country in assignments to

  • Guard wing transitions to Langley

    The Virginia Air National Guard's 192nd Fighter Wing records its last F-16 Fighting Falcon training mission June 20. The wing, which has flown the F-16 since 1991 and is the nation's first ANG unit to fly the F-22 Raptor, will conduct associated operations with the 1st Fighter Wing here. More than

  • Travis team preps for air mobility competition

    "On your marks, get ready, set ... go!" With that, four Travis Airmen sprint toward a C-5 Galaxy, its engines blasting. The Airmen, members of the 60th Aerial Port Squadron's Rodeo Team, were practicing a C-5 engine running on (and) offload, where they must load and unload a C-5 and a C-17

  • Changes in works for Air Force PT uniform

    The Air Force uniform board is working to resolve Airmen's issues with the Air Force physical training uniform, which became mandatory for wear in fall 2006. The board has received nearly 500 inputs from Airmen including suggestions on ways to improve the uniform, and some of those changes are in

  • Uniform officials warn Airmen about knockoff ABUs

    Commercial manufacturers have begun to advertise sale of the new Airman Battle Uniform at various online Web sites. Air Force officials warn Airmen these uniforms are not the authorized items provided by the Air Force's official source, Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, and may not meet the

  • 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

  • C-27J Spartan named as Joint Cargo Aircraft

    The U. S. Army announced a $2.04 billion contract award June 13 to L-3 Communications Integrated Systems for their C-27J Spartan to be the Joint Cargo Aircraft. This JCA program is a combined Air Force and Army effort to have an airframe that will meet warfighter needs for intratheater airlift.

  • 'Golden Medic' integrates Army, Air Force medical teams

    Leaders of the joint Army and Air Force medical exercise here stressed the importance of the services working together. "Golden Medic 2007 is an extraordinary opportunity for all services - active, Guard and Reserve, in addition to our coalition partners," said Col. Mike Dankosky, Air Force Reserve

  • Airmen can earn bachelor's degrees through Air University

    Starting June 15, Airmen can apply their Community College of the Air Force credits toward a bachelor's degree from a variety of universities and colleges. This can be done through the Air Force Virtual Education Center which links a prospective student to the new Air University

  • Twelve Outstanding Airmen of the Year named

    Air Force officials have selected the service's top enlisted members, naming the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2007. An Air Force selection board at the Air Force Personnel Center here considered 33 nominees who represented major commands, direct reporting units, field operating agencies and

  • Program helps Airmen with reintegration after deployment

    Airmen returning from a deployment usually find their permanent duty station a welcome sight. The chance to finally see family and friends again and get back to a normal lifestyle is something to look forward to during the flight home.But Airmen and their families often find that adjusting to life

  • Some Airmen, civilians authorized to wear NATO medals

    Some deployed Air Force military and civilian personnel are now authorized to wear one of four North Atlantic Treaty Organization medals. Those who served in a NATO unit for 30 continuous or accumulated days and were listed on a Combined Joint Statement of Requirements may be awarded either the NATO

  • Air Force officials announce airfield operations awards

    Air Force officials announced the winners of the 2006 Air Force Airfield Operation Awards June 13. Airfield operations include airfield operations and control, specifically airfield management and air traffic control. The 2006 winners are as follows: Airfield operations flight complex of the year:

  • Master, technical sergeant promotion rates announced

    The Air Force selected 6,002 of 24,115 eligible technical sergeants for promotion to master sergeant, and 7,314 of 39,797 eligible staff sergeants for promotion to technical sergeant. The master sergeant selection rate, 24.89 percent, rose 5.03 percent from last year, while this year's technical

  • Arlington exhibit closes with ceremony honoring the fallen

    Arlington National Cemetery's "Faces of the Fallen" exhibit closed June 7, and in a ceremony to honor the fallen, artwork featuring servicemembers who have lost their lives were presented to their surviving family members. While the exhibit comprised 1,319 fallen servicemembers, the closing ceremony

  • Airmen receive first AF Combat Action Medals

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley awarded six Airmen the Air Force Combat Action Medal during a ceremony June 12 at the Air Force Memorial. These Airmen were the first in the Air Force to receive the new medal.Recipients of the award were Maj. Steven A. Raspet, Capt. Allison K. Black,

  • Modernizing an old design a challenge for medal makers

    The designer of the Air Force Combat Action Medal said it was a challenge giving the medal a World War I feel but at the same time modernizing it. Graphic designer Susan Gamble used artwork from photos of Brig. Gen. William "Billy" Mitchell's aircraft to inspire the design of the medal, which was

  • Airmen train for worst-case scenarios at Red Flag

    When a pilot gets shot down in combat, it takes more than luck to bring him or her back home, which is why Red Flag-Alaska exercises prepare Airmen for any situation. "(These exercises are going to) give some of our aircraft commanders and the people who are flying an idea of what to expect if a

  • 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

  • Airman memorialized at Hill Air Force Base

    Hundreds attended a memorial service here June 8 for a Hill Airman deployed to Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq, who was killed June 5 by an improvised explosive device that detonated near his convoy vehicle.Tech. Sgt. Ryan A. Balmer, who was assigned here to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations

  • Air Force band is expeditionary instrument of peace

    There was no waiting for the world to change one recent spring day in Afghanistan when Air Force Band members took matters into their own hands and united with a group of local elementary school students for an afternoon of friendship and music. Singing pop songs by artists such as John Mayer, who

  • Yokota youths graduate safe and sound

    Many parents at Yokota Air Base slept soundly last week knowing their high school graduates were in good hands graduation night.Project Graduation is an all-night party sponsored by many schools throughout the United States and at military bases overseas to keep students safe and apart from alcohol

  • Civic leaders tour Travis during Air Force Week

    As part of Air Force Week California, an honorary commanders' tour was held June 7 at Travis Air Force Base. The event brought local civic leaders to the base to see first-hand how Airmen prepare for deployments. The visitors sat in on a deployment briefing, were issued Kevlar helmets and body armor

  • 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

  • Airmen, Iraqi air traffic controllers work together

    Standing 200 feet above Baghdad International Airport in a weathered control tower, Air Force air traffic controllers are busy directing aircraft while their Iraqi counterparts get certified through intensive formal training and hands-on experience. It's a job that is extremely challenging, yet

  • Final tributes paid to Airmen killed in Iraq

    Two memorial displays, each with a pair of boots, an inverted rifle, a helmet and a set of dog tags, stood side by side reflecting the camaraderie and teamwork and service of Tech. Sgt. Ryan A. Balmer and Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Kuglics, whose ultimate sacrifices were honored in a ceremony here June

  • 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 Air Force missions around the world. At Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq, Staff Sgt. Anthony Chambers checks a solar-powered security system near the perimeter. Sergeant Chambers is deployed to the 506th

  • Air Force recognizes 2006 environmental award winners

    Seven active bases, one Guard wing and one individual were chosen for the Gen. Thomas D. White Environmental Awards for 2006 June 7 at the Pentagon. The Air Force also won four of eight Department of Defense environmental awards. "The Air Force has a long track record of taking care of the

  • Combat photographer braves bullets to tell stories

    An award-winning Air Force photographer routinely braved bullets and bombs to tell the military's story through the lenses of his cameras to be named the Defense Department's Military Photographer of the Year for 2007. Combat photographer Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Lock also earned that honor in 2002 and

  • First Air Force Combat Action Medals to be presented

    The Air Force chief of staff is scheduled to present the first Air Force Combat Action Medals to six Airmen during an 8 a.m. ceremony June 12 at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va. Gen. T. Michael Moseley will award the new medals to recognize Air Force members who were engaged in air or ground

  • 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

  • Latest 'Vector' focuses on wingmen for life

    The Air Force chief of staff released his latest vector for Airmen and it focuses on the importance of being a wingman for your fellow Airmen. The wingman concept reflects the ultimate confidence we all must have in our fellow Airmen -- we trust each other, quite literally, with our lives, Gen. T.

  • Saving servicemembers' lives one flight at a time

    Some might say doctors don't make house calls anymore, but that's exactly what the Airmen of the 455th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, do on a daily basis. They bring the hospital to the wounded. A typical aeromedical evacuation, or AE, crew turns

  • Tops in Blue entertains at Air Force Week

    The Air Force's premiere entertainment group Tops in Blue sang and danced for the Sacramento community as part of Air Force Week during a June 5 performance at the Radisson Hotel here. The performance was one of several events the group will do throughout the local area as part of Air Force

  • 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

  • Sacramento Rivercats host Air Force Week event

    Sweaty palms. That's how Staff Sgt. Raymond Hardson described how he felt as he waited to throw the first pitch to start a Sacramento Rivercats baseball game here June 4. The game, which took place at Raley Field, was the first of many events organized to honor military members and their families as

  • F-16 pilot receives Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy

    Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. John D. W. Corley presented the Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy, one of the service's top safety awards, to a fighter pilot during a ceremony June 5 in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes.  Assisting in the presentation was Koren Kolligian, nephew of the trophy's

  • Air Force agents killed in Iraq

    Two agents from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations were killed in the line of duty June 5 in Kirkuk, Iraq. Ryan Balmer, 33, a technical sergeant stationed at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, and Matthew Kuglics, 25, a staff sergeant stationed at Lackland AFB, Texas, were deployed to Iraq in

  • 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

  • Incirlik medics train with new decon field equipment

    Air Force medics have a vital mission in the event of a chemical or biological attack as they must be able to decontaminate large groups of people quickly and effectively in the event of an attack.Incirlik Air Base Airmen are prepared for such an attack and the base is one of only two Air Force

  • Tanker Task Force keeps Red Flag flying

    KC-135 Stratotankers, aircrews and maintainers are providing air refueling support to aircraft from Alaska's Eielson and Elmendorf Air Force Bases to ensure Red Flag-Alaska meets its training goals. More than 1,400 military members from the United States, Singapore and Australia are in Alaska to

  • 'Life skills' renamed 'mental health'

    All Air Force "life skills support centers" will be renamed "mental health clinics" effective immediately.After a poll of subject matter experts, first sergeants, command chief master sergeants and mental health patients, it was determined that the name "life skills" was confusing and did not

  • Air Force forecasters gear up for hurricane season

    National Hurricane Center officials predict the Atlantic hurricane season, which began June 1 and continues through Nov. 30, to have a 75 percent chance of being an "above average" season. NHC forecasters predict the 2007 Atlantic hurricane season will have 13 to 17 named storms, of which seven to

  • Air Force Week begins in Sacramento

    The California governor officially declared here June 4 the start of Air Force Week, which is designed to inform and educate the public about the important roles the Air Force plays in support of the nation's defense. There are numerous events scheduled throughout Air Force Week, which runs through

  • 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

  • Exercise tests fast-response unit's capabilities

    Members of the 615th Contingency Response Wing at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., are here conducting a weeklong exercise that will test the unit's ability to set up operations at a seized air field. Called Operation Hydra, the training is taking place at the Castle Airport and Aviation Development

  • 2006 Super Bowl champs visit Randolph

    Champions know about the importance of quality teamwork and the Super Bowl XLI champion Indianapolis Colts are no exception. To help improve their teamwork relationship with the Air Force, members of the Colts championship team visited Randolph Air Force Base June 1 to gain a better understanding

  • Bird avoidance job going to the dogs

    Officials  from the 459th Air Refueling Wing hired a new member to the wing staff.What makes this new employee different is the recent wing addition is a four-legged member who answers to the name Jackson. Nearly seven months old, Jackson is the only dog hired in the history of the 459th ARW. Owned

  • Aviano Airmen put brakes on travel

    After logging more than 20,000 miles per year, 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron supply warehouse personnel here realized they needed to do something to improve efficiency. As an Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century initiative, the supply Airmen rearranged their warehouse to cut down on

  • 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

  • Fallen Airmen memorialized at Hurlburt

    Members of the 720th Special Tactics Group dedicated a state-of-the-art training center and an adjacent roadway here May 30 in honor of four air commandos killed in the line of duty in recent operations. An Iraqi Air Force SL7 light aircraft crashed May 30, 2005, about 80 miles northeast of Baghdad,

  • CENTCOM leader visits Oman, builds relationships

    Continuing to build long-term relationships throughout the Middle East, the commander of U.S. Central Command Air Forces visited Oman and Omani Air Force senior leaders to discuss cooperative interaction between their respective countries. As part of continuing and ongoing CENTCOM theater security

  • Early American combat aviators memorialized

    Underneath the decorative arch of a recently refurbished monument built in 1928, several hundred American and French citizens as well as military personnel, tourists, and dignitaries came to pay their respects to 38 all-volunteer American aviators -- known as the Lafayette Escadrille -- who flew

  • Afghan media get close-up view of Bagram Air Base

    Approximately 30 local Afghan reporters visited Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, May 29 to participate in a media day. The media day was aimed at informing the media on the operations at Bagram and how the U.S. military is working alongside coalition partners to support and defend freedom in

  • Airmen put C-130 back in the fight

    A C-130 Hercules team flying a mission over Afghanistan had problems with engine No. 2 and was forced to land at an abandoned air strip in May outside Shindand, Afghanistan, but they were not left alone for long. In less than 50 hours, maintenance repair teams from Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, and

  • Creek Defender preps security forces for potential battle

    A Humvee drives down a seemingly quiet street, when from nowhere, gunfire erupts leaving a haze of smoke and empty shells. With little response time, the convoy reacts, spraying round after round at a target whose only objective, is to eliminate the American threat. But this is no war zone; rather,

  • Officials announce 2006 command post awards

    Air Force officials have announced the winners of the 2006 command post annual awards. They are: -- Unit-Level Command Post Airman of the Year: Senior Airman Jonathan V. Taylor, 573rd Global Support Squadron, Travis Air Force Base, Calif. -- Unit-Level Command Post NCO of the Year: Staff Sgt. Brett

  • USAFE leader honors fallen heroes at Flanders Field

    The commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Airmen and Soldiers stationed in Europe paid tribute over the Memorial Day weekend to 368 U.S. servicemembers buried here who died on the battlefield while liberating Belgium during World War I. Gen. William T. Hobbins said no amount of time should ever

  • Airman in Afghanistan weds over video teleconference

    An Airman fighting the war on terrorism from Bagram Air Base said "I do" to his bride May 26 over a video teleconference at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.The VTC wedding connected Senior Airman Carlos Moreno of the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron with his new wife, Carolina, from

  • Airmen in Baghdad keep convoys off the road

    The first thing arriving and outgoing cargo aircrews are likely to see on the Baghdad flightline is the aerial port team doing push-ups behind their aircraft. "The aircrews usually laugh when they open the back ramp and see us," said Capt. Andrew Stewart, the 447th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness

  • Balad Airmen honor fallen on Memorial Day

    About 300 Airmen here gathered May 28 to honor the servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice defending freedom. They also added a 33rd name to the Fallen Airman Memorial. The ceremony opened with the posting of the colors, the National Anthem and a chaplain invocation. For most people, Memorial

  • 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

  • Airmen deliver strategic aid to Lebanese military

    C-17 Globemaster III crews of the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron delivered bullets to Beirut as part of a short notice ammunition re-supply tasking in support of the Lebanese military. The 816th EAS, a tenant unit of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing based out of Southwest Asia, was given the

  • Incirlik Airmen remember those who gave ultimate sacrifice

    Before 39th Air Base Wing members began their Memorial Day weekend, they took a few minutes to remember the reason for the holiday. "It is not about the beach, nor is it about cooking out. It is all about duty, honor, country and the ultimate sacrifice," said Col. Tip Stinnette, wing commander.

  • Week in Photos features Airmen around the globe

    The "Week In Photos" Web feature on Air Force Link provides visitors with photos that highlight Air Force missions around the world. Among this week's photos are: At Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, firefighters battle a blaze as part of a training exercise. During the 101 Critical Days of Summer,

  • Air Force leaders call attention to Memorial Day significance

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley have signed a letter reminding Airmen that Memorial Day means much more than "merely a three-day weekend."The leaders wrote that "Memorial Day is an opportunity for Americans to pay homage to those who died

  • Solar energy helps power base

    Solar energy panels in use here are saving base officials money while protecting the environment. The photovoltaic array project became fully operational May 17.The goal of the project is to cut power costs, reduce energy consumption and comply with the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Base civil

  • African air chiefs discuss cooperation, challenges

    Leaders from 14 African nations' air forces gathered here this week to discuss cooperation and challenges affecting the African continent. The African Air Chiefs Conference provided an opportunity for nations to come together and candidly discuss a wide array of important issues, said Brig. Gen.

  • National cemetery honors veterans past and present

    Here, the living communicate with the dead. Parents talk to sons and daughters now gone. Widows update spouses on the day's activities. Friends visit never quite as much as they should. Some bring flowers. All grieve. But more important, they remember. They remember those who gave their lives to the

  • Air Force secretary presents leadership awards

    The secretary of the Air Force presented four recent professional military education graduates with awards for their outstanding leadership May 17 at Maxwell Air Force Base. Secretary Michael W. Wynne presented the Secretary of the Air Force Leadership Awards, which are given annually to recognize a

  • 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

  • Hawaii honors servicemembers

    Members of the Oahu, Hawaii, community recognized members from all branches of the armed forces May 24 with a luncheon and the commander of Pacific Air Forces was the keynote speaker. Gen. Paul V. Hester spoke at the 22nd annual Military Appreciation Month Luncheon put on by the Honolulu Chamber of

  • Chairman of Joint Chiefs sends Memorial Day message

    On this Memorial Day, as we remember our fallen comrades in arms, let us reflect upon the countless battles with now familiar names such as Yorktown, Gettysburg, Iwo Jima, Chosin, Hue City, Mazar-e-Sharif and Fallujah. Each one reminds us that liberty has a cost, and that freedom is not free.

  • C-17 employs 'screamer' in combat airdrop

    A C-17 Globemaster III deployed to Southwest Asia conducted the first C-17 combat airdrop May 24 using the Joint Precision Airdrop System with a screamer. Screamers are steerable GPS-guided container delivery system bundles. The mission was also unique because it conducted airdrops in two locations

  • Eglin Airmen return from deployment

    Family members gathered here May 24 to welcome home more than 175 members of the 728th Air Control Squadron from a deployment to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. They arrived by plane on the runway here and were carried by bus to their anxiously awaiting families. As the buses

  • Portrait preserves pilot's legacy

    Some see a handsome pilot gazing into the horizon. Others see a war hero, poised for combat. She sees her father, as strong and proud as she always remembered him. Although Carol Ready had seen the portrait on magazine covers, heritage posters and military advertisements throughout the years,

  • Total force unit controls sky over combat theater

    Seventy Airmen, Soldiers and guardsmen of the 71st Expeditionary Air Control Squadron operate the Control and Reporting Center here and watch the sky for theater ballistic missiles or other aerial threats every second of every day. Led by the Hawaii Air National Guard's 154th Air Control Squadron

  • Help desk first stop for most computer issues

    Computers play a vital role in everyday business, and now computer help for Airmen in U.S. Air Forces in Europe is just a call away to the Consolidated Help Desk at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. For issues such as deleting and creating user accounts, unlocking accounts, installing patches, loading

  • 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

  • Personnel officials improve four Airman assignment programs

    Air Force Personnel Center officials here recently improved four Airman assignment programs to further streamline Web-based personnel processes in support of Personnel Services Delivery and personnel transformation initiatives. The four programs include the Career Airman Base of Preference Program,

  • 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

  • Latest 'Vector' remembers Berlin Airlift

    The latest Chief of Staff's Vector remembers the Berlin Airlift and discusses how today's mobility Airmen are following the examples of Airmen past as visible signs of U.S. compassion and resolve."Day or night, operating from pavement or dirt, our Airmen deliver the goods, the gas and the

  • 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

  • Finance officer wins DOD-level award

    An Air Force financial management officer here won the Best in Department of Defense award for Financial Management Initiative May 22. Lt. Col. Robert Bickel, the deputy director of the Air Force's new Financial Management Center of Expertise was named the individual contributor category winner by

  • 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