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  • 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

  • 'Battlefield docs' converge in Iraq to hone skills

    More than 40 "battlefield docs" -- surgeons and physician assistants from around Iraq -- converged at Air Force Theater Hospital May 21 here to hone their already razor-sharp surgical skills at the Tri-Service Extremity War Surgery Symposium. Battlefield medicine has greatly improved since the

  • PACAF command chief speaks about road ahead

    The Pacific Air Forces top enlisted adviser visited Elmendorf Air Force Base May 15 to 17 and spoke to Airmen about what it will take to succeed in the Air Force. Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Bishop, the PACAF command chief master sergeant, returned to Elmendorf AFB for the second time in six months to

  • Top intel officer gets firsthand look at downrange operations

    The deputy chief of staff for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance recently visited the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing to talk to intelligence Airmen and ISR squadron members about the importance of their mission and to learn about new processes in the area of responsibility. Lt. Gen. David

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

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

  • Attack controllers help ensure air strike accuracy

    The days of carpet bombing are over. In today's military it's about surgical strikes and preventing unnecessary collateral damage. Training to make this happen at Misawa Air Base is the team of pilots and joint terminal attack controllers, called JTACs, before they deploy to fight the war on

  • Ramstein security forces honor fallen comrades

    Security forces Airmen assigned here gathered in formation on the flightline May 16 to honor their fallen brethren. The ceremony known as "The Final Guard Mount," is held in conjunction with National Police Week to remember four security forces members who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the

  • Attack controllers call in air strikes at Kansas range

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

  • Airmen prepare Afghanistan camp for new living quarters

    Airmen from the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing have been volunteering their spare time to help clean up an area of Camp Cunningham here in order to make room for a living condition upgrade. Camp Cunningham Airmen currently reside in B-Huts, which have lasted beyond their original expectancy,

  • Spring 2007 quarterly issue of Airman now online

    In the spring quarterly issue of Airman magazine, read about how the Air Force is making some tough decisions about the Airmen it keeps in the force, so the Air Force chief of staff is traveling around the globe to tell Airmen about that and the issues that will affect their careers. These are just

  • Indy Motor Speedway salutes servicemembers

    Amid the howl of revved-up racecars, Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials showcased their 27th Armed Forces Day program May 20 with a group enlistment of recruits from all services and other military-themed events. Track officials held their Armed Forces Day activities in conjunction with final

  • '101 Critical Days' kicks off Memorial Day

    With Hickam Air Force Base outdoor recreation members launching close to 500 boats annually, base Airmen playing in year-round intramural sports programs, and 360 degrees worth of diverse water activities, one might assume the vigilance required for a 101 Critical Days of Summer program that

  • PT keeps Airmen fit to fight

    Airmen here are taking part in an age-old military tradition -- unit physical training. The Air Force Physical Training Program, known as the "Fit to Fight" program, helps keep Airmen in top shape and prepares them to fight the war on terrorism when deployed forward. "You see Airmen in the mountains

  • Vietnam visit strengthens military ties

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

  • Personnel services transform from 'in line' to 'online'

    Airmen around the world are trading in long lines and filling out lengthy paperwork at personnel offices for the convenience of online and phone-based self-service capabilities. These advances in technology allow individuals to manage their personal tasks more efficiently and conveniently, even from

  • Balad Airmen say goodbye to fallen warrior

    Honored as a leader, brother, teacher and true friend, an Airman killed fighting the war on terrorism was remembered by Airmen of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, both at Balad Air Base, Iraq, and at Camp Liberty near Baghdad May 18. Staff Sgt. John T. Self lost his life May 14 while on his 79th

  • Self-defense course kicks way into training

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

  • Air Force repatriates remains from Libya

    Air Force officials recently returned from Libya with the remains of 72 deceased Americans, believed to be family members of Airmen once stationed at Wheelus Air Base located outside of Tripoli, the nation's capital. Mark Blair, the chief of Air Force Mortuary Affairs, was one of the experts called

  • Week In Photos features Airmen around the globe

    The "Week In Photos" Web feature provides visitors with photos highlighting Air Force missions around the world. Among this week's photos are: In Africa, Staff Sgt. Myla Baker and Senior Airman Jacob Buckley give school supplies to teachers and students at the Gisimba orphanage in Kigali, Rwanda.

  • Heritage abound in books on Air Force Reading List

    Three books have been added to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force reading list . "The books on our Reading List link our heritage to the horizon before us," said Gen. T. Michael Moseley. "They help Airmen better understand our Air Force's and our nation's rich military heritage. But they also give

  • Air Force announces aviation resource management awards

    Air Force officials announced the 2006 Outstanding Air Force Aviation Resource Management Award winners. The 2006 Aviation Resource Management Award winners are: -- Airman of the Year is Senior Airman Kristel Weires of the 12th Fighter Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. -- NCO of the Year

  • Logistics team makes logical, money-saving move

    To support the warfighter, the Air Force airlifts cargo such as computer equipment, supplies and spare parts all around the globe. Some of this cargo has to be shipped with special packaging. At Incirlik Air Base, the 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron's Cargo Movement Flight used to contract out

  • Defense officials to implement Guard, Reserve changes

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has charged his staff to take action on 20 of 23 recommendations made by an independent commission for changes in the reserve components. Secretary Gates presented alternatives to the commission's other three recommendations to department leaders. In a May 10

  • Airmen selected for dental training program

    Air Force Dental Service officials have selected the next group of dental assistants to participate in the Dental Hygiene Training Scholarship Program, conducted at Trident Technical College in Charleston, S.C. and St. Petersburg College in Tampa, Fla. Ten current Air Force dental assistants were

  • Airmen complete realistic deployment exercise

    Airmen here completed a Phase I and II combined exercise May 11 after two weeks of realistic combat training. The wing simulated deploying the F-117A Nighthawk, along with assets from across the wing to a forward operating base in Iraq. To replicate the experience of deploying, assets from the base

  • New tactical vehicle rolls onto Moody

    Airmen of the 820th Security Forces Group here in May received two of the 18 new light medium tactical vehicles scheduled to replace the aging five-ton M923 and 2.5-ton "Deuce" M35 utility trucks. The group is expected to receive nine five-ton capacity medium tactical vehicles and nine 2.5-ton

  • Little Rock Airman killed in Iraq

    Staff Sgt. John Self, a security forces specialist from the 314th Security Forces Squadron, was killed May 14 by a roadside bomb near Baghdad, Iraq. Sergeant Self had been in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since September on a 365-day deployment. "John volunteered for this deployment

  • Goals card a compass for today's Airmen

    As Airmen serve around the world, they now have a "compass" to steer them toward more effective service.  This compass is the Secretary of the Air Force's Goals Card."These cards encapsulate more than just the Air Force mission," said Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne.  "Every one of those

  • Airman saves four lives, earns Soldier's Medal

    A staff sergeant from the 99th Civil Engineering Squadron here was awarded the U.S. Army Soldier's Medal in an award ceremony here May 10 for saving the four Soldiers' lives. U.S. Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona summed up the actions of Staff Sgt. Scott White, an explosive ordnance disposal journeyman.

  • DOD humanitarian projects help fight HIV epidemic

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

  • Air Education, Training Symposium to prep Airmen for war

    The 2007 Air Education and Training Symposium is scheduled for Sept. 5 to 7 in San Antonio aiming to adapt training programs to better prepare Airmen to operate in a wartime environment. The symposium, to be held in the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center, will feature four tracks of instruction:

  • Airman's Roll Call focuses on Combat Action Medal

    In the spirit of cultivating warrior ethos in all Airmen, Air Force officials created the Air Force Combat Action Medal, which recognizes Airmen who have engaged the enemy. Through an evolution of Air Force warfighting roles, more Airmen are finding themselves involved in combat actions. Some Airmen

  • Airmen strengthen Kyrgyzstan ties with construction project

    Airmen from Manas Air Base volunteered their time May 11 to fill in potholes and other hazardous road safety conditions in and around Oktyabrskoye improving the quality of the roads for the Kyrgyzstan village. The Airmen from the 376th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron and 376th Expeditionary

  • Structural maintainers embrace joint-service environment

    As servicemembers fight the war on terrorism, joint operations between the Army and Air Force are happening in many facets, including some unexpected ones. Airmen from the 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance shop and metals tech shop have pitched in to help the

  • DOD identifies Air Force casualty

    The Department of Defense announced today the death of an Airman who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. John T. Self, 29, of Pontotoc, Miss., died May 14 as result of enemy action near Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to the 314th Security Forces Squadron, Little Rock Air Force Base,

  • Tyndall to residents: Wildfires pose no threat

    As wildfires continue to burn much of Florida and on base, Tyndall Air Force Base officials are telling residents not to worry. "No base assets are threatened by these fires," said Walt Walter, the base's Wildlands Fire Program manager. Two active fires are burning on the base, but they are located

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

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

  • Joint AF-VA hospital provides world-class healthcare

    In July 1994, Nellis Air Force Base's Mike O'Callaghan Federal Hospital became one of four Department of Defense hospitals to consolidate Air Force and Department of Veteran's Affairs medical needs under one roof. "It's all about medicine and keeping everyone healthy and in top form," said Maj. Tom

  • CCAF graduates largest class

    Airmen around the world improve their education every day because of the Community College of the Air Force. Recently, the CCAF graduated it largest class ever at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. More than 120 Airmen from the base earned their degrees during the spring 2007 graduation. Marking the

  • AFSO 21 changes improve C-17 availability at McChord

    Airmen here are using Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century to come up with more efficient ways to use available C-17 Globemaster IIIs for training missions during the week. By shortening the turn time of each aircraft from three hours and 15 minutes to two hours and using an engine

  • Joint initiative transforms air defense in Asia

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

  • McGuire NCO Academy closes its doors

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

  • Major League Baseball team honors military service

    The Washington Nationals baseball team saluted the military during an evening pre-game program May 11 that featured fireworks, a group enlistment and servicemembers tossing ceremonial pitches. Military Appreciation Night activities held at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium here also included Deputy Defense

  • Airmen mentor Afghan depot personnel

    Airmen stationed here supporting Operation Enduring Freedom are taking the time to mentor Afghan national army soldiers at the Central Maintenance Depot in Kabul. Serving a one-year deployment, the Air Force mentors are embedded training team members supporting the Central Maintenance Depot's

  • Air Intelligence Agency to become Air Force ISR Agency

    Air Force officials here announced May 14 a force structure change designating the Air Intelligence Agency at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, as the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency.AIA reported to Air Combat Command, but the new agency will be aligned under the Air

  • Air traffic controllers manage safe, efficient operation

    A team of Airmen observe the diversity of air power used in the war on terrorism from the highest vantage point on base: the air traffic control tower. Forward-deployed U.S. armed forces and coalition partners depend on every flight that takes off from and lands at the air base run by the Airmen of

  • Government, local agencies test emergency coordination

    In a training exercise May 8, local, state and federal government agencies proved they could work together, not only to the public, but also to each other as well. This incident was part of Alaska Shield/Northern Edge, the state's portion of an annual national training exercise designed for multiple

  • Army aids in aerial evac during North Pole exercise

    Two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crews teamed with Airmen and civilian emergency responders May 10 to evacuate simulated victims of a terrorist attack as part of Alaska Shield/ Northern Edge 2007. Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation regiment's "Flying Dragons" based at Fort Wainwright,

  • Department names 'Best of Best' in communication media

    Servicemembers whose words and pictures best communicated the Defense Department's activities to its internal audience and the public last year were recognized May 11 at the institution that trains the nation's military journalists, broadcasters, photographers, graphic artists and

  • NORAD celebrates 49th birthday

    North American Aerospace Defense Command officials celebrated its 49th anniversary May 12 with cake and reflected on the importance of its mission."Today we celebrate 49 years of tradition and of history of defending both the nations of the United States and Canada," said Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr.,

  • 'Brave' baseballs make way around deployed bases

    The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing received a special package from Georgia last week that aims to spotlight Air Force later this year. A briefcase containing Atlanta Braves baseballs is making its way around the CENTCOM area of responsibility as part of Air Force 60th Anniversary "Heritage to

  • 'Week in Photos' features Airmen around the globe

    The "Week In Photos" Web feature provides visitors with photos highlighting Air Force missions around the world. Among this week's photos are: At Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Senior Airman Andrew Caro and Staff Sgt. Dustin Maglinti take aim at a target during a training exercise. They are

  • Military, civilians partner for vital disaster training

    In a unified effort to save lives and protect vital infrastructure facilities, Airmen, Soldiers and civilian first responders trained together May 9 as they responded to a mass casualty exercise scenario. The training event was part of Alaska Shield/Northern Edge, Alaska's portion of an annual

  • Charleston test platform for new all-electric vehicle

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

  • Air support is crucial vein in ground force's lifeline

    Joint terminal attack controllers direct the action of combat aircraft to provide close-air support missions for U.S. ground forces in Iraq. Close-air support missions require highly-detailed communication channels and a well-coordinated process. Those communication channels and coordination

  • Personnel Center reps demonstrate 'Excellence in Government'

    An individual and a team from the Air Force Personnel Center here received Alamo Federal Executive Board "Excellence in Government" awards during a luncheon May 4 honoring the nearly 90,000 federal employees in the San Antonio area. AFEB officials presented Emily Covarrubia, from the Civilian Force

  • Aviano deployment club helps children cope

    School faculty members here were recognized recently for their dedication to the children of deployed Airmen. Aviano Air Base's Elementary School Deployment Club was formed to help kids understand and cope with a parent's deployment. This can have a tremendous positive affect on the stress involved

  • Donated mural honors servicemembers

    Two artists have donated their time and money to create a mural for Bagram Air Base to honor those who wear the uniform. The 10-by-8 mural, which has an image of the upper portion of the Statue of Liberty and a message in large letters that reads "Land of the Free, Because of the Brave," is covered

  • Realism gives Air Force pilot new perspective

    Evasion training helps the Air Force's pilots stay up-to-date on survival techniques in emergency situations. Staff Sgt. Anthony Raciborski, a Survival, Evasion Resistance, Escape specialist, with the 35th Operations Support Squadron likes to give pilots the most realistic experience possible. "The

  • Charleston C-17 transports NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander

    The Phoenix Mars Lander began its journey to the red planet in May by first flying on board a C-17 Globemaster III from Charleston Air Force Base.An Aircrew from the 16th Airlift Squadron transported the Phoenix Mars Lander, built by Lockheed Martin in association with NASA, from Buckley AFB, Colo.,

  • Airborne staff connects ground forces

    Convoys going on patrols in Iraq can run into problems when they lose communication. Communication is an integral factor in ensuring servicemembers' safety while on the roads. It can be the difference between mission success and failure. Unknown to many road-faring warriors, a lifeline is already in

  • Air Force opens newest air ops center

    Twelfth Air Force and Air Forces Southern will open the Air Force's newest Falconer, the 612th Combined Air Operations Center, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony May 9. The 612th Combined Air Operations Center, serves as the operations hub for all air and space activities during combat and

  • Airmen live, learn warrior ethos

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

  • Air Force Honor Guard demonstrate team esprit

    The Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team is typically very critical of their drill performance, analyzing and reviewing every move checking for the tiniest flaws. During a national drill championship here, all eyes were on the team, seeking to learn and expecting only the best from the team. The drill

  • Air Force to test consolidated personnel services

    The Air Force Personnel Center and the Air Force Material Command are embarking on a test that will allow the Air Force to closely study and review consolidated civilian personnel support services to a large civilian employee population. For a one-year period, AFPC will provide staffing referral

  • Airmen in UK celebrate Jamestown's 400th with British

    Airmen from Royal Air Force Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall helped the town of Bury St. Edmunds May 8 celebrate the 400th anniversary of Jamestown, Va., the first permanent English settlement in America. Volunteers from both bases came out in numbers to showcase Air Force people and equipment. The RAF

  • JTACs call in 'guardian angels'

    A joint terminal attack controller is completely immersed downrange on the battlefield. His heart is pounding and his forehead drips with sweat as he directs a combat aircraft to provide close-air support for U.S. ground forces there. The JTAC's eyes light up as he sees the aircraft deliver a

  • 2006 Public Affairs Achievement Awards announced

    On behalf of Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley, Brig. Gen. Michelle Johnson, director of Public Affairs, announced the 2006 Public Affairs Achievement Awards."My heartiest congratulations to all of this year's nominees and recipients,"

  • First Term Airmen's Center helps with transition into Air Force

    Training and professional development is a high priority, beginning for young Airmen at Basic Military Training, tech school and continues at the first duty station training at the First Term Airmen's Center. FTAC is a two-week program that plays an important role in transitioning Airmen from a

  • Air Force officials evaluating KC-X proposals

    The Air Force source selection evaluation team is poring over industry proposals for the KC-X program, the replacement for the Air Force's aging KC-135 Stratotanker strategic refueling aircraft.The evaluation team, made up of a broad spectrum of acquisition and operational professionals, is

  • Airmen's weather watch data enhances military missions

    Sandstorms, which often appear as solid walls of dust as much as 15,000 feet high, can obscure the sun and reduce visibility to zero. A group of weather watching Airmen monitor Southwest Asia's approximately 55-million square-mile area of responsibility, forecasting these storms before they hit;

  • Balad chapel staff opens center in fallen pilot's honor

    Airmen seeking a quiet place to relax in a space away from a crowded dorm room now have another place to spend off-duty time within the H-6 housing area at Balad AB. Troy's Place, an Airmen Ministry Center sponsored by the Balad AB Chapel, opened May 4 and is in honor of a pilot who died supporting

  • Weapons loading competition hones Airmen's skills

    Munitions loaders around the Air Force test their warfighting capabilities and promote camaraderie through load crew competitions.Recently, two teams from the 555th and 510th Fighter Squadrons here used teamwork and the communication skills involved with a weapons load to prove their

  • Airman's Creed, military health care on CSAF's Scope

    The CSAF's Scope focuses on current topics the Air Force chief of staff feels are of special importance to today's Airmen. Among Gen. T. Michael Moseley's top issues are the new Airman's Creed and military health care. General Moseley introduced the new creed to replace all the various specialized

  • Air Force medics provide medical relief in Guatemala

    Thirteen Airmen from various Air Force Space Command bases returned April 30 from 10 days in Guatemala where they provided much needed medical care to the people there -- services that would have been otherwise nonexistent. From their home base in Salama, the team of Airmen, which included

  • Kansas Air National Guardsman completes first online retirement

    A Kansas Air National Guardsman was the first Guard Airman to complete the new online Air Force retirement process, which became mandatory April 15. Tech. Sgt. Kenneth L. Ellis, of the 190th Civil Engineer Squadron, applied for retirement using the system March 15, the day the process went live, and