HomeNews

NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • General discusses ISR at congressional breakfast

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

  • Air Force names 2006 Mission Support Award winners

    The winners of the 2006 Mission Support Awards were announced April 27. The results are: Personnel Gen. Robert J. Dixon Personnel Award: Maj. Kevin D. Heckle, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. Gen. Horace M. Wade Innovation Award: GS-12 Steven A. McCarver, Maxwell AFB-Gunter Annex, Ala. Gerrit D.

  • Girl Scouts give thanks, cookies to deployed servicemembers

    Girl Scouts near Spokane, Wash., finished their third year of collecting cookies for deployed troops through Operation Troop to Troop April 23 and will be sending approximately 9,600 boxes of cookies to servicemembers fighting the war on terrorism. More than 2,200 Scouts canvassed more than 52,000

  • Air University unveils associate-to-baccalaureate program

    A new program developed by Air University allows Airmen to turn a Community College of the Air Force associate's degree into a bachelor's from an accredited university. The Associate-to-Baccalaureate Cooperative, or ABC, does this by establishing a partnership with various civilian higher-education

  • Training ensures Airmen confident with weapons

    Breathe in, take aim, breathe out, hold and fire. It's some of the best advice when it comes to firing a weapon accurately. And it's something that Staff Sgt. Anthony Jones refers to often. As a combat arms instructor, Sergeant Jones is responsible for making sure every Airmen he instructs is

  • A-10 provides top cover for troops in Iraq

    The catalysts behind one of the most kinetically advanced air forces in the world can be found at the 438th Air Expeditionary Group's maintenance and fighter squadrons. The Airmen assigned to these units employ their kinetic energy by flying the A-10 Thunderbolt II, an aircraft that provides

  • 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: Senior Airman Gil Alicea is silhouetted while doing a phase dock inspection on an F-16 at Balad Air Base, Iraq. Airman Alicea is a crew

  • OSI works with local customs to stop drug smuggling

    Spangdahlem's Office of Special Investigations, or OSI, agents recently worked with their German counterparts to perform random vehicle inspections. During the inspections, agents searched for drug and other illegal substances that could be smuggled into the local area. "OSI is partnering with its'

  • Air Force Marathon a premier running event

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

  • First deployed Airman Readiness Center opens

    Two Air Combat Command members marked a deployment first by opening the Air Force's first Airman Readiness Center in Southwest Asia. Master Sgt. Steven Wright, from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, and Jeff Halstead, from Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., opened the new office literally overnight,

  • AFPC Web site adds citizenship application process

    Active duty Airmen may now apply for U.S. citizenship via the Air Force Personnel Center's Web site or through the virtual Military Personnel Flight, furthering Personnel Services Delivery Transformation. Citizenship application procedures are available on the Air Force Personnel Center's

  • Medical civil affairs team 'ambassadors of goodwill'

    Because of the war on terrorism, many military members carry weapons for self-defense. But their mission is really one of peace, to improve the life of those who exist in a harsh environment. The 350th Functional Specialty Team, which includes four Air Force medical specialists and nine U.S. Army

  • WWII bomber crew members awarded Distinguished Flying Cross

    It was a warm summer morning when the crew of the Flak Man, a B-24 Liberator, joined other bombers and their escort fighters on a daring mission. They flew from Pantanella, Italy, and played a key role in the bombing of oil refineries 700 miles away near Ploesti, Romania. The location was of

  • Eielson mom dances to TV contest's final ten

    A spouse here has been selected as one of 10 finalists in ABC network's "Good Morning America Dancing with the Moms Challenge." Heather Kangas, wife of Staff Sgt. Matt Kangas, 354th Logistics Readiness Squadron, sent in an entry letter and photo and producers apparently liked what they saw. Her

  • General provides clarification on UAV use

    Recent discussion in hearings on Capitol Hill, and elsewhere on an executive agency proposal to achieve greater efficiency in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) procurement is being confused with joint operational employment of those UAVs. "These are two related, but distinctly separate issues," said

  • Judge Advocate General holds Heritage to Horizon meeting

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

  • Security forces join SWAT training exercise

    Five Airmen and two civilians from the 355th Security Forces Squadron trained with members of the Tucson Police Department, Sahuarita Police Department and University of Arizona Police Department in an exercise here April 19. The exercise was administered and supervised by TPD special weapons and

  • Joint terminal air controllers return to Germany

    Joint terminal air controllers who were deployed throughout Iraq supporting the war on terrorism returned home to their friends and family here April 21. The JTACs were deployed with different Army units throughout Iraq and provided Army Soldiers with open communications to Air Force pilots while on

  • AFPC, Tinker work to improve civilian personnel services

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

  • Explosive ordnance members honor fallen heroes

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

  • Latest Airman's Roll Call features Airman's Creed

    This week's Airman's Roll Call features the Airman's Creed. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley introduced the idealogy as a means to provide Airmen with a tangible statement of beliefs "they can hold most dear." The general said having a creed is like a blinding flash of the

  • Enlisted position provides flexibility in courtroom

    While some enlisted paralegals are trained to do court reporting in addition to their normal duties, there are only five paralegals who do court reporting as their sole responsibility. The duty of court reporting usually fell to a civilian, but these select few were specially trained by the Army to

  • Program gives children positive outlets for problems

    With April as Month of the Military Child, Aviano Air Base members are helping base youths by teaching children that hitting each other is not acceptable and helped give them a positive outlet to deal with their problems. Children at Aviano AB's elementary school learned about the dangers of using

  • Air Force civilians win presidential rank awards

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

  • Chief of staff hosts Air Force acquisition summit

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

  • Air and Space Operations Centers standardized

    A four-year effort for the Global Cyberspace Integration Center here culminated April 13 when Air Forces Southern Command officials signed documents officially accepting the newly installed Air and Space Operations Center Block 10.1 Weapon System at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. The AFSOUTH

  • Air Force announces 2006 Weather Awards

    Air Force officials have released the 2006 Air Force Weather Awards. Military recipients of individual or team awards are entitled to wear the Air Force Recognition Ribbon, and civilian recipients of individual and team awards are entitled to wear the Air Force Recognition Lapel Pin.The Air Force

  • Yokota residents pay tribute to Holocaust victims

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

  • Airmen provide 1st class postal service to thousands

    Servicemembers here enjoy some of the fastest, most reliable mail service in the history of armed conflict. And when it is time to return home, they can also lighten their load by mailing their gear instead of lugging it through the airlines. 'Combat Postal' Airmen with the 332nd Air Expeditionary

  • Phase team keeps F-16s in the fight

    The sound of electric drills and pounding hammers resonates inside the hardened aircraft shelter here as crew chiefs shout orders over the noise of wielding power tools and a variety of gadgets: Welcome to Day One of an F-16 Fighting Falcon phase dock. Members of the 35th Expeditionary Maintenance

  • CENTAF leaders visit Airmen at nontraditional places

    The commander and command chief for U.S. Central Command Air Forces made a round-robin tour of locations April 20 in Southwest Asia where Airmen are performing duties never done before in places where you normally don't find Air Force members. Lt. Gen. Gary L. North and Command Chief Master Sgt.

  • Iraqi Air Force celebrates 76th anniversary

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

  • Airmen assist Iraqi Air Force reconstitution

    On a daily basis, Staff Sgt. Luke Almeter dons his U.S. Air Force uniform and drives the short commute to New Al Muthana Air Base. This seemingly easy task is something his Iraqi Air Force counterparts can't do because of the dangers that lurk outside the base. Because of fear of retribution, Iraqi

  • 370th Group and squadron stand up

    The unit activation and assumption of command of the 370th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group and Squadron took place at New Al Muthana Air Base April 22. "This event symbolizes the commitment of the U.S. Air Force in rebuilding the Iraqi Air Force," said Brig. Gen. Robert Allardice, Coalition Air

  • Air operations vital to CJTF-HOA mission

    In the United States, airlines coordinate flights with the Federal Aviation Administration. In the Horn of Africa it's a little more complicated as flights cross several nations, all with different aviation rules. What does it take to get flights from point A to point B within the Combined Joint

  • Doolittle Raiders celebrate 65 years since historic mission

    Seven surviving members of the famed "Doolittle Raiders" met in San Antonio in mid April to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the unit's historic bombing mission over Japan April 18, 1942. The raid, which consisted of 16 B-25 Mitchell bombers taking off from the deck of an Navy aircraft carrier, was

  • Week in Photos highlights Airmen in action

    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: Waiting for explosive ordnance disposal members to confirm the scene is safe, Staff Sgt. Christopher Hawks and Master Sgt. Albert

  • General discusses future of medical services

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

  • Tyndall rescue center coordinates glider crash rescue

    Members of the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center here assisted in saving a life April 16 as it coordinated the rescue response for a glider pilot who crashed in the mountains near Franklin, W.V. Serving as a 24/7 communication hub during ongoing search and rescue missions, the AFRCC staff and its

  • Air Support Ops keep control at Atlantic Strike V

    The 682nd Air Support Operations Squadron Airmen from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., provided tactical command and control as the Air Support Operations Center during Atlantic Strike V April 14-20 at the Avon Park Air Ground Complex at Avon Park, Fla. The ASOC is the forward extension of the air

  • Commander challenges technologists for better solutions

    When is technology more than just a piece of equipment or an information system? When a ground troop uses it to make a life-or-death decision in a split-second on the battlefield, or when an admiral sends an aircraft carrier as a show of force to mitigate or avoid conflict. Technology also assists

  • Officials make changes to overseas extension incentive list

    Air Force officials added an enlisted specialty code and removed two others from the Overseas Tour Extension Incentive Program eligibility list for Airmen serving at long tour locations. Airmen in the communication-computer systems control career field and 46 other Air Force speciality codes with a

  • Red Flag-Alaska ends on positive note

    The year's first Red Flag-Alaska ended April 20 after two weeks of intense, air-combat training over Alaska's mountain ranges. Training in a multi-service, multi-platform, combat operations exercise involving coalition forces was an opportunity that cannot be underemphasized, said Lt. Col. Eddie

  • Air Force official testifies on UAV executive agent issue

    The deputy chief of staff for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance explained why Air Force leaders support the idea of creating an executive agency for unmanned aerial vehicles before the House Armed Services air and land forces subcommittee April 19 here. Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula joined

  • Battlefield technology key to Atlantic Strike V

    As the convoy travels down the dusty path, the lead Humvee's Joint Terminal Attack Controller zeroes in on a potential target 1,500 meters in front of him. He sends the coordinates to the waiting aircraft above. "Target is verified JTAC, expending munitions." The aircraft releases its munitions

  • Airman loses $600 to '1-cent deposit' scam

    An Airman assigned to the 50th Mission Support Squadron here recently fell victim to a new banking scam against which vigilance is the only defense. Airman A, whose full name has been withheld for privacy reasons, first noticed the scam when money began disappearing from his account at a local bank.

  • Air Force, Navy deliver firetrucks donated by Baltimore

    The first of two aircraft fire and rescue trucks bound for Kabul International Airport in Northern Afghanistan was loaded into the cargo hold of a C-17 Globemaster III by members of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, Expeditionary Logistics Squadron April 19. The vehicles are 1988 Oshkosh trucks

  • Weather can't stop desert-dwelling Airmen at Red Flag-Alaska

    Working in a cold-weather environment may not be in the repertoire of desert-dwelling maintainers supporting Exercise Red Flag-Alaska 07-1, but Airmen from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., don't seem to mind and they're not about to let it affect their mission. "If it wasn't chilly here I would probably

  • CSAF's Scope highlights Doolittle Raiders heroism, impact

    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 65th anniversary of the Doolittle Raiders' bombing mission over Japan. Two entries are dedicated to the Doolittle

  • PACAF leads way in Air Force's anthrax vaccine push

    Pacific Air Forces' implementation of the Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program is off to a good start. Since the program was ordered to resume under the direction of the deputy secretary of defense in October, PACAF has immunized more than 94 percent of its Airmen who have been designated for

  • Air Force proactive in combating biological warfare

    Air Force officials have approved a new Counter-Biological Warfare Concept of Operations and Air Force Instruction to help Air Force installations better respond to biological threats. "Until now, the Air Force hasn't had any formal guidance on how to prepare for or respond to biological attacks or

  • A-10s return to Bagram

    Increased firepower is in the making for U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan. A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 354th Fighter Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., arrived April 17 to bring increased versatility to the capabilities of the aircraft stationed here. This is the second

  • Turkey partners with U.S. in war on terrorism

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

  • Atlantic Strike V begins in Avon Park

    More than 400 joint servicemembers began participating in Atlantic Strike V, a U.S. Central Command Air Forces pre-deployment training event April 14 at the Avon Park Air Ground Training Complex in Avon Park, Fla. The semi-annual training through April 20 and prepares joint air and ground forces for

  • DOD's top enlisted leader visits Okinawa

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

  • Doolittle Raiders 65th anniversary kicks off at Randolph

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

  • Airman's Creed exemplifies warfighting ethos

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

  • CSAF's Vector focuses on warfighting perspective

    With the nation at war, the latest Chief of Staff's Vector redirects our service's focus and warfighting orientation. "As Airmen, we have a unique warfighting perspective, shaped by a century-old quest to gain the high ground," said Gen. T. Michael Moseley, the Air Force chief of staff.  "The

  • F-22s use refueling 'pit stop'

    Just like in NASCAR, a good pit crew can make or break a team. When tankers aren't in the sky to refuel fighters, pilots take advantage of a pit. "Hot pits" are crucial in wartime as it gets the fighters gassed up quickly while both engines are still running, and back into the fight. "It's actually

  • PACAF commander stresses importance of space

    With a command that stretches across 16 different time zones, Pacific Air Forces Commander General Paul V. Hester, is a fan of the work space professionals perform in the Pacific. The general spoke to a crowd of military, civilian and industry space professionals during the last day of the 23rd

  • Airman shows way for Afghan National Army recruiters

    To serve and protect the nation is one of the top three reasons U.S. citizens take the military oath of enlistment, and Staff Sgt. Matt Leas learned firsthand that it is also the top reason Afghans join the 207th Zafar (Victory) Corps. The 364th Recruiting Squadron systems administrator recently

  • Idea nets maintenance Airman $10,000

    An Air Force maintainer from McChord Air Force Base recently earned big bucks by making good use of a part that was going to be turned into scrap metal. Master Sgt. Barry Buchmiller of the 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron received a $10,000 check from the Air Force's Innovative Development through

  • Medics treat servicemembers throughout Southwest Asia

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

  • Air Force Review held at memorial

    Air Force officials held an Air Force Review in "Heritage to Horizons" style revitalizing a 300-year-old military ceremony and presented it to a modern audience April 14 at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va. The Air Force Review was hosted by Maj. Gen. Robert L. Smolen, the Air Force District

  • Scientific Advisory Board helps move ideas from concept to reality

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

  • Air Force, Marine officials meet on critical warfighting issues

    Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. T. Michael Moseley and Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James T. Conway, along with other senior leaders from both services met here April 10 to discuss issues of mutual interest regarding aviation. Labeled The Warfighter Talks, the forum provided dialogue on

  • Jimmy Doolittle: famed airpower pioneer

    The man the "Doolittle Raiders" are named for may not be a household name today, but James H. "Jimmy" Doolittle was once one of the most famous celebrities in America, even before the raid, and remains one of the most remarkable figures of the 20th century. Born in Alameda, Calif., on Dec. 14, 1896,

  • Doolittle Raiders to meet for 65th anniversary reunion

    Seven surviving members of the famed "Doolittle Tokyo Raiders," will descend on San Antonio, this week for a series of events marking the 65th anniversary of one of the most notable airpower missions in military history. Personally ordered by Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt, the raid was a response to

  • Honor Guard Drill Team keeping sharp for Air Force

    The United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team recently returned from their latest 11-day tour around the U.S., that included visits to Atlanta; Hill Air Force Base, Utah; and Salt Lake City. During their visits, the team performed for NCAA Final Four events, including the opening ceremonies at

  • AETC announces top Airmen

    Air Education and Training Command officials announced its top Airmen of 2006. The winners were chosen from among 25 nominees identified by leadership at their home stations as the best professionals in their categories. "As the first command, we recruit, educate and train America's Airmen," said

  • Officials discuss executive agency for UAVs

    Air Force officials invited Defense representatives to the Pentagon April 13 to discuss the Air Force's proposal to assume executive agent responsibilities for medium- and high-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles. The proposal was put forward March 5 in a memorandum to senior Defense officials from

  • Guard, Reserve leaders speak before Senate

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

  • Airmen show 'can-do' spirit in joint force environment

    In the constantly changing environment of modern warfare, Airmen are constantly being tasked to do things and go places out of the ordinary. Long gone are the days when the Air Force was built around strategic bombing, isolated to the rear of the lines on comfortable bases. Today's Airmen often work

  • Airmen get smart with sexual assault training

    With bad intentions in their heart, they wait to take advantage of the person who isn't paying attention. Sam Rush-Walton, a Fullpower Workshop instructor, trained a crowd of Peterson Air Force Base active duty, civilians and dependents about how to protect themselves from becoming victims of

  • U.S. forces mentor Afghan Air Corps to 'stand on own'

    At the Kabul International Airport, a joint U.S. mentorship effort is enabling the Afghan National Air Corps to soar toward new heights. "We're helping them build a good process so they can have a healthy, sustaining air force," said Maj. Rudy Alejandro, a fixed wing unit mentor. The ANAC is

  • Luke team trains for combat at Red Flag-Alaska

    Airmen from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., are deployed to participate in Red Flag-Alaska, a multi-service, multi-platform coordinated, combat operations exercise at Eielson AFB. Thirteen instructor pilots, six operations support staff and more than 60 maintainers made the 2,600-mile trek to take part

  • Chief of Staff speaks on future of space operations

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley delivered a speech to a crowd of more than 400 at the 23rd National Space Symposium here April 11.The general's speech to a group of military, civilian and industry space professionals focused on the important part space plays in the defense of the

  • Airmen earn silver, bronze in wrestling championship

    Two Air Force members came away with medals April 7, after a double-elimination wrestling tournament held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The U.S. Open National Wrestling Championship, held in Las Vegas for the 17th time, is where America's best wrestlers compete for the national title,

  • School honors fallen Airman, former student

    Members of Spangdhalem Air Base gathered April 5 to honor a fallen Operation Iraqi Freedom Airman who graduated from Bitburg High School. Maj. Troy Gilbert, a 1989 BHS graduate, was killed when his F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed Nov. 27 while on a mission providing combat support to both an Army

  • Best Air Force journalism announced

    A panel of civilian journalists, teachers and public relations professionals have selected the best in Air Force print and broadcast journalism for the 51st annual Air Force Media Contest. Senior Airman Brian A. Stives, of the 366th Fighter Wing at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, is the Air

  • Award winners save Air Force $26.5 million

    Six individuals who saved the Air Force $26.5 million were recognized April 5 at the Pentagon.  Four individuals won Air Force Productivity Excellence Awards and two won Air Force Exceptional Innovator Awards.Lt. Gen. Roger A. Brady, the Air Force deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel,

  • 17th Training Wing preserves heritage

    The end of the Cold War left the United States needing fewer forces. A smaller force required fewer bases to support it and, organizationally, fewer units to hold it. For the Air Force, as it set about eliminating excess bases through the Base Realignment and Closure process and excess wings through

  • Goodfellow hosts premier firefighter school

    It's burning. It's burning. The flames swell as the firefighters move into the mouth of the "dragon." In front of them -- a 500 degree wall of propane flames. The giant can's steel walls force the jets of fire to sweep over their heads and land behind them. At the nozzle is Airman 1st Class Cole

  • Maintainers save man-hours with AFSO 21 changes

    When aircraft maintainers think of inspections, their minds may be filled with thoughts of preparation and increased workload; however, 552nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron Maintenance Flight members here saw the E-3 Sentry Isochronal Inspection process as an opportunity for improvement. With Air

  • Ordnance disposal makes for no ordinary day

    Airmen assigned to the 332nd Civil Engineer Squadron's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight have a dangerous mission that keeps fellow coalition forces safe. It takes nerves of steel and a steady hand to do the work these Airmen do. After all, getting anywhere near an improvised explosive isn't

  • NATO commanders go north to prepare for Afghanistan

    The mission in Afghanistan is one of the most challenging tasks NATO has taken on as it provides security and stability for the war-torn country via the International Security Assistance Force. To ensure ISAF troops are ready for this Afghanistan mission NATO leaders are relying on the Joint Warfare

  • New center caters to Kadena youth

    The new Nakoyoshi Youth Complex opened up on Kadena Air Base for teens and offers a place for other base community youth services. The original teen center was used not only as a place for teens to hang out, but the younger school-age kids used it too, so base officials renovated the old Falcon Gym

  • Bagram Airmen move Army Force Provider camps

    A familiar sight at this Afghanistan airfield involves American C-17 Globemaster IIIs landing and maneuvering as Russian-built IL-76 cargo aircraft taxies for departure. While one aircraft is being unloaded, another is waiting next in line to take off while another prepares to land. Airmen from one

  • Boomers help keep the fighters flying

    The KC-135 Stratotanker helps the Air Force accomplish its mission by providing gas to aircraft during flight. To accomplish its mission, this fuel station in the sky uses an operator with a very unique job who goes by the name of "Boom." He or she is the tanker's boom operator. Staff Sgt. Larry

  • Airmen, Soldiers mentor Afghan medical instructors

    A team of five highly-skilled Air Force and Army medics mentor Afghan National Army instructors at the Combat Medic School in Kabul. Their mission is to guide the ANA instructors into leading the Combat Medic Course, which was recently extended to eight weeks. As instructors, they serve as mentors

  • Airmen provide force protection 'inside the wire'

    An Airman performing a vehicle search might be a C-17 Globemaster III loadmaster. The Airman providing escort for local nationals could be a medical technician. But, regardless of their primary Air Force Specialty Code, or AFSC, Airmen such as these provide force protection while assigned to the

  • Senator visits Iraq, spends week on active duty

    A South Carolina senator toured Iraq for two days, and then put on an Air Force desert camouflage uniform for a week and worked as a judge advocate for the Multinational Forces, Iraq. Sen. Lindsey Graham, also a Reserve colonel, visited the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing April 9 after getting a

  • 10 missing WWII Airmen are identified

    The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced April 9 that the remains of 10 U.S. servicemen, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and will be returned to their families for burial with full military honors. The Airmen are: 2nd Lt. Raymond A. Cooley of Leary,

  • Tweet closes 42-year Randolph career

    After 42 years of serving as the primary pilot instructor training aircraft at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, the T-37 Tweet turned its reigns over to the T-6 Texan II in a special ceremony April 6 at 3:59 p.m. on the west ramp behind Hangar 64. During its time at Randolph flying with the 559th

  • Air Force releases combat action medal criteria

    Air Force officials at the Air Force Personnel Center released criteria this week for award of the new combat action medal, an award for Airmen who have been involved in direct fighting situations where they risked their lives in an enemy engagement. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley

  • Services Airmen keep morale high in Iraq

    Between aircraft sorties, mortar attacks and grueling long days for the residents of Balad AB and Logistical Support Area Anaconda, 20 Airmen of the Expeditionary Services Squadron are doing their part to keep them fit, entertained and ready for the fight. "We're here for everyone else's happiness

  • Joint STARS exceeds 23,000 flight hours

    The 128th Expeditionary Airborne Command and Control Squadron, one of three operational Joint Surveillance Target Attacks Radar System squadrons, recently reached a milestone of 23,000 flight-hours by flying missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Beginning on Jan. 16, 2003, the JSTARS

  • Officials complete second phase of rescue officer selection

    Combat rescue officer career field officials held phase two of their selection process March 26 to 30 at Fairchild. The purpose of phase two is to narrow the field of trainees invited into the CRO career field training pipeline. Phase two is a rigorous week of intense physical, mental and

  • Incirlik Airmen practice emergency response

    A simulated 6.2 earthquake shook Incirlik Air Base April 2 causing casualties and destruction, and base Airmen rushed into action.  This exercise simulated a serious threat in this earthquake-active area and tested the readiness of base Airmen. A key element of the earthquake was the mass casualty

  • CMSAF kicks off USAFE tour with visit to Lajes Field

    The top enlisted Airman began his tour of U.S. Air Forces in Europe installations during a visit here April 4 and 5. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley said he and his wife, Paula, enjoyed spending time with Airmen assigned to this island, which is located about 900 miles off the