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U.S. Air Force News

  • OR technicians help save lives in Iraq

    Helping save lives every day in Iraq is something operating room technician Senior Airman Shannon Brito takes great pride in. Behind the doors of the hospital are three operating rooms where the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group's OR technicians feverishly work to ensure patients live to see another

  • Letter to Airmen highlights Air Force Memorial dedication

    In his latest "Letter to Airmen," Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley discusses the two-day Air Force Memorial Dedication and the start of the year-long commemoration of the Air Force 60th anniversary."The Memorial dedication ceremonies showcased our rich heritage and paid tribute to

  • Wilford Hall receives national honors

    The Wilford Hall Medical Center staff here earned the U.S. Health and Human Services Medal of Honor Oct. 20. The medal is awarded to hospitals that have achieved at least a 75 percent donation rate as part of the national organ donation initiative launched in April 2003. The national average

  • Anniversary art exhibit opens in Pentagon

    The Air Force's top leader opened up the 60th Anniversary Art Exhibit at the Pentagon here Oct. 19 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. "We have a wonderful heritage," said Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne to the crowd of more than 60 people, to include Air Force Art Program artists, who were

  • Museum adds British Bristol Beaufighter to gallery

    An aircraft that once filled the need for an effective night fighter in the U.S. Army Air Forces until an American aircraft could be produced was placed on display during a special ceremony on Oct. 18 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The newly restored British Bristol Beaufighter first

  • Airman killed in racing accident

    Staff Sgt. Donovan Whitehurst, 27, was killed Oct. 14 when his vehicle crashed into a dirt embankment at the Outer Banks Speedway in Creswell, N.C.According to a base spokesman, Sergeant Whitehurst worked as a dispatcher for the 4th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base,

  • Hate groups, gangs not acceptable to Air Force

    Active participation in hate groups and gangs is not compatible with the Air Force way of life, and any Airmen found guilty of such participation will be punished accordingly, said Air Force leaders here recently. "It goes without saying that participation in such activity has no place in our Air

  • Travis doctor elected president of national medical society

    The chief of the medical staff at the David Grant Medical Center here has been elected president of the American College of Emergency Physicians during the organization's recent meeting in New Orleans.Col. (Dr.) Linda Lawrence previously served as vice president of ACEP, and is an attending

  • Ellsworth energy team saves money, earns award

    A five-person Ellsworth AFB team saved the base $470,000 in total energy costs for fiscal 2005 and received a 2006 Federal Energy and Water Management Award Oct. 5 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. This U.S. Department of Energy award recognizes the annual achievements in the category

  • Portrait of General Jumper unveiled

    The painting of the Air Force's 17th chief of staff was unveiled at the Hall of Heroes in the Pentagon Oct. 16. The portrait of retired Gen. John P. Jumper was unveiled by Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff T. Michael Moseley. "I appreciate everyone coming out

  • Two new programs guide enlisted force shaping

    Air Force officials here announced Oct. 16 two additional enlisted programs to help support current force shaping efforts to reduce 40,000 active-duty Airmen. The programs, a date of separation rollback and a limited active duty service commitment waiver, join the current tools of reducing the

  • Earthquake powers down Hickam, Hawaii

    People living and working on Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, had no power for 12 hours following an earthquake through Hawaii at 7:07 a.m. PDT Oct. 15. Initially rated as a 4 point-plus earthquake, it was later upgraded to 6.6 point-magnitude. According to local reports, the quake and its aftershocks

  • Travis Airmen place first in national firefighting competition

    A team of firefighters from Travis Air Force Base Calif., finished first in the individual heats portion of the 2006 U.S. National Firefighter Combat Challenge held here Oct. 13 and 14. In the individual heat team competition the best three team member times were totaled for the team time. The

  • Air Force Memorial: Serving others is self serving

    The three spires of the Air Force Memorial were not locked into representing any one idea but left by design to the imagination of visitors to see all aspects of the Air Force by threes -- the three core values, or those who served before, serve today and will serve and even active duty, Reserve and

  • Air Force Memorial: Reflection of every Airman

    In her 23 years in the Air Force, Master Sgt. Valarie Foster has seen many changes. New uniforms, new aircraft and new missions, she's seen them all. But the one thing that hasn't changed, she says, is the attitude of the individual Airman. "People come and people go," she said. "But the spirit of

  • Country star Lee Ann Womack headlines Air Force open house

    With both the newly dedicated Air Force Memorial and the Pentagon looming nearby, country music vocalist Lee Ann Womack belted out tunes that both entertained and bolstered already present sentiments of patriotism. Ms. Womack's performance in a parking lot of the Pentagon here began shortly after

  • President, military leaders dedicate Air Force Memorial

    On behalf of a grateful nation, the president of the United States accepted the Air Force Memorial in a dedication ceremony here attended by military leaders of the past and present, political and business representatives and thousands of ordinary citizens and Airmen alike. "A Soldier can walk the

  • Young people capable of much responsibility

    With historical aircraft flying overhead, and the newly dedicated Air Force Memorial nearby, one World War II veteran said that no matter how irresponsible young people today may sometimes seem, it has been shown they can step up and shoulder a burden much greater than themselves. Russell Neatrour,

  • Air Force Drill Team demonstrates precision at Memorial Dedication

    With the new Air Force Memorial looming nearby, hundreds of spectators, both civilian and military, gathered in a Pentagon parking lot here to witness the precision maneuvers of the Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team. The drill team's performance was but one of a series of events surrounding the

  • Chief gets opportunity to fly historic aircraft over memorial

    As spectators at the Air Force Memorial dedication events looked skyward to an airborne parade of both modern and historic military aircraft, it probably didn't occur to them that the pilot of them represented something special. The B-24 Liberator was but one of perhaps a dozen military aircraft,

  • Air Force Band performs at Air Force Memorial opening

    The Air Force Band's newest group performed at the Air Force Memorial's open house event here in a Pentagon parking lot. Max Impact, which performs contemporary music from today's hip-hop, pop and urban sounds, entertained the crowd with hits from artists such as U2, Natasha Bedingfield, Usher and

  • Air Force Memorial: Former Airman contributes to dedication

    The Air Force has always played a large part in Douglas Landgraf's life. So, he sees it as only fitting that he is now playing an important role in the dedication of the Air Force Memorial. Mr. Landgraf served 11 years as an active duty Airman and he now works as an aircraft mechanic and ramp

  • Memorial represents military air power of the United States

    The spires of the Air Force memorial represent the air power component of the most powerful force in the world. Teshoma Hailu is a taxi cab driver in Arlington, Va. He came to the United States in 1975, with his wife, to escape political issues in his home country and to pursue educational

  • Officials swear in new recruits during memorial dedication events

    As the Air Force recognized its own history with the dedication of a new memorial here, dozens of young men and women also marked the beginning of their own history with the Air Force. As part of activities surrounding the dedication of the Air Force's new memorial, some 90 young men and women rose

  • Air Force Memorial: Inspiration leads to future success

    The Air Force Memorial was designed by the Air Force Memorial Foundation to represent different things to different people. For Staff Sgt. Paul Piper, it's simple inspiration. The sergeant can remember in the eighth grade when he was first inspired to serve his country during a visit to the D.C.

  • Logistics officers given challenge at conference

    The commander of the Air Force Materiel Command took the stage at the Logistics Officer Association National Conference Oct. 10 to tell 1,350 logistics officers to get lean and expect to be in a long war.Gen. Bruce Carlson gave the officers an overview of the enemy and how it exploits Islam and uses

  • Fireworks light the night sky at memorial dedication event

    The evening skies over the national capital region were lit Oct. 13 by a fireworks display at the Air Force Memorial, which will be dedicated to the nation in a ceremony today at Arlington, Va. After the formal lighting of the spires for the first time, guests were treated to the colorful display

  • Air Force Memorial: Airman keeps dedication VIPs safe

    In an average day, an Airman will do his or her part to make sure the mission is accomplished. For Staff Sgt. Joseph O'Donnell, the average day could mean saving the president's life. As a member of the Protective Services unit of the 316th Security Forces Squadron at Andrews Air Force Base, Md.,

  • Air Force Memorial: Sergeant brings spirit of volunteerism to dedication

    Volunteering is a large part of Tech. Sgt. Donald Jones' job. "It just comes with the territory," he said. He works as the executive assistant to the Air Force District of Washington, D.C.'s command chief, and he's learned that what he doesn't volunteer for himself, he will eventually find himself

  • Airmen compete in national firefighter competition

    The competition is a few minutes of physical torture and even the most conditioned warrior is brought to his knees when it ends. Staff Sergeants Cory McGee and Emanuel Villegas, from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., are among the 500 competitors at the 2006 U.S. National Firefighter Combat Challenge

  • America Soars on Air Force Wings

    The United States of America depends on its Air Force to defend the population, deliver global effects and jointly accomplish national objectives to an extent unseen in the history of mankind. In my 35 years of service, many things have changed. Yet, what has remained constant is the extraordinary

  • AF Memorial: Leadership always at head of the bus

    To lead by example is a critical component of leadership and especially important to 1st Lt. Shaenan Jett who joined the Air Force three years ago for the leadership opportunities. The vehicle operations assistant flight commander with the 316th Logistics Readiness Squadron on Andrews Air Force

  • ACC assists maintainers with AFSO 21

    Moody AFB officials recently welcomed a delegation of Air Combat Command facilitators for a five-day Rapid Improvement Event to assist the base with its Air Force Smart Operations 21 initiatives. The visit was designed to assist maintenance leadership on procedures that can save the Air Force time

  • AF Memorial: Airman a 'model' honor guard member

    Forever standing guard over the Air Force Memorial, a color team bears the American and Air Force flags, flanked on each side by rifle guards. Depicted in these 8-foot statues are representations of Air Force Honor Guard members, past and present, who have each done a service to their country by

  • Air Force meets recruiting goal for seventh straight year

    The Air Force met its recruiting goal for the seventh year in a row, but still faces challenges, said officials Oct. 12.In fiscal 2006, the Air Force brought in 30,889 individuals, exceeding its target by 130 Airmen, said Brig. Gen. Suzanne M. Vautrinot, commander of Air Force Recruiting Service.

  • AF Memorial: Opportunity name of the game

    When a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity came around the corner, Staff Sgt. Ashanta Gamble jumped to do her part for the Air Force. Coordinating the Pentagon and Federal Aviation Administration approvals for the aircraft flying during the Air Force Memorial Dedication ceremony and Air Force Open House

  • Red Flag kicks off at Nellis

    Nearly 60 aircraft and nine units, supported by 1,000 Airmen from across the United States and Belgium are taking part in the first Red Flag exercise of fiscal 2007, which began Oct. 10 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The exercise that runs until Oct. 20 tests aircrews' warfighting skills in

  • Chief of staff of the Air Force reading list announced

    Officials announced the new chief of staff of the Air Force reading list here Oct. 13. "Our reading list is a link from our heritage to the horizon before us," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley. "It's essential that we fully understand the heritage upon which we're building our

  • Navy officer leads AF squadron; celebrates Navy birthday

    Oct. 13, 1775, holds a special meaning for the nation; it was the date the Continental Congress authorized the procurement, fitting out, manning and dispatch of two armed vessels to cruise in search of munitions ships supplying the British Army in America. This Oct. 13, the Navy's birthday will be

  • Tanker hits top of the charts for recapitalization priority

    The Air Force's new No. 1 procurement priority is the KC-X tanker, replacing the F-22 Raptor. "Our priorities for procurement are the following," said Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. T. Michael Moseley.  "The KC-X, the new tanker, is No. 1. CSAR-X, the new combat rescue helicopter, is No. 2.

  • Air Force focused on three priorities

    Amidst fighting the war on terrorism, the Air Force remains focused on its top three priorities. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley said the Air Force is concerned primarily with fighting and winning the long war against global terrorism and militant extremism, taking care of our

  • Bases awarded federal money to combat underage drinking

    To combat underage drinking, five Air Force bases have been selected to receive a total of more than $1 million from the Department of Justice. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and Luke AFB in Arizona, Malmstrom AFB, Mont., Hickam AFB, Hawaii, and Beale AFB, Calif., were selected to receive the grants

  • NATO air forces remain strong, look to future excellence

    NATO air forces' partnership is strong and poised to grow even stronger over the long haul, said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley before a congregation of air force commanders from 25 NATO nations. General Moseley said NATO air forces face similar circumstances, including increasing

  • Thunderbirds visit Smithsonian Air and Space Museum

    Dozens of men, women and children filled the main gallery of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum here Oct. 11 to meet members of the Air Force demonstration team. The Thunderbirds are in town to participate in the opening and dedication of the Air Force Memorial Oct. 14, starting off the

  • 4 Lakenheath Airmen injured in car crash

    Four NCOs are in serious or critical condition after their car slammed into a tree in a village near Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England. Injured in the Oct. 7 crash were:Tech. Sgt. Michael Schoenly of the 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron,Tech. Sgt. Will Stimpson of the 56th Rescue Squadron, Tech.

  • MUTES trains deployed electronic warfare officers

    Deployed Guardsmen from the 266th Range Squadron at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, are helping B-52 Stratofortress electronic warfare officers quickly identify potential aircraft threats at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, as part of the Air Force's continuous bomber presence in the Pacific. The

  • Outstanding enlisted aircrew members announced for 2005

    The recipients of the 2005 Staff Sgt. Henry E. "Red" Erwin Award for the outstanding enlisted aircrew members of the year have been announced. The awards recognize career enlisted aviators for outstanding job accomplishments, demonstration of leadership and sustained self-improvements in support of

  • Cleanup program on fast track

    When Andrews Air Force Base, Md., was placed on the Environmental Protection Agency's National Priorities List of contaminated sites in 1999, environmental restoration program managers estimated it would take until 2014 and millions of dollars to remedy the sites.With 23 sites and 10 areas of

  • Deployed B-52 maintainers achieve perfect record

    Since deploying here, B-52 Stratofortress maintainers with the 36th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron have achieved a 100-percent mission effectiveness-rate and 100-percent weapons-release rate for every sortie flown during September. The percentages reflect almost 50 sorties, accumulating

  • Joint system training enhance situational awareness

    Airmen operating the global command and control system here are providing combatant commanders a visual map of servicemembers on the battlefield via satellite."Basically, you can view everything in the (area of responsibility)," said Staff Sgt. Michael Harvell, an instructor for the system. "You

  • Sergeant soars to greater heights

    Standing a towering 6 feet 11 inches tall, the sergeant is closer to the clouds than the average person, but today he soars to even greater heights. Staff Sgt. Bill Manus an electronic warfare journeyman with the New Mexico Air National Guard's 150th Fighter Wing, pilots his hot-air balloon today

  • Army Air Corps weatherman honored for D-Day contributions

    A former member of the Army Air Corps was honored here Oct. 6 by members of the Air Force weather community for his contributions to the World War II D-Day invasion. Dr. Eugene Levine was 18 years old when he was drafted into the Army. During his time with the Army, Dr. Levine served as a combat

  • Seasoned PJ trains next generation

    Along the halls of the Pararescue and Combat Rescue Officer School here, reminders of heroes past adorn the walls with honor. There have been 13 Air Force Crosses and one Medal of Honor awarded to former students. They serve as testimony to the valor demonstrated by a fresh crop of

  • 13th AF welcomes new commander, transforms operations

    A one-year transformation of command and control of air, space and information operations in the Pacific ended here as 13th Air Force officially began operations as a component numbered air force headquarters and welcomed a new commander. Former Pacific Air Forces Deputy Commander, Lt. Gen. Loyd S.

  • Father passes flag to daughter in Iraq

    Traditions run deep in the military, and for this father and daughter, traditions are what brought them together in Iraq. Col. Steven Dreyer, 4th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Group commander, at Camp Victory, Iraq, reunited with his youngest daughter, 1st Lt. Kathrine Dreyer, 777th

  • 'Top Flight' to rock forward bases

    A 10-member Air Force band plans to boost morale throughout Southwest Asia, entertaining coalition forces at several forward operating locations as well as main operating bases typically visited by other bands and civilian artists. Top Flight, the rock band component of the Band of the West at

  • Pilots thrilled by CV-22 capabilities

    When he talks about his new aircraft, the CV-22 Osprey, the lieutenant colonel's face lights up like a kid opening presents on his birthday. After 10 years of flying the MC-130H Combat Talon II, CV-22 instructor pilot Lt. Col. Darryl Sheets, from the 8th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt

  • C-5 Programmed Depot Maintenance earns accolades

    The C-5 Programmed Depot Maintenance team at Robins AFB earned the 2006 Chief of Staff Team Excellence Award in a ceremony in Washington, D.C.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley presented the award to the C-5 PDM Process Improvement Team in late September.  "The increased tempo of

  • Seeds of 56-year marriage planted during Berlin Airlift

    Retired Lt. Col. James and Ellie Spatafora possess a unique answer to a common question couples are quizzed about. When asked where they met, they answer that the seeds of their 56-year marriage were planted during the historic Berlin Airlift. The couple was able to catch up on old times with

  • Air Force leaders to discuss new 'Cyber Command'

    Air Force leaders are gathering in early November to discuss plans for creation of a new command, one chartered with flying and fighting in cyber space. Cyberspace became an official Air Force domain, like air and space, on Dec. 7, 2005, when Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Chief of

  • Letter to Airman focuses on Air Force heritage

    In the latest Letter to Airmen, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Chief of Staff of the Air Force T. Michael Moseley commemorate Air Force heritage. "Adaptive and flexible Airmen in uniform have continued to innovate, pushing the limits of imagination and technology to dominate the

  • Differing tour lengths affect deployment morale

    Tour lengths are the biggest obstacle to U.S. servicemember morale in Iraq, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said during a visit here Oct. 4. Marine Gen. Peter Pace said when he visits combat zones, morale generally is high, but after a bit of digging, he said, he finds the different tour

  • USAFE receives maintenance excellence award

    The Gen. Wilbur L. Creech Maintenance Excellence Award was presented to U.S. Air Forces in Europe by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley here Oct. 4.The Creech Award recognizes the major command demonstrating the most improved performance in the category of aircraft maintenance and

  • Personnel center names first command chief

    The Air Force Personnel Center commander has named Chief Master Sgt. Terry Reed as the center's first command chief master sergeant. "This is a great day for the Air Force Personnel Center as Chief Reed will now represent AFPC at the highest level of the enlisted force," said Maj. Gen. Tony

  • Virtual technology enhances training for aircrews

    Survival, evasion, resistance and escape instructors at the 15th Operational Support Squadron are now using virtual technology to train aircrews in parachute hanging harness training. Most of today's aircrews are familiar with flight simulators. They are accepted as standard and are essential tools

  • General Pace visits with Kirtland Airmen

    Hundreds of Airmen at Kirtland Air Force Base got a chance today to participate in a question-and-answer session with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Peter Pace. General Pace was visiting the area to talk to base Airmen and the local people of Albuquerque. After a short introduction,

  • Airman facing murder charges could get death penalty

    The third motions hearing in the court-martial of an Airman charged with premeditated murder started Oct. 4 at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C. Airman Calvin Hill allegedly killed Airman 1st Class Ashley Turner on Aug. 14, 2005, at Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland. He could face the death penalty if

  • Air Force announces team excellence awards

    Air Force officials have announced the five teams selected for the 2006 Chief of Staff Team Excellence Awards. The awards recognize teams that used a systematic approach to enhance mission capability, improve operational performance and create sustained results. Improvements made by the five award

  • Officer faces court-martial in WAPS cheating scandal

    A prior-enlisted officer is facing a court-martial Oct. 4 at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., stemming from an investigation into an alleged Weighted Airman Promotion System cheating scandal that lasted nearly 10 years. Capt. Rhonda McDaniel, who is assigned to the 45th Aeromedical-Dental Squadron, is

  • Air Force proposes initial Joint Strike Fighter locations

    Plans for initiating environmental analyses for proposed locations of the Air Force's newest fighter, the F-35 Lightning II, were announced by Air Force officials Oct. 4. The initial Joint Strike Fighter locations include:-- Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., for primary maintenance and flight training;--

  • DOD Eagle Vision experiment wraps up at Lajes

    A Department of Defense experiment testing the versatility of one of the Air Force's ground communications station systems wrapped up here Sept. 29. Eagle Vision-1, based at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, is designed to receive a variety of information from civilian remote-sensing satellites. "This

  • Air Force making progress on alternative fuels

    The Air Force is embracing an energy strategy that uses alternative sources of power and conservation, Undersecretary of the Air Force Dr. Ron Sega told a group of civilian energy engineers during a World Energy Engineers Congress luncheon Sept. 15. "I think we're making progress, but we certainly

  • JPAC team sheds light on missing crewmembers

    An 18-member recovery team from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command here returned Oct. 1 from Vostenhof, Austria, following its attempt to recover remains from two individuals who went down with a B-17 bomber during World War II.On May 10, 1944, U.S. Army Air Force pilot 1st Lt. Stanley Dwyer and

  • Air Force prepares to commemorate 60th anniversary

    Big things are in store for Airmen, as Air Force leaders have planned more than a year's worth of commemoratory activities leading up to the Air Force's 60th anniversary, Sept. 18, 2007. Brig. Gen. Janet Therianos, director of the 60th Anniversary office at the Pentagon, said this upcoming year will

  • Unit stands up at Vandenberg

    U.S. Strategic Command officials have split a single function into two in order to transform and enhance U.S. space capabilities. The Joint Functional Component Command for Space and Global Strike has been divided into JFCC for Space and JFCC for Global Strike and Integration. The split, initially

  • AFMC seeks to streamline test, evaluation processes

    If changes to the test and evaluation phases of new concept cars would improve mass production processes and reduce recalls, wouldn't it make sense for an auto manufacturer to spend $1 now if it meant saving $10 later? Officials at Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command think so and are applying

  • 'Old Ironsides' hosts Medal of Honor recipients

    More than 70 Medal of Honor recipients took part in a special Medal of Honor flag presentation during a ceremony aboard USS Constitution, "Old Ironsides," here Sept. 30. The flag was created by an Act of Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush Oct. 23, 2002, and each service is

  • Innovative calendar system tracks VIPs

    After employing a relatively simple Air Force Smart Operations 21 tool, Electronic Systems Center protocol office members here now have an innovative calendar system for tracking distinguished visitor information. AFSO 21 was designed to trigger ideas throughout the Air Force about how to streamline

  • COMUSAFE visits Portuguese defense officials

    The commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe met with Portuguese defense officials to build relationships and tour facilities Sept. 29. During the trip, Gen. Tom Hobbins visited Monte Real Air Base, Alcochete Range and Lisbon's Ministry of Defense, where he met Admiral Jose Manuel Garcia Mendes

  • Reserve personnel records continue going electronic

    Continuing the process of transferring personnel records to an electronic format, Air Force officials will begin scanning the Unit Personnel Record Group of active-duty Airmen in October. "There is only one copy of the UPRG kept at each unit," said Jo Hogue, chief of master personnel records at the

  • Koa Lightning sharpens B-52 aircrews' war fighting skills

    The B-52 aircrews of the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed from the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., are keeping their war fighting skills sharp as part of the United States' continuous bomber presence in the Pacific region. A highlight of the "Barons" first 30 days at Andersen

  • 55th Wing fulfills mission tasks from borrowed airfield

    Every day nearly 450 Airmen from the 55th Wing take the bus to work -- making an hour-long ride that takes them 50 miles away from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. The wing moved airfield operations and support agencies to the Lincoln Air Park ramp in May to continue flying missions remotely while

  • USO honors servicemembers for heroism

    The United Service Organizations celebrated its 65th anniversary Sept. 28 and honored troops from each branch of the military for heroism. "We are thankful that we are defended by men and women of character and courage, and we are grateful to all the USO volunteers to work to entertain them,"

  • Weather agency helps commanders with mission decisions

    Before flying to support ground forces or attack a target, Air Force and Army pilots run through a lengthy preflight checklist. Getting a go from Air Force weather forecasters is on the list twice. The meteorological data used by combat weather forecasters is collected by the Air Force Weather

  • USAFE commander honors German military

    By standing their ground for more than three years as sentinels of U.S. Air Forces in Europe installations, departing German servicemembers have not only kept Airmen and their families safe, but also enabled their American counterparts to more effectively engage in the war on terrorism. "Dear

  • Reserve, Guard leaders speak at AFA convention

    Both the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard's top leaders spoke to attendees of the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 26. Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley, Air Force Reserve Command commander, and Lt. Gen. Craig R. McKinley, Air National Guard

  • Air Force will get new bomber, upgrades to fighters

    The Air Force is looking to get a "next generation" long-range bomber by 2018, according to the commander of Air Combat Command. During the Air Force Association's 2006 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 27, Gen. Ronald E. Keys, the ACC commander, told reporters the

  • F-35 centerpiece for international partnership

    The F-35 Lightning II aircraft brings new capability to the Air Force, but also serves as a centerpiece for international cooperation. During the Air Force Association's 2006 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 26, Brig. Gen. Charles R. Davis, deputy program executive

  • Air Force undertaking force transformation initiatives

    The Air Force has changed direction in its effort to fulfill its legal requirements to organize, train and equip a flying force. During the Air Force Association's 2006 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 27, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley explained how

  • Ramstein team aids peacekeeping mission in Darfur

    Ramstein Airmen flew with a Botswana C-130 aircrew to the Darfur region Sept. 23 and 24 to support the African Union peacekeeping mission. Two C-130 Hercules crewmembers from the 86th Operations Support Squadron, aerial port Airmen from the 86th Air Mobility Squadron, and a force protection

  • Schriever Airmen assume GPS satellite responsibilities

    Airmen from the 1st Space Operations Squadron here assumed launch and early orbit responsibilities for Global Positioning System IIR-M 15 shortly after it lifted off Sept. 25 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. The satellite's journey of 11,000 miles began as its Delta II rocket lifted off a

  • Secretary, chief reiterate need for new tanker

    The Air Force must start buying new tankers now since it will take decades to replace its aging KC-135 Stratotankers, the Air Force secretary said. Air Force Secretary Michael W. Wynne said the service cannot buy its next fleet of tankers -- as yet to be determined -- any faster than the Air Force

  • Reductions necessary to recapitalize today's service

    Reducing the number of Airmen in the service is never easy business, but it's absolutely necessary to recapitalize today's service, said the Air Force's top personnel officer Sept. 26 at the annual Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference here. "This is a challenging time for all people in

  • AMC commander: Global mobility aircraft saving lives in Iraq

    Mobility aircraft in Iraq and Afghanistan are helping keep Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Sailors out of harm's way. During the Air Force Association's 2006 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 26, Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, Air Mobility Command commander, said C-130 Hercules

  • 4th Corps Soldiers get lift from 386th AEW

    Pvt. 1st Class Michael Sirrine is on his first deployment but knows plenty about being in the desert. A native of Tuscon, Ariz., he noticed as soon as he arrived in Kuwait, "it's just like home, with less cactus." Before boarding an Air Force C-130 Hercules in early September for Balad, Iraq,

  • Servicemembers get chance to tell their side of story

    Members of the Department of Defense's "Why We Serve" speakers bureau team shared stories of their service with employees of USAA, a 22,000-strong military financial services company, here Sept. 25-26. Over the past three weeks, the DOD's "Why We Serve" team of servicemembers from all the armed

  • Secretary Wynne speaks at AFA conference

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne spoke to Air Force leaders and supporters Sept. 25 as part of the Air Force Association's 2006 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington, D.C. The secretary addressed such challenges as the aging aircraft fleet, force-shaping

  • Marine corporal questions war coverage

    A Marine corporal quizzed top leaders at a recent Pentagon employees' question-and-answer session about what the department can do to counter the reporting of negative news from Iraq and Afghanistan."Negativity in the press is absolutely detrimental to the morale of our forces and our efforts in