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  • Kadena Airmen ensure link to the world

    Although they are not in the thick of things handing out food and supplies, Airmen from the 18th Communications Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, said that the parade of huge lumbering aircraft that come and go from here, only validates how their mission affects the success of relief

  • Servicemembers brave cold in final inaugural rehearsal

    It was freezing here Jan. 16, but that did not stop thousands of servicemembers from taking part in a final dress rehearsal for the Jan. 20 presidential inaugural parade.Lt. Col. Bruce Alexander, chief of the external media division for the Joint Task Force-Armed Forces Inaugural Committee said

  • Contracting makes it happen

    From beans to bullets, cradle to grave, one agency at a forward-deployed location makes it all happen. Whether it is bottled water to get Airmen through the heat of summer or vital supplies to keep the aircraft flying, the 386th Expeditionary Contracting Squadron is there to make sure the mission

  • Combat weather forecasters fight ‘fog of war’

    It rolls in when it wants to, covers everything in its path and makes visibility so poor you can barely see your hand in front of your face. It is what some here call “the fog of war.”This fog, however, is the real thing. It is a fog so thick it makes missions for Operation Enduring Freedom here

  • General Jumper qualifies in F/A-22 Raptor

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper ended two weeks of training here Jan. 12, flying his qualification flight in the F/A-22 Raptor, the Air Force’s newest fighter aircraft.“I’ve been involved with the Raptor program for years, in one way or another,” General Jumper said. “Now, to be able

  • Airmen aid Nevada flood relief effort

    Airmen here provided assistance to flood victims in southern Nevada on Jan 11.Four Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters from Nellis’ 66th Rescue Squadron flew to Caliente, Nev., to evacuate 118 students and 19 staff members from a youth center in Caliente to a school about 15 miles from the

  • F-15E crew uses new targeting pod

    An F-15E Strike Eagle aircrew from the 494th Fighter Squadron took part in a flight that marked an evolution in weapons technology when it used a Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod on the aircraft Jan. 7.An F-15E weapons system officer can now independently launch satellite-guided weapons on targets.

  • Operation Hero 'deploys' Airmen's children

    Today’s servicemember has a good understanding of what a deployment is, how it goes and what to do. But sometimes family members, especially the children, do not understand what is happening or why their mom or dad has to go.Children of 33rd Fighter Wing Airmen recently got a taste of what their

  • Airborne security flight reaches across ‘high frontier’

    It was enough to make a person nauseous. The UH-1N Huey tested the limits of both the aircraft and the defenders it carried as it turned nearly on its side circling the missile launch facility.With their cast-iron stomachs, the security forces Airmen glared out the aircraft’s windows to conduct an

  • Airman moonlights as CAP officer

    During the week Jillian Smith is called “airman first class”; on the weekends it is “lieutenant.” Why the change? The 27th Intelligence Support Squadron communications troop splits her time between the Air Force and the Virginia Wing of the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol. A nonprofit

  • Commissioning program available for active-duty Airmen

    In 2001, Second Lt. Christiane Makela was one step away from leaving the Air Force. At the time, she was a staff sergeant assigned to the 56th Civil Engineer Squadron at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.She changed her mind and traded her stripes for gold lieutenant bars via the Airman Education and

  • Guardsmen help with tsunami relief

    Alaska and Hawaii, the two closest states, are supporting American relief efforts by sending Air National Guardsmen and resources to the region devastated by the Dec. 26 earthquake and tsunamis, Guard spokesmen said.Guardsmen are supporting the unprecedented relief effort for Indonesia, India, Sri

  • Relief effort switches gears

    The tsunami relief effort has switched gears and moved out of the crisis-response stage, the commander of the Air Force expeditionary airlift wing at Utapao, Thailand, said.Sixteen days after tsunamis hit 12 countries in Southeast Asia, the flow of aid into the region has moved into a more

  • Airman rescues sister-in-law during home explosion

    An Airman and his wife were getting ready to leave their mobile home in nearby Wichita, to spend the afternoon shopping when, in an instant, a big explosion changed their plans.A neighboring mobile home 25 feet away from their own had exploded and both sides collapsed.Staff Sgt. Scott Seagraves, a

  • AF’s former top military lawyer to retire in reduced rank

    Air Force Secretary Dr. James G. Roche has directed that Maj. Gen. Thomas J. Fiscus, the former Judge Advocate General of the Air Force, be retired in the permanent grade of colonel effective Feb. 1. Retirement in the grade of colonel instead of major general will result in a future retired pay

  • Air Force, partners deliver aid to Indonesia

    Unfamiliar partners from disparate lands have tuned the tools of their humanitarian outreach trade and are working in unison in the wake of one of the world’s worst natural disasters.Airmen of the 353rd Special Operations Group, based in Langkawi, Malaysia, said the 16-hour days typically begin,

  • Airmen bring aid where needed

    The children of Banda Aceh, Indonesia, a province in the northern tip of Sumatra hit hard by the Dec. 26 tsunamis, returned to school Jan. 10. It is not the same school they remember, and the class lists have been revised downward, too often halved. But it is a small step toward recovery -- a path

  • New year brings new missions for Air Force Reserve

    This year, citizen Airmen will see some new missions headed their way as they continue their efforts to fight and support the war against terrorism.Responding to the active-duty needs, reservists will take part in Future Total Force initiatives that will test new organizational constructs to

  • Deployed Airmen support Operation Unified Assistance

    The mission was simple: bring a forklift here only to be moved by another unit to Banda Aceh, Indonesia, the next day. Airmen of the 374th Air Expeditionary Wing at Utapao, Thailand, support Combined Support Force 536, which is playing an integral role to the international support effort called

  • Combat weather team forecasts mission success

    Cloud reading may seem an ethereal art, but predicting the effects of alto cumulus clouds blowing over the southwest mountain range here is a pure science to aviators and ground troops traveling there.Leaders here rely on the technical know-how of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing’s Combat weather

  • Campaign brings hope to Airmen

    A new initiative by the Air Force chaplain’s office aims to bring to Airmen something that cannot be issued -- hope.Air Force chaplain service officials kicked off a year-long and service-wide "Campaign of Hope" Jan. 3, said Chaplain (Col.) Bob Page, of the chaplain’s office. The campaign started

  • Course changes enhance enlisted professionals

    Air Force officials recently standardized enlisted professional enhancement courses and changed the supervisory structure for career assistance advisers and First Term Airman’s Center course managers. These changes enhance enlisted professionals by linking formal training, education and on-the-job

  • Airman making ‘inaugural’ performance

    When Tech. Sgt. Bradley Bennett sings the national anthem Jan. 20 at the presidential inauguration here, it will be a first for both him and the Air Force. "This will be the first time in history that the Air Force has had such a performing role at the inauguration," said Sen. Trent Lott, Joint

  • Deployed Airmen volunteer for honor guard

    Airmen at forward-deployed locations often spend most of their day at work. Downtime is something to be cherished; however, some Airmen deployed with the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing are using some of their personal time to serve the community.Be it at a promotion, award ceremony or weekly retreat,

  • DOD ready to bolster medical, health support

    Defense Department officials are ready, willing and prepared to provide medical assistance as needed to aid tsunami victims and help stem widespread disease, the Pentagon's top doctor said Jan. 4. Dr. William Winkenwerder Jr., assistant secretary defense for health affairs, said DOD officials are

  • Assignment listing available

    The Enlisted Quarterly Assignment Listing for Airmen returning from overseas and those listed as “mandatory movers” within the continental United States from May through July will be available Jan. 11.Individuals need to work through their military personnel flights or their commander's support

  • 'Andro' supplement off limits in new year

    Airmen who take androstenedione to increase muscle mass will soon have to ditch the supplement and just do extra repetitions at the gym.Under a new law that takes effect Jan. 20, the prohormone androstenedione will be classified as a Schedule III controlled substance. Schedule III substances are

  • Commander: Airmen in for long haul at Bagram

    Where gravel was once the material of choice, concrete now sets in preparation for new buildings and storage areas at the Air Force sector here.The 455th Air Expeditionary Wing is growing to match the organizational structure more common to other Air Force wings, said Brig. Gen. James P. Hunt, the

  • Predators help TACP Airmen with mission

    If mentioned at all, tactical air control party Airmen are usually linked with a group of special forces on the front lines.Normally these Airmen find themselves out in the field directing combat aircraft against insurgents or coordinating artillery fire with air strikes, but most certainly not

  • More Airmen eligible for Air Force Recognition Ribbon

    More Airmen can wear the Air Force Recognition Ribbon for winning service-level competitions and awards.A recent change to an Air Force instruction allows members of small teams participating in events such as security forces' Defender Challenge, Air Mobility Command Rodeo or the William Tell

  • Air Force team to aid Secret Service during inauguration

    When President Bush is inaugurated Jan. 20, an Air Force Communications Agency team will be there, and elsewhere, supporting the U.S. Secret Service.Agency officials started providing communications support for the 2004 presidential campaign two years ago. Since then, the 52 people of the Air Force

  • Warming things up around Manas

    Everyone know that the song says, “Oh, the weather outside is frightful and the fire is so delightful,” but fires are not allowed in tents here; thankfully heaters are. The 10 Airmen assigned to the 376th Civil Engineer Squadron’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning shop work to keep that

  • EOD Airmen play key role in Balad mission

    When the command post announces “Attention on the net, this is Panther, alarm red is in effect,” Airmen here don their protective gear and take cover. The base is under attack.Airmen of the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal flight work to quickly get the

  • ‘Good thing’ when nothing happens

    When nothing happens, it is a good thing, said Capt. Mark Martin, 386th Expeditionary Security Forces chief of anti-terrorism and force protection at a forward-deployed location.Captain Martin is not referring to the day-to-day activities. Or rather, he is, in regards to base security.With more

  • ‘Silver Lobos’ fly into retirement

    The Air Force’s last operational F-4 Phantom II squadron held its inactivation ceremony here Dec. 20.The inactivation of the 20th Fighter Squadron, known as the Silver Lobos, also signifies the end of a 33-year German-American joint fighter training program in the decades-old F-4E and F aircraft.

  • Small miracle -- Dangerously premature baby defies odds

    The greatest miracles come in the smallest packages. Just ask Tinker’s Nash family. Genevieve Faith Nash, the fifth child and first daughter of Staff Sgt. Gary Nash and his wife, Kelley, will be 5 months old when she celebrates her first Christmas, but she was supposed to be just 6 weeks old.“She

  • Wrestlers grapple for troops in Iraq

    Thousands of servicemembers in Iraq got up close and personal with professional wrestlers from World Wrestling Entertainment, and the rest of the world will get a chance to watch.The entertainment group’s weekly “Smackdown” program will air Dec. 23 on UPN, featuring matches conducted Dec. 18 at Camp

  • Crash leads to investigation, Raptor safety stand down

    Commanders of units flying the F/A-22 Raptor called for a safety stand down of the fleet following a crash Dec. 20 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.The pilot ejected safely and suffered no serious injuries.The aircraft, assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron at Nellis, crashed on takeoff

  • AF issues Article 15 to top military lawyer

    The commander of Air Education and Training Command completed nonjudicial punishment action against the Air Force’s former top military lawyer Dec. 21.Following a review of an Air Force inspector general investigation into allegations of wrongdoing, Gen. Donald G. Cook, AETC commander, punished Maj.

  • Blood transfer center essential to mission

    Six Airmen deployed to an air base here are the lifeline of Operation Iraqi Freedom -- literally and figuratively. For them, receiving, monitoring and shipping blood products is a sobering, but motivating responsibility.“People’s lives depend on the accuracy of our job performance,” said Staff Sgt.

  • Kunsan Airmen destroy Korean War bazooka round

    During base exercises, Airmen are faced with scud attacks, casualties and property destruction, but none of it is actually real. However, during an exercise Dec. 16, a 50-year-old Korean War bazooka round that was found and turned in was real.A group of Korean explosive ordnance disposal troops told

  • Portal allows Airmen to chat with friends, family

    Airmen at home station or a deployed location can now send instant messages to their friends or loved ones whenever they have access to the Internet. The Air Force recently implemented the "Friends and Family Instant Messenger" program, available through the Air Force Portal. Now, besides using

  • Air Force leaders send holiday message

    The following is a holiday message from Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper:“In this special holiday season we offer our sincere best wishes to you, our Air Force family -- our total force of active duty, Guard, Reserve and civilians, as

  • Now showing: Dec. 20 edition of AFTV News

    This edition of Air Force Television News is a special program examining the past, present and future of unmanned aerial vehicles in the Air Force. The first of two holiday specials offered by Air Force Electronic News, the program is produced by Staff Sgt. Michael Noel.In the first segment of the

  • Surprise inspection nets weapons, alcohol, merchandise

    Officials here found unauthorized firearms and alcohol, military uniforms and other merchandise during a surprise inspection of areas inhabited by third-country workers and American contractors.“The sweep was the first of its kind and, because of its success, has set the precedence for future

  • USO, NFL honor fallen Soldier

    The stars came out in the afternoon here Dec. 16 to honor a fallen Soldier. The groundbreaking ceremony for the Pat Tillman United Service Organizations Center featured military, sports and Hollywood icons. Gen. Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; John Elway, National Football

  • Stadium dedicated to fallen Airman

    More than 150 servicemembers from Balad Air Base and Logistics Support Area Anaconda gathered at the base stadium Dec. 15 to remember a fallen comrade.Base leaders officially renamed the stadium Holt Memorial Stadium, in honor of Airman 1st Class Antoine J. Holt. Airman Holt was killed during a

  • Airmen move crucial cargo for warfighters

    Airmen of the 437th Aerial Port Squadron here are packaging and delivering critical supplies, including vehicle armor, to American warfighters in Iraq.Charleston Air Force Base, the hub for shipping supplies supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom has seen a 71 percent increase in operations.Since Dec.

  • Studying key to earning next stripe

    Enlisted promotion hopefuls will need to pull out their study materials as the next testing cycle is on the horizon. Testing for promotion to technical sergeant and master sergeant will be held throughout the Air Force Feb. 15 through March 31, and testing for staff sergeant will be held May 1

  • Increased C-130, C-17 flights relieve Army ground convoys

    Airmen are moving more cargo, including armored vehicles, repair parts and ammunition, to assist Soldiers in getting needed materiel to troops in the Iraq theater. “The Air Force is clearly focusing its efforts, helping the Army give the ground forces the opportunity to reduce the traffic on the

  • Balad Airmen welcome USO tour

    Troops from here and Logistics Support Area Anaconda were treated to an early Christmas present Dec. 14.The United Service Organizations brought the servicemembers the Chairman’s Holiday Tour. Gen. Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and tour host, greeted more than 2,000 troops

  • New agreement will strengthen network security

    In an initiative to secure computers and networks worldwide, Air Force officials entered into an agreement with Microsoft to purchase software and support for more than a half-million computers. Under the agreement, in partnership with Dell Computer Corp., all existing Air Force software and

  • Recruiting focuses on select career fields

    The Air Force continues to recruit high quality people while using force-shaping efforts to keep people in critical career fields, the Air Force Recruiting Service commander said during a recent visit here. Brig. Gen. Robertus C.N. Remkes said the Air Force is striving to “balance the books” by

  • JAG Corps offers accessions programs

    The Air Force's Judge Advocate General Corps gives company-grade officers two opportunities during January through March to join their ranks. The programs, the Funded Legal Education Program and the Excess Leave Program, allow active-duty officers to pursue law degrees without leaving the Air Force

  • Combat personnelists get Airmen in, out of deployment

    They do not fly combat missions, build bombs or conduct perimeter patrols, but the PERSCO team here processes the documents that make it possible for pilots, ammo troops and security forces to do those things supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. From hail to farewell, a two-person Personnel

  • Five Airmen receive Silver Stars

    Air Force Secretary Dr. James G. Roche presented five Airmen here Silver Stars on Dec. 9 for their handling of close-air support missions during operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.“(We) are extremely proud of all of you and of all the battle-fit Airmen in the 18th Air Support Operations

  • Deployed Marine teaches Airmen martial arts

    Physically, Marine Sgt. Luis Mercado stands a modest 5-feet-7-inches tall and weighs only 150 pounds. But he barks orders and works his students as though he were King Kong himself.“I want to share my knowledge,” the martial arts instructor said. “There’s no point in keeping it to myself.”Sergeant

  • Ugandans get air power lesson

    The U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander addressed the first class of Ugandan Senior Command and Staff College attendees here Dec. 2 during the course’s air power week. As the guest lecturer, Gen. Robert H. “Doc” Foglesong talked about issues ranging from air and space power to leadership and how the

  • Air Force merging information technology offices

    The secretary of the Air Force announced Dec. 7 plans to consolidate three headquarters-level organizations under one commander. The offices of warfighting integration, the chief information officer and communications operations will be reorganized into the office of networks and warfighting

  • Golden retriever ‘finds’ girl to help

    Berkley has a new friend for life. The golden retriever service dog, “found” 7-year-old Jamie Rizzo when her family visited the Canine Assistants headquarters in Alpharetta, Ga.Since birth, the daughter of 1st Lt. Victor Rizzo, of the 3rd Space Operations Squadron here, has had developmental

  • Academy fallout will change all military services

    All servicemembers will deal with the fallout from the sexual assault problems at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Department of Defense officials said here Dec. 7.First, the department "takes any and all allegations of sexual harassment and sexual assault very seriously," said Pentagon spokesman Larry

  • Airmen teach English to South Korean children

    Airmen from here are traveling to Suwon City to help teach English to students at an elementary school.Since August, 25 Airmen assigned to the 51st Medical Group have taught English at the school the first Saturday of every month.The volunteer work got the attention of the city’s mayor, Kim Young

  • Financial impact of force shaping lessened

    Airmen transitioning to the Air Force Reserve through Palace Chase or to the Army through Blue to Green force-shaping initiatives now face a lighter economic impact.Airmen will no longer have to pay education costs or unearned portions of enlistment bonuses if they applied for separation after Dec.

  • Officials release academy sexual-assault IG reports

    Defense Department and Air Force officials released findings of two inspector general investigation reports on sexual assault at the U.S. Air Force Academy.The findings were presented at a Pentagon press briefing Dec. 7 by the deputy undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, Dr. David

  • Controllers use "giant voice" to keep Airmen informed

    Packed into a small, windowless container like sardines in a can, the Airmen who run the command post at Camp Sather here are always in the know, and they do not mind letting everyone know it in a very loud voice. The eight controllers make their point by transmitting crucial safety and security

  • Training prepares security forces Airmen for deployment

    Airmen of the 482nd Security Forces Squadron held a tactical training exercise here Dec. 5. The purpose of the exercise was to prepare them for a variety of possible scenarios if and when they deploy.Convoy missions and urban operations are among the most common challenges for security forces

  • Military families ride in Disney Christmas parade

    Three families of Airmen assigned to the 45th Space Wing here rode on a float Dec. 3 for the taping of the annual Walt Disney World Christmas Parade in Orlando. The families, along with one of a Sailor from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., were asked to represent military families and

  • Amputee pilot back in the cockpit

    Most people would have thought Lt. Col. Andrew Lourake would never see the inside of an Air Force cockpit again, at least not as a pilot.The colonel was injured in a motorcycle accident in the fall of 1998. Infection following surgery to repair a broken bone left him with few choices but to have

  • Now showing: Dec. 6 edition of AFTV News

    Two inspirational stories headline the latest edition of Air Force Television News. In the first, Staff Sgt. John Anderson profiles the story of Lt. Col. Andrew Lourake, a pilot whose flying career seemed doomed after his leg was amputated. Instead, through hard work and rehabilitation, Colonel

  • Fighter pilot film about teamwork, thrill of flight

    Civilians and Airmen alike can get breathtaking insight into parts of the Air Force they may not have seen before. The IMAX film "Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag," premiered Dec. 2 at the National Air and Space Museum here. Filmgoers got an inside look at one of the Air Force's largest training

  • Murray calls people Air Force's greatest resource

    Readiness and taking care of one another are two of the Air Force’s top priorities, said the Air Force’s top enlisted leader here Dec. 1.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray said it all comes down to people being the Air Force’s greatest resource.“We are absolutely proud of what our

  • Medics, aircrews work together to save lives

    The cold, metal interior of a loud, rumbling C-130 Hercules, accompanied by the smell of jet fuel and the sight of red tracer rounds in the distance, may not seem like the ideal environment to treat patients. However, for those providing medical care to those who need it quickly, there is really no

  • Ammo Airmen help put steel on target

    Listen closely around the desert flightline at this deployed location and you will eventually hear the scream of an eagle or falcon flying overhead. These birds of prey are Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and F-16 Fighting Falcons racing off to support the war on terrorism. Helping ground forces

  • CE mapping goes digital with click of button

    Airmen of the 8th Civil Engineer Squadron here are giving new meaning to the term “situational awareness” by mapping the entire base in a digital format. The effort is part of an Air Force-wide program known as GeoBase.The program uses a “smart map,” said Maj. Dave McClure, 8th CES deputy

  • New satellite terminal provides real-time intelligence

    A new satellite communications system is now operational that will help provide warfighters timely intelligence from U-2 Dragon Lady reconnaissance flights.Officials with the 480th Intelligence Wing here brought the Transportable Medium Earth Terminal II satellite communications system online Nov.

  • Officials announce Future Total Force initiatives

    Air Force officials plan to tap into the inherent strength and experience of all three Air Force components to increase overall combat capability.They announced six test initiatives Dec. 1 that fall under the Future Total Force plan that puts Airmen from active-duty, Air National Guard and Air Force

  • ‘Cable Dawgs’ keep Kirkuk connected

    Many people take for granted the luxury of having a dial tone when they pick up the phone, and e-mail when they turn on their computer, but there is a special group of Airmen working behind the scenes here to make it happen.The “Cable Dawgs,” as Airmen of the 506th Expeditionary Communications

  • CMSAF shares insight on fitness

    Almost a year into the Air Force’s new fitness program, the service’s senior enlisted Airman said he is happy with some things, but said the program is “not where it needs to be yet.”“(Air Force chief of staff Gen. John P. Jumper and I) are pleased, but we’re not so naïve to think you can change a

  • Air Force District of Washington reactivates

    The Air Force District of Washington reactivates Jan. 1 to more effectively support the war on terrorism and align the command structure in the National Capital Region with the other military services, officials said.“This (gives) the Air Force a ‘single voice’ for working cross-service issues

  • Tower dedication honors two Airmen killed in combat

    It was predicted there would not be a dry eye in the house. As the guests gathered to honor two fallen heroes, that prediction came true.Family members and tactical air control party Airmen honored fellow tactical controllers Staff Sgt. Jacob Frazier and Airman 1st Class Raymond Losano during a

  • Strike Eagles support ‘guys on the ground’

    While originally designed as a fighter-bomber, the F-15E Strike Eagle took on a new mission during the past three years. Today, it is almost strictly used for close-air support, giving troops on the ground added air protection and precise target elimination, officials said.“Three years ago no one

  • Be prepared for flu season

    Colder temperatures signal the start of the flu season, which runs primarily between December and April. With a nationwide shortage of vaccine this year, health officials say it is important to know the symptoms of this contagious respiratory illness, and what to do if a person is infected.The flu

  • Airmen help Soldiers keep OIF supplies rolling

    By moving nearly 1.3 million pounds of cargo in one day recently, Balad-based Airmen assigned to the Arrival/Departure Air Cargo Group are breaking new ground for cargo movement supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.The Airmen are part of Detachment 2632 of the 732nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness

  • Airman, dog provide security for Afghanistan

    In August, Staff Sgt. David Yepsen had to do everything all Airmen do when they deploy, from updating training to getting medically cleared. He also had one more thing to worry about -- his military working dog deploying alongside him.Sergeant Yepsen and his dog, Dax, from the 43rd Security Forces

  • Fuels Airmen ‘top off’ mission

    A key part of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing’s mission is providing aerial refueling capabilities for the war on terrorism. For tankers, or any other aircraft, to get off the ground, they rely on the Air Force’s expeditionary fuel distribution center at a forward-deployed location.The 380th

  • Volunteers play key role in OIF medical mission

    Providing medical care for the wounded warriors of Operation Iraqi Freedom means long days and nights for Airmen assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group here. But because more than 150 volunteers regularly give their off-duty time to lend a hand, the medics are getting some relief.The

  • Afghanistan-based Airmen revive adopt-a-village program

    Afghan children and adults swarmed Airmen bearing gifts recently, marking the revival of Bagram Air Base’s adopt-a-village program.To create more room for the almost daily arrival of clothing, toy and school supply donations from people worldwide, the program restarted with three distribution

  • ‘No place like home’ for McGuire Airmen

    Many servicemembers have reasons for choosing the base or region where they are stationed. For five McGuire Airmen who hail from the same hometown, a base close to home seemed like the right choice.None of them knew they would end up here at the same time and in the same unit.Staff Sgt. Joseph

  • New EEO process optimizes complaint resolution

    Air Force officials recently implemented a more streamlined process to help civilians resolve discrimination issues in their workplace.The new process, called the “compressed orderly rapid equitable” process, became available to civilians Oct. 1. The process is expected to greatly expedite

  • Four-legged sentinels key to force protection

    Dogs are rarely permitted anywhere these days. Whether it is the grocery store or a crowded rock concert, dogs are often turned away at the door. However, at a forward-deployed location here, the dogs have free reign and an important job to do.From detecting explosives to searching buildings and

  • Deployed Airmen record storybook videos for children

    Airmen and Soldiers assigned to Camp Sather here are making storybook videos for their children back home. The “read to your child/video greeting program” is operated by the 447th Air Expeditionary Group services flight.The program, which began Nov 19, lets troops record a video of them reading a

  • New IMAX film a first for the Air Force

    If you have never been part of a Red Flag exercise, you can at least watch the movie. The IMAX film "Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag" premiers Dec. 2 at the Smithsonian Museum, Udvar-Hazy Center, near here. The movie is the first large format film to showcase the U.S. Air Force. The film is

  • Dentist, technician battle workload to get the job done

    At home station, many people avoid seeing the dentist. But at a forward-deployed location here, people seem to flock to the dentist. With only one dentist and one dental technician, the dental clinic is responsible for the care of more than 10,000 people across the host nation and into the U.S.

  • Air Force leaders send Thanksgiving message

    The following is a Thanksgiving message from Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper:“Each year, Americans set aside the special day of ‘Thanksgiving’ to gather with family and friends to count their blessings. At the first Thanksgiving

  • Bagram Airmen build bombs

    Building up flares and guided bombs is all in a day’s work for ammunitions troops here, as it is for conventional munitions technicians throughout the region. Being assigned to the 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron ammunitions unit is about keeping the munitions supply lines flowing,

  • Vietnam veteran ensures every hero gets proper welcome

    It happened to Steve Cobb during his first tour in Vietnam with the 11th Light Infantry Brigade. He was wounded in combat -- four times."I got four Purple Hearts my first tour and zero my second," Mr. Cobb said. "I finally learned to duck." While learning to duck may have been an extremely

  • Air Force 'e-exams' provide instant results

    Whether at home or in the field, the answer will come sooner when it comes to taking an Air Force examination.By January, Air Force Institute for Advanced Distributed Learning officials at nearby Gunter Annex will have fully implemented the e-exam computer-based testing program which will provide a

  • Senator praises Air Force secretary

    A leading member of Congress praised Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche on the floor of the U.S. Senate on Nov. 19, just days after the secretary announced his resignation.Sen. James Inhofe paid tribute Secretary Roche’s service, specifically pointing to his efforts at revitalizing

  • Now showing: Nov. 22 edition of AFTV News

    The roles of the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, are spotlighted in the latest edition of Air Force Television News. Staff Sgt. Melissa Allan talks to the commanders of Air Force Reserve Command and the National Guard Bureau about how the

  • Security forces work as customs inspectors

    For years, security forces Airmen have been the first line of defense for air bases and Airmen, securing them both from attack. Since March, security forces Airmen of the 886th Expeditionary Security Forces Group have been protecting America in a new mission -- that of customs and agriculture