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U.S. Air Force News

  • Airmen, Marines hone tactical recovery skills

    The thunderous sound of an MV-22 Osprey echoes over an open field as it lands. Emerging from its lowered door is the I Marine Expeditionary Force from Camp Pendleton, California, who advance on the New Mexican desert to fulfill their objective: find the downed aircrew and bring them home safely.

  • Air Force seeks 2017 GEICO award nominations

    The Air Force is accepting nominations for the 2017 Government Employees Insurance Company Military Service Awards. These awards annually recognize enlisted active duty, and one Reserve or Guard member from all branches of service for contributions to military or private-sector communities.

  • US departs Aero India, leaves stronger relationships behind

    U.S. aircraft, crew and support personnel, as well as members of the State Department and other U.S. representatives returned home this week after a strong showing at Aero India 2017 at Air Force Station Yelahanka, India Feb. 20.

  • Around the Air Force: March 3

    On this look around the Air Force, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright speak at the Air Force Association Air Warfare Symposium.

  • JBLE welcomes President Trump

    President Donald J. Trump greeted a crowd of service members, their families and friends as he made his first official visit to Joint Base Langley-Eustis and the Tidewater military community, March 2.

  • AFE: One stitch between life, death

    “When someone’s life is in your hands, you have to be cognizant that their life depends on you... You only get one chance,” said Senior Airman Tyler Wineman, a 1st Operation Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, alluding to what could happen to a pilot if technicians, like him, did

  • Disbrow delivers State of the AF

    Acting Secretary of the Air Force Lisa S. Disbrow addressed current and future issues, and talked about some of the occasions the Air Force has to look forward to in 2017 during the Air Force Association Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Florida, March 3.

  • 20th FW kicks off Red Flag 17-2 at Nellis

    The U.S. Air Force’s two-week premier air-to-air combat training exercise Red Flag 17-2 began Feb. 27, 2017 and will conclude March 10.Held multiple times each year on the vast bombing and gunnery ranges of the 2.9 million acre Nevada Test and Training Range, Red Flag is a realistic combat training

  • Goldfein: Multi-domain C2 is way of thinking

    Now eight months into his tenure, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein provided an Air Force update during the Air Force Association Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Florida, March 2, 2017.

  • Wright: Airmen need to be ‘well trained, well led, resilient’

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright addressed the areas in which he looks to focus on during his tenure as the 18th chief master sergeant of the Air Force at the Air Force Association Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Florida, March 2, 2017.

  • AF initiates plan for CSAF Focus Area No. 2

    The Air Force is moving out on its top general’s number two focus area – Strengthening Joint Leaders and Teams.In the fall of 2016, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein announced three areas he considers foundational to the Air Force: Revitalizing Air Force squadrons, Strengthening Joint

  • Fusion warfare key to C2 future

    Despite adversaries’ attempts to imitate and interfere, the Air Force’s command and control capabilities are the best in the world, said the commander of Air Combat Command during the Air Force Association Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Florida, March 2.

  • AF seeks Alison Award for Character and Innovation nominations

    Air Force officials are accepting nominations for the Alison Award for Character and Innovation.The award, sponsored by the Falcon Foundation in support of the U.S. Air Force Academy, recognizes one Air Force commissioned officer who has demonstrated outstanding character and innovation in a single

  • Around the Air Force: March 1

    On this look around the Air Force, the Air Force plans to retire the MQ-1B Predator, the trials for the Air Force Warrior Games are underway, and a C-5 Galaxy transported Apache helicopters for the Army.

  • AF seeks 2017 BIG Meritorious Service Award nominees

    The Air Force is seeking nominations for the 2017 Blacks in Government Meritorious Service Award.The BIG award honors military members and Defense Department civilian employees who have supported the DOD mission or overseas contingency operations, or whose attributes best epitomize the qualities and

  • Fallen Defender honored with boat dedication

    The 96th Security Forces Squadron christened a new patrol vessel in honor of Senior Airman Nathan Sartain, a fallen defender at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, Feb. 24, 2017.

  • 2017 AF Trials commence

    Dozens of U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, Australian and Great Britain wounded warriors gathered here Feb. 24, 2017, to mark the opening ceremony of the fourth annual Air Force Warrior Game Trials competition at the Warrior Fitness Center at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.These trials are part of an

  • Nominations open for 2017 American Legion Spirit of Service Award

    Air Force officials are accepting nominations for the 2017 American Legion Spirit of Service Award which is presented annually to one enlisted member from the active and reserve components who demonstrated outstanding volunteer service in their local community.

  • Iowa air refueling wing supports NATO

    This month, members of the Iowa Air National Guard's 185th Air Refueling Wing based in Sioux City, Iowa, are refueling NATO Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft while assigned to NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen, Germany.

  • Goldfein’s revitalizing squadrons initiative base visits begins

    The Air Force District of Washington and Joint Base Andrews are on the leading edge of a chief of staff of the Air Force initiative that will impact the total force Air Force.The core project team tasked with overseeing a three-phase, full-time project to revitalize Air Force squadrons chose AFDW

  • Goldfein speaks on the imperatives of airpower

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein addressed the budget, people as his number one readiness priority, a networked approach to warfare in the 21st Century, and the nuclear enterprise at a Military Strategy Forum event Feb. 23, 2017, at the Center for Strategic and International Studies

  • Air liaison officers test cadets

    Cadets from the Air Force Academy attended an Air Liaison Officers Aptitude Assessment Feb. 13 – 17, 2017 at Camp Bullis, Texas. Current ALOs and enlisted tactical air control party members from the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing filled the roles of cadre and raters to assess if the cadets have

  • Security forces provides FAST protection to aircrews in austere locations

    Last month, the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing flew more than 600 sorties in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Many of these missions involved flying into austere locations to deliver cargo and personnel to forward-deployed locations to aid in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and

  • Travis supports FEMA

    Due to historical rainfall and flooding across Northern California, Travis Air Force Base is supporting an incident management assistance team (IMAT) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency with a staging area at the base.

  • Around the Air Force: Feb. 22

    On this look around the Air Force, NASA astronauts attend water survival training at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington and Lt. Gen. Arnold Bunch Jr. discusses how the Should Cost Program is saving the Air Force billions.

  • Robotic arm tool poised to save costly inspection time

    A common problem for aircraft maintainers may soon be a thing of the past, thanks to an Air Force Research Laboratory advanced inspection robotics research effort.AFRL researchers recently traveled to Hill Air Force Base, Utah, to demonstrate the Remote Access Nondestructive Evaluation (RANDE)

  • Active, Reserve components assemble to become Total FSS

    The 349th and 60th Force Support Squadrons have always had a strong partnership, but coming March 6, the two units will form a union and join together in a shared location as the Travis Air Force Base Total Force Support Squadron.

  • Stronger through adversity: Airman rebounding after aneurysm

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.) Early on Dec. 9, 2015, Staff Sgt. Rasheed, a 7th Intelligence Squadron signals intelligence analyst, experienced a cerebral aneurysm. From what he can

  • CMSAF: Airmen say goodbye to Cody, welcome Wright

    An American flag, the symbol of freedom, served as the backdrop in a vast aircraft hangar. The bleachers were filled to the brim with Airmen, families and well-wishers from all around the Air Force who came to bid farewell to the 17th Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody and welcome the

  • Around the Air Force: Feb. 17

    On this look around the Air Force, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody tells senators that Airmen earn their compensation and addresses the importance of the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities Program.

  • Alaskan Raptors arrive in Australia for training initiative

    The last wave of F-22 Raptors from the 90th Fighter Squadron at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, arrived here Feb. 14 to launch bilateral exercise and training missions with the Royal Australian Air Force and further strengthen the military relationship the two nations share.

  • 18th CMSAF: The Airman behind the stripes

    Growing up with five other siblings, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright said he had a very loving home. However, living in poor neighborhoods and moving from place to place presented trials. In his own words, they were, ‘humble beginnings.’

  • LO technicians keep pilots undetected, alive

    F-22 Raptor and F-35A Lightning II pilots may take the reins of their respective aircraft; however, it takes preparation from outside the cockpit to get them where they need to go undetected.

  • Red Flag 17-1 pushes domain, fifth-gen integration

    As coalition pilots, intelligence analysts, and cyber and space operators convene at the Nevada Test and Training Range north of Las Vegas, for Red Flag 17-1, they have one goal in mind: work together to defeat the adversary, which at times is 20 living adversaries simultaneously working to attack

  • Fairchild pilots $4.3 billion DOD electronic health record upgrade

    The 92nd Medical Group hosted a “go-live” recognition ceremony Feb. 15, 2017, to celebrate the launch of the Defense Department’s new integrated electronic health record system, Medical Health System GENESIS. The 92nd MDG was selected as the first DOD medical clinic to launch this $4.3 billion

  • Patriot Wyvern hones Reserve wing’s readiness skills

    Airmen from the 349th Air Mobility Wing took part in a Patriot Wyvern exercise here Feb. 10 – 12. Patriot Wyvern, which takes place twice a year, brings together organizations across the unit for the common purpose of ensuring mission-ready Airmen for worldwide contingency operations. Over the

  • Around the Air Force: Feb. 14

    On this look around the Air Force, Airmen at Beale Air Force Base, California, assist evacuees displaced by Oroville Dam spillage and security forces advisors train Afghan airmen.

  • Regional affairs program gets 54 new officers

    The Air Force has selected 54 line officers--51 captains and three majors--into the Regional Affairs Strategist program. The program, managed by the under secretary of the Air Force, international affairs, is a force development initiative intended to create a cadre of officers with in-depth

  • AF senior leaders invest in STEM future

    As the Air Force continues to develop and modernize its forces and equipment, the need for science, technology, engineering and mathematics professionals within the service grows.In an effort to help develop the STEM professionals of the future, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein and a

  • Self-developed intelligence program strengthens coalition fight against ISIL

    As the air war against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant expands, so does the amount of data and information collected: swathes of terrain, patterns of life, historical data and real-time discovery.Adapting to the speed of war – it’s the objective placed upon the Intelligence, Surveillance

  • BLUE: A step ahead

    Staying a step ahead in current and future conflicts required a new edge in air warfare. In this episode, we introduce you to the newest fifth-generation, multi-role fighter aircraft, the F-35A Lightning II.

  • AMC commander: Mobility Airmen play vital role in joint operations

    The commander of Air Mobility Command presented AMC’s role in joint operations as a vital part of national security and as an example of the ‘wingman concept’ in a presentation during the AMC Headquarters staff Wingman Day event at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Feb. 8, 2017.

  • Around the Air Force: Feb. 10

    On this look around the Air Force, the F-35A Lightning II makes its Red Flag debut, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein shares his goals for space, and the Air Force is committed to fostering civilian development.

  • AFCENT Airmen fight from ultimate high ground

    As adversaries and challenges evolve in dynamic battlefields across the globe, U.S. service members from U.S. Air Forces Central Command are using cutting-edge technology to support and defend joint and coalition warfighters.

  • Wilson testifies on current state of the AF

    Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Stephen Wilson testified on the need for increased force structure and modernization before the House and Senate Armed Services committees Feb. 7 and 8 on Capitol Hill.

  • AF helps Airmen obtain CDL

    The Air Force is taking steps to turn government vehicle operator certifications into commercial driver’s licenses. By creating a course to mirror the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators Commercial Driver’s License Test System model, the Air Force will enable examiners to certify

  • Around the Air Force: Feb. 7

    On this look around the Air Force theU-2 surpasses the 30,000 flight-hour barrier, this month’s edition of Airman magazine covers the Joint Communications Support Element, and the USO is looking for service member of the year nominees.

  • New course focuses on sortie production at tactical level

    The Advanced Sortie Production Course is the first advanced course specifically focusing on the art and science of sortie production at the tactical level. The new course will take place at the Air Force’s Advanced Maintenance and Munitions Operations School at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

  • 9th AF commander sets priorities

    Maj. Gen. Scott J. Zobrist assumed command of Ninth Air Force in May 2016. Since then, Zobrist visited the wings under Ninth AF, gained impressions and set his commander’s priorities.

  • Nominations sought for 2017 First Sergeant of the Year

    Air Force officials are seeking nominations for the 2017 First Sergeant of the Year award.The award recognizes the important contributions and leadership qualities exhibited by Air Force members in the first sergeant special duty career field.

  • Goldfein shares space focus

    During the Mitchell Institute’s Space Power Breakfast Feb. 3 at the Capitol Hill Club, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein described space as a warfighting domain, and said the Air Force is responsible for 90 percent of the Department of Defense’s space assets. The Airmen responsible for

  • Warrior exercise integrates Air Force, Marine search and rescue mission

    Exercise Coronet Warrior 17-01 was a two-day event that tested the abilities of the 4th Fighter Wing members to complete contingency operations at an overseas location in our current area of responsibility. Members of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina and Marine Corps Air Station New

  • Goldfein visits Vandenberg AFB

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein, recently visited Vandenberg Air Force Base to meet with base personnel and visit a portion of the Air Force Space Enterprise, from Jan. 29-30.

  • A-10 pilots, Army brigade combat teams train at Green Flag

    Pilots from the 74th Fighter Squadron prepared for future deployments while participating in Green Flag-West 17-03 from Jan. 13-27 at Nellis Air Force Base. GFW is an air-land integration exercise that gives Air Force pilots a chance to conduct realistic close air support in a joint training

  • Around the Air Force: Feb. 1

    On this look around the Air Force, a $2.1 billion contract is approved for the third Low Rate Initial Production lot of KC-46A Pegasus tankers, the military deputy of the assistant secretary of Air Force acquisition talks tech, and a repair network enhancement program has saved over $5 million.

  • AF responds to hiring freeze

    The Air Force is working with the Defense Department to provide additional guidance on the federal civilian hiring freeze implemented Jan. 23.

  • F-35A maintenance sparks Red Flag 17-1

    The debut of the F-35A Lightning II at Red Flag has afforded the pilots and maintainers of the aircraft a chance to be a part of the Air Force's premier air-to-air combat training exercise.

  • Around the Air Force: Jan 27

    On this look around the Air Force the preferred Reserve led F-35 base is announced, Airmen aid Kurdish refugees, and the Air Force is focusing on cost-effective, cleaner energy solutions. Hosted by Staff Sgt. Jevon Smith.

  • Squadron serves as strong link in OIR supply chain

    Aerial porters from the 870th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron worked steadily alongside loadmasters to load and offload aircraft around the flightline of Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, during a busy January afternoon; as they moved cargo and prepared it for its final destination. This constant loading

  • Red Flag's heartbeat: Core unit arrives at Nellis AFB

    The 1st Fighter Wing’s aircrews and support personnel out of Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, arrived at Nellis Air Force Base Jan.17 and 18, to participate in Red Flag 17-1, as the exercise’s core unit.

  • Airmen, F-16s train in Souda Bay

    From Jan. 20-Feb. 3, the 31st Fighter Wing's 555th Fighter Squadron and Arizona Air National Guard's 161st Air Refueling Wing are participating in a flying training deployment to Souda Bay, Greece.

  • Airmen, Soldiers test their fighting skills

    Deployed Soldiers and Airmen put this mantra to the test in a friendly combatives tournament at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia Jan. 22. The event was hosted by the 368th Engineering Battalion and tried deployed service member’s abilities in mixed martial arts including wrestling,

  • Around the Air Force: Jan. 24

    On this look around the Air Force, the preferred base locations for the MQ-9 Reaper and KC-46A Pegasus are announced and Travis Air Force Base’s environmental restoration program is certified.

  • Power pros vital to Iraqi rescue missions

    Imagine a work day without electricity; not being able to send emails or use radars; living in a tent with no heat or air conditioning. Luckily, this isn’t a reality for most bases, thanks largely to the Airmen who maintain the electrical systems. At forward-deployed locations such as Al Asad Air

  • EC-130s maintain constant presence in Afghanistan 15 years later

    All around the dimly-lit tent are enduring symbols of a constant presence. A name scrawled across a wooden wall, a lengthy list of deployment dates written underneath, updated year after year. A library stacked with books and games to pass the time. A built-in couch labeled “Snooze Town.”

  • AETC loads, releases first live bombs from F-35A

    The 33rd Fighter Wing loaded and released the Air Education and Training Command’s first live bombs from an F-35A here, Jan. 17, 2017.In total, six aircraft were loaded with armed GBU-12s, and two bombs were released over the Eglin Air Force Base range.

  • Heroism recognized: Special tactics Airman receives medal upgrade

    A combat controller will receive the Air Force’s highest combat medal for extraordinary heroism, after a service-wide review of medals awarded since 9/11. The Air Force Cross will be presented to former Staff Sgt. Christopher Baradat, now separated, who had received the Silver Star medal for his

  • Around the Air Force: Jan. 20

    On this look around the Air Force, Airmen lend a helping hand to support the inauguration and service members conduct subject matter expert exchanges at Clark AB, Philippines.

  • Air Force faces fighter pilot shortage

    The Air Force is in the midst of a pilot shortage. While most platforms are affected by the shortage, the fighter pilot community has been hit the hardest.

  • Goldfein addresses priorities for the 21st century

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein outlined his perspective on the future of American airpower and how Airmen “deployed in place” play a vital role in today’s Air Force during his discussion at the American Enterprise Institute Public Forum in Washington, D.C., Jan. 18, 2017.

  • Citizen Airmen answer call to service

    “I thought it was going to be a normal drill weekend,” said Staff Sgt. Christopher Tedford, a 407th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron munitions systems specialist. “I was thinking about work on Monday and how I had plans with my wife and kids the next week.“Then everything changed.”As Tedford and

  • James awards medal upgrades to 8 Airmen

    The secretary of defense directed a review of medals, including the Air Force Cross and the Silver Star recommendations from recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, to ensure service members are appropriately recognized for their actions. Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James approved nine

  • Travis environmental restoration program is certified, sustainable

    Saving money, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing green and sustainable remediation (GSR) to clean up contaminated groundwater sites recently earned Travis Air Force Base the honor of becoming the first Defense Department installation to receive greener cleanup certification by ASTM

  • Air mobility squadron keeps C-17s ready for fight

    Winning the fight against an adversary requires much more than just dropping bombs on targets and taking out key leaders. It requires coordinating the precise movement of necessary supplies to arrive at the right location at the right time; which is why logistics plays such an important role in the

  • Airman becomes first resource officer to Eglin Elementary

    Students at Eglin Elementary School will have another friendly face to greet them each morning as they enter the school. Staff Sgt. Justin Hogg from the 96th Security Forces Squadron was recently hired as the elementary's school resource officer.

  • Maintainer-turned-fighter pilot puts new skills to the test

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series. These stories focus on individual Airmen, highlighting their Air Force story.) When Capt. David was a child, his father would take him out to the flightline at Canon Air Force Base, New Mexico, and sit him in the cockpit of an F-111

  • Deployed brother, sister reunite after 10 years apart

    U.S. service members ordinarily have to say goodbye to family as they head out for deployments, but one deployment brought a brother and sister together after 10 years of separation.Air Force Tech. Sgt. Mary Jane Palumbo and her brother, Army Staff Sgt. Quincy Mora, were able to meet outside a

  • Falcon 9 launches from Vandenberg AFB

    Members of Vandenberg Air Force Base, alongside SpaceX and Iridium partners, recently launched the Iridium NEXT satellite on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex-4, here, Jan. 14.

  • AF introduces new Energy Flight Plan

    The Air Force introduced a new Energy Flight Plan, signed by Miranda Ballentine, the assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and energy, on Jan. 6.

  • The aircraft canaries: HAAMS technicians breathe life into missions

    Twenty thousand feet above the drop zone, a multinational group of special forces prepares for a tactical insertion behind “enemy lines.” The seasoned jumpmaster positions himself on the open ramp of the C-130 Hercules, peeking his head out to confirm that the airspace below is clear to the drop