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  • BLUE: Generation STEM

    Air Force TV has released the latest episode of the Air Force's flagship television program, BLUE. Maintaining a technological edge in defense requires snagging the best and brightest minds for research and development. In this episode, we introduce you to some of the innovative minds working to

  • Air Force needs to grow to 350,000

    In ongoing efforts to size and shape the force to current and future requirements, Air Force officials explained why the service needs to grow to 350,000 active-duty Airmen over the next seven years.

  • AF announces 2016 Information Dominance Award winners

    Lt. Gen William Bender, the Air Force chief of information dominance and chief information officer, recently announced the winners of the 2016 General John P. Jumper Awards for Excellence in Warfighting Integration and the Air Force Information Dominance Annual Awards. The Air Force-level awards

  • Goldfein stands watch with Airmen at F.E. Warren AFB

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein visited Airmen at a missile alert facility in the F.E. Warren Air Force Base missile complex Dec. 19-20. Airmen stand watch 24/7, ensuring the nation’s nuclear deterrence capability is equipped and ready at a moment’s notice. The men and women who

  • Scoping it out: Shaw evaluated for Reaper mission

    Teams from Air Combat Command and Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, conducted a site survey at Shaw AFB Dec. 13, to assess the base as a candidate for an MQ-9 Reaper mission.Shaw AFB is one of four installations being evaluated for a wing-level mission, and one of five in the running for a

  • AF contingency response wing supports Army exercise

    Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing worked with Soldiers from Fort Wainwright, Alaska, to load 10 AH-64 Apache helicopters and two Stryker armored vehicles in extreme cold weather during the Rapid Alaska Airlift Week exercise Dec. 10-16.

  • Around the Air Force: Dec. 20

    On this look around the Air Force, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant is crippled by airstrikes, the 45th Space Wing launches a satellite which will increase internet speed and other satellites that will measure ocean surface winds.

  • ACC hosts chaplain leadership symposium

    Senior religious support teams from around the world met at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in early December for the Air Combat Command Chaplain Corps Leadership Development Symposium.

  • The long journey home

    Long rows of white marble headstones line the landscape of Arlington National Cemetery, each memorializing a fallen U.S. military member with a unique story of service to the nation. Nestled within Section 60 of the sprawling cemetery lies a marker for Air Force Maj. Troy Gilbert, an American

  • Active duty, Guard, Reserve integrate during Checkered Flag 17-1

    Active-duty, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard Airmen from around the country worked together through total force integration at Checkered Flag from Dec. 5-16. They prepared to rapidly respond to any current, real-world conflict, and trained for the future of air dominance.

  • Coalition launches largest airstrike of the year against ISIL

    The U.S.-led coalition launched one of its largest airstrikes against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant near Palmyra, Syria, Dec. 8, dealing a significant blow to the terrorist organization’s ability to finance and enable its means of war.

  • Airmen, civilians gain resilience through MMA

    As an Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter gets his hands wrapped and steps into the cage for battle, a cold chill runs down his spine; he’s nervous about the challenge ahead. Comparable to UFC fighters preparing for combat, Airmen may get a similar feeling whether preparing for upcoming

  • AFCENT helps deployed Airmen reach for their dreams

    Deployed Airmen often miss opportunities afforded to those back home; but personnel specialists at Air Forces Central Command headquarters here ensured deployed enlisted Airmen did not miss one opportunity – to pursue their ambitions of becoming part of the first group of enlisted pilots since World

  • Airman provides the logistics behind Obama’s archival move

    Many former presidents have a library in their namesake, showcasing many records and artifacts from their presidency. A library in honor of President Barack Obama is scheduled to open sometime in 2021 in Chicago, where records and archives from his presidency will be on display. However, the

  • AFVSA to implement new RPA childcare

    To combat these one-of-a-kind challenges, personnel from the Air Force Services Activity headquarters in Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, recently met with military members and conducted interviews here where they discussed new and evolving childcare options.

  • The OSD Logistics Fellows Program: A glimpse from inside

    Nearly 3 million men and women make up the Department of Defense; how few truly have opportunity for gaining insight and understanding of the origins of legislation, budget, policy, and oversight? The Office of the Secretary of Defense’s Logistics Fellowship provides selected logisticians the

  • From gang leader to service member: Airman overcomes odds to find success

    Many Airmen gain leadership skills by progressing through the ranks and taking on more responsibilities. Many times this includes special schooling such as airman leadership school or the non-commissioned officer academy. One Airman became a leader at a much earlier age, before he even joined the

  • Life after loss: One Air Force family’s journey to recovery

    In March 2016, Lt. Col. Melchizedek “Kato” Martinez, a career tactical communications officer, was welcomed home from another combat deployment, a constant in the Martinez family. His wife, Gail, along with their four children, had planned a family retreat to their second home, the one place that,

  • AF Marathon registration to open Jan. 2

    Registration for the 2017 Air Force Marathon will begin Jan. 2 at 9 a.m. EST. Registration will open with special New Year’s resolution discounts, and participants who register Jan. 2 will receive $10 off the full or half-marathon and $5 off the 10K or 5K.The change from the traditional Jan. 1 date

  • Around the Air Force: Dec. 13

    On this look around the Air Force, Airmen deliver the first F-35s to Israel, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James visits Airmen at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, and Airmen attend the Enhancing Human Capital course.

  • What to know before piloting a drone

    As unmanned aerial systems, also called drones, become more popular, the Federal Aviation Administration and local bases have established policy on how and when to operate drones.

  • James visits F.E. Warren, discusses force improvement efforts

    Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James and Lt. Gen. Jack Weinstein, the deputy chief of staff for strategic deterrence and nuclear integration, visited F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, to speak directly with Airmen about ongoing improvement efforts throughout the nuclear enterprise, Dec. 7-8.

  • SECAF’s top 10 themes discussed at spouse, family forum

    During a spouse and family forum hosted by Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James in October, participants submitted more than 170 threads on the forum’s event page. The topics included spouse employment and child care access; Air Force programs for families with special needs; and schools,

  • Palace Chase, Front offer alternatives to active duty

    Every year, thousands of individuals raise their right hand and commit to serve in the military as either enlisted members or officers. While some choose to serve for many years on active duty, others might elect to leave, but that doesn’t mean they can’t continue serving.

  • JTACs enable aerial reaction force mission

    Joint terminal air controllers from the 817th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron out of Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, recently began a partnership with Task Force Fighting Eagle’s aerial reaction force to provide JTAC capabilities to their missions.

  • AFCENT Tankers fuel the fight

    In the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and the Iraqi counteroffensive to liberate Mosul, no nation works alone. In the skies, pilots from 19 nations work tirelessly to dismantle, disrupt and ultimately destroy ISIL by striking infrastructure, roadways and other high-value

  • Around the Air Force: Dec. 6

    On this look around the Air Force an A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot reaches 6,000 flight hours, the new AC-130J successfully drops bombs for the first time, and a new IRS law that may change when you receive your refund.

  • Falcons to compete in Arizona Bowl, Dec. 30

    Falcons head coach Troy Calhoun said he’s “delighted” Air Force will compete against the University of South Alabama Jaguars Dec. 30 in the Arizona Bowl in Tucson, Arizona.

  • TRICARE continues to expand coverage

    Effective in early December, TRICARE will expand coverage to include the care and treatment of beneficiaries requiring an auditory osseointegrated implant (AOI) to non-active-duty family members, and we will also cover the services and supplies needed to diagnose and treat illness or injury of the

  • First Japanese F-35A arrives at Luke

    The F-35 program hit another milestone Nov. 28 with the arrival of the first foreign military sales F-35 at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The arrival marked the next step for the international F-35 training program as Japan took ownership of the first FMS aircraft to arrive at Luke AFB.

  • AF partners with OSU for stress evaluation, recovery methods

    The Air Force Research Laboratory, 711th Human Performance Wing, has signed a cooperative research and development agreement with the Ohio State University. Special operations units in the Defense Department are physically and mentally elite due to the training they endure. Since special operations

  • Korean War veteran honored by nephew

    Maj. Gen. Scott Vander Hamm, the Air Force assistant deputy chief of staff of operations, presented retired Chief Master Sgt. Russell Rhodes with the Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal during a ceremony at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, Nov. 15. The medal is given as an expression of thanks from the

  • Around the Air Force: Nov. 25

    On this look around the Air Force, NASA launches a new weather satellite, Airmen train with Marines during Vigilant Ace 17-1, and Serbian support during World War II is commemorated.

  • Around the Air Force: Nov. 22

    On this look around the Air Force, Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico has been selected to be the interim home for two F-16 Fighting Falcon training squadrons, the secretary of defense got a close look at special operations Airmen at work, and the Air Force has concluded an F-16 crash

  • Goldfein discusses changing face of war

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein spoke with Defense One’s Marcus Weisgerber in Washington D.C. Nov. 17 and gave the reasoning behind the changes being contemplated for the future of defense. In addition to being responsible for the “man, train and equip” mission for the Air Force, the

  • Airmen provide air base defense in northern Iraq

    Today, defenders assigned to the 821st Contingency Response Group are on the front lines in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, providing air base defense for Qayyarah West Airfield in northern Iraq.

  • Intel training streamlined

    When it comes to having the leading edge in air, space and cyberspace, non-commissioned officers from the 70th Operations Support Squadron have taken it to a new level, training Airmen on the importance of Air Force National Tactical Integration (AF NTI).

  • AF hosts Warrior Care Sitting Volleyball Tournament

    The volleyball courts were clear as athletes made their way into the Pentagon Athletic Center. Some arrived in wheelchairs. Some were missing limbs. Many had wounds which couldn’t be seen. As they sat down on the court for warm-ups, they all had something in common…they were all wounded warriors.

  • Wounded warriors given avenues during CARE event

    Nearly 130 Air Force wounded warriors and caregivers attending the latest Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) Program’s CARE event at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, from Nov. 14-18 received tools and resources to help them deal with their individual challenges.

  • SecDef ensures future military readiness during JBSA visit

     Secretary of Defense Ash Carter traveled to Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, Nov. 16, during a trip focused on ensuring the readiness of the U.S. military and the effectiveness of the training and equipment provided to today’s warfighters. While at JBSA, Carter spoke with Airmen who had just

  • Coalition intel cell breaks down boundaries

    At the Combined Air Operations Center, the Coalition Intelligence Fusion Cell, a multinational team of intelligence specialists, works side-by-side to provide intelligence to commanders for the fight to degrade and ultimately defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

  • C-17 Weapons Instructor Course relocates to JB Lewis-McChord

    Air Mobility Command will save $12 million annually by moving a weapons squadron and weapons instructor course from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington beginning the summer of 2017, officials announced Nov. 18.

  • Combat controller continues Special Tactics legacy of valor

    During a ceremony Nov. 16, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Maj. Gen. Eugene Haase the Air Force Special Operations Command vice commander, presented the nation’s third highest medal for gallantry against an armed enemy of the U.S. in combat to Thiem. Thiem's actions occurred when he was

  • Around the Air Force: Nov. 18

    On this look around the Air Force the next chief master sergeant of the Air Force is announced by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein, Airmen work together with their Japanese counterparts in Keen Sword 2017, and the current policy for Air Force records management requires records

  • CRG enables strategic air operations at Qayyarah West

    The landing was much more than routine; it was symbolic. It represented the first time a fixed wing Iraqi aircraft, loaded with cargo, landed at the strategic airfield since it fell to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant fighters in 2014.

  • Unique rehab center gets injured Airmen back on duty

    Not long after receiving innovative care for serious combat-related injuries, 2nd Lt. Marc Esposito gave his future wife a tour of the unique rehabilitation center that helped the Air Force special operator get back to jumping out of planes. The state-of-the-art setting cast with advanced technology

  • CSAF announces CMSAF #18

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein named Chief Master Sgt. Kaleth O. Wright to serve as the 18th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Nov. 16, 2016.

  • Licking their wounds: Trained dogs assist, comfort wounded Airmen

    Constant back pain from an injury suffered years ago in combat still troubles Staff Sgt. Ryan Garrison. It wakes him up at night when his medication wears off. It triggers his depression and anxiety, leading to angry outbursts. Several prescriptions and mental health visits didn’t effectively assist

  • Hawkeye: Eyes, ears of the RQ-4

    The RQ-4 Global Hawk, serves as the Air Force’s high-altitude intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, long endurance RPA. Global Hawks are loaded with an integrated sensor suite and cameras capable of providing global all-weather, day or night ISR, however while on the ground visibility for

  • Around the Air Force: Nov. 11

    FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS) - On this look around the Air Force a retired staff sergeant is awarded the Silver Star, exercise Invincible Shield enhances trilateral interoperability, and Kadena Air Base, Japan hosted its 17th annual Special Olympics. Hosted by Airman 1st Class Jasmine

  • Joint expeditionary Airmen bridge service gaps in today’s fight

    Though he’s performing a standard Air Force job ensuring supplies make it to the front line, Tech Sgt. Ronald Gowen's deployed experience is different from many other Airmen. He is assigned specifically to support non-Air Force units. His unique skills as an Airman are in high demand by sister

  • Exercise Tonnerre Lightning exhibits trust, teamwork, training

    Around-the-clock, whether for combat operations or humanitarian aid, Airmen are ready to respond anywhere. Until they get that call, however, Airmen hone their skills through exercises and realistic training.During exercise Tonnerre Lightning, the U.S. Air Force worked with United Kingdom and French

  • AF unveils latest ‘Veterans in Blue’ exhibit

    The seventh volume of “Veterans in Blue” is now available online. The exhibit captures 28 stories of heroism and service by Air Force veterans. Each veteran’s portrait is also displayed at the Pentagon.

  • Around the Air Force: Nov. 8

    On this look around the Air Force enlisted pilots take their first solo flight and a World War II bomber pilot is awarded the Silver Star.

  • Silver Star shines bright on Hutchins’ heroic actions

    Maj. Gen. Thomas Deale, the director of operations of Air Combat Command, presented retired Staff Sgt. Benjamin Hutchins, a former 18th Air Support Operations Group joint terminal attack controller, with the Silver Star during a ceremony Nov. 4 at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina.

  • Airman conquers triathlons, strengthens CAF domains

    Daily obstacles in life can take on many forms, and one Airman from the 325th Aerospace Medical Squadron has found overcoming obstacles encountered during triathlons helps strengthen his four domains of Comprehensive Airmen Fitness.

  • STRATCOM welcomes Hyten as new commander

    Gen. John E. Hyten took command of U.S. Strategic Command from Navy Adm. Cecil D. Haney during a change of command ceremony at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, Nov. 3.

  • AFIMSC reaches full operating capability

    The unit which consolidated more than 150 Air Force-wide installation and mission support capabilities a year ago has achieved full operating capability. Maj. Gen. Brad Spacy, the commander of the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, declared FOC a year after his unit reached initial

  • Adversaries’ ever-changing tactics require quick responses

    In the ongoing fight between coalition forces and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, U.S. adversaries have added explosives-laden drones to their weapons arsenal, according to recent stories in the news. In October, adversaries used a drone, intended for surveillance use, to injure troops on

  • Osan’s special handling section has a ‘hand’ in everything

    One small group of Airmen hold the responsibility of accepting, storing and transferring these critical items aiding in the safety and stability of the South Korea. From a small blood sample to aircraft ammunition, the 731st Air Mobility Squadron’s special handling section assists in the

  • FY 2017 NCO retraining program application window now open

    The Air Force has released fiscal year 2017 retraining quotas for eligible NCOs via the NCO Retraining Program.The retraining program is a complimentary tool used to help balance and sustain the enlisted force as the Air Force continues to grow. While the Air Force is still undermanned across the

  • Carrying the load

    With enemy rounds visible within 10 feet of the ramp, the loadmasters took cover and manually cut the release gate. After the drop, the pilot conducted a rapid climb and maneuvered out of the weapon engagement zone. Although the entire encounter lasted approximately 90 seconds and resulted in a

  • RED HORSE elite team compared to real life superheroes

    A 21-member civil engineering team whose main objectives are to air insert themselves to repair battle-damaged airfields and quickly return them to service. The team is composed of electricians, structures, heavy equipment operators, vehicle maintenance and services personnel.

  • AMC commander: Airmen, partnerships, technology key to mobility’s future

    The Air Mobility Command commander showcased the impact of mobility Airmen on current global operations while highlighting ways in which partnership and technology will shape the future, in a presentation during the 48th annual AMC and Airlift/Tanker Association Symposium here, Oct. 29.In a nod to

  • BLUE: Fueling the future

    Most families have traditions that revolve around holidays and special occasions. We introduce you to a family with a tradition that's intertwined with the history and future of two tankers, the KC-135 Stratotanker and the new KC-46A Pegasus.

  • Around the Air Force: Oct. 28

    On this look around the Air Force Airmen bring supplies to a newly liberated and repaired airfield in Iraq, and a memorial honors the life on an Air Force Office of Special Investigations agent.

  • Raymond takes command of AFSPC

    Gen. John W. Raymond replaced Gen. John E. Hyten as commander of the U.S. Air Force Space Command during a ceremony at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, Oct. 25.

  • Taking the fight to the cyberspace frontier

    In a highly secure, underground facility in Colorado Springs, crews of operators in a room full of computers keep an ever vigilant eye, protecting worldwide U.S. assets around the clock. This facility is not underneath tons of granite in the midst of Cheyenne Mountain, like a more well-known part of

  • James focused on diversity, emerging threats, space

    Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James joined the secretaries of the Army and Navy for a “conversation with the service secretaries” panel hosted by the Center for a New American Security here Oct. 24.

  • Around the Air Force: Oct. 25

    On this look around the Air Force special tactics Airmen are honored with a memorial and Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James visits the first enlisted RQ-4 Global Hawk pilot class.

  • ‘Not disabilities but different abilities’

    October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and Lt. Col. Brandon Sokora, the 100th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, shared his story during a lunch celebrating the many varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities.

  • Advocacy program provides assistance to reservists, guardsmen

    When dealing with life stressors, reservists and their families may not know where to turn to for help and that’s when the Air Force Reserve Command’s Psychological Health Advocacy Program can step in and guide them in the right direction.

  • AF engineers repair runway in Iraq

    The 1st Expeditionary Civil Engineer Group arrived in northern Iraq to conduct a reconnaissance mission for what would become a historic undertaking. Their mission: mitigate runway damage caused by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

  • Nation’s first special tactics memorial unveiled

    A seven-foot tall bronze statue of a special tactics Airman in operational gear stands atop a black granite base -- a memorial to past, present and future special tactics operators. The Special Tactics Memorial was unveiled at a dedication ceremony with more than 800 people present, Air Force Chief

  • PACAF hosts Chinese officers for exchange

    Officers from the U.S. Air Force hosted a dozen of their naval, army, and air force counterparts from China at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Oct. 18, to share perspectives and discuss mechanisms to maintain peace and stability throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.The mid-level officer exchange

  • TRICARE to expand preventive service coverage

    TRICARE has always had excellent coverage of important preventive services and they are making it better. TRICARE is adding preventive services to ensure alignment with recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, and the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration’s guidelines.

  • James hosts spouse, family forum

    Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James hosted a Spouse and Family Forum in the Smart Center Auditorium on Joint Base Andrews Oct. 19.