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  • Voting deadline for Teen Council video contest is Oct. 21

    The final date to vote for the 2013 Air Force Teen Council video contest is Oct. 21.More than 20 videos were submitted for the fifth annual teen video contest and entries have been posted on the Air Force Teen Council Facebook

  • Wounded warrior makes final jump

    One by one, Airmen from the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron lined up at the back of a C-130, paused, then stepped off the aircraft Oct. 16, completing their free fall training jump into the picturesque water of Florida's Emerald Coast.

  • Government Shutdown: Frequently Asked Questions

    Below are frequently asked questions about the current government shutdown (Updated: Oct. 17, 2013). If you don’t find the answer to a question you have about the government shutdown and its impact on the Air Force, post your question as a comment below. We will research and try to find the

  • New virtual curriculum assists separating troops

    The Defense Department continues to assist service members and their families in preparing for the transition to civilian life with a new virtual curriculum, a Defense Department official said here.

  • AF clarifies same sex marriage policy

    The Air Force recently published guidance clarifying the service’s policy on implementation of same sex marriage. The guidance clarifies how Airmen may be eligible for administrative absence to obtain legal marriage, if the state or country they are stationed in does not yet recognize same sex

  • PACAF Airmen wrap up busy year

    Throughout fiscal 2013, the key aspect of Pacific Air Forces was engagement as more than 45,000 Pacific Air Forces Airmen conducted a broad spectrum of operations, from humanitarian relief to decisive combat employment, in an area covering 13 time zones and 100 million square miles.

  • Maxwell AFB civil engineers use construction technology to cut energy costs

    During a time when "government shutdown, furlough and recapitalization" are a part of the military landscape, Airmen are constantly looking for ways to save money for the service. The 42nd Civil Engineer Squadron is doing more than just recycling and trading out incandescent light bulbs to save

  • Public engagement once again affected

    Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter has issued The Contingency Plan Guidance for Continuation of Essential Operations, which outlines missions and functions that may continue and/or must cease during the lapse in appropriations. The Department can legally only support those functions that

  • Communication key in protecting security clearance during financial hardships

    As the government shutdown continues, Air Force leadership wants their civilian workforce to communicate well and often as possible financial challenges arise -- something that could impact one’s security clearance. With such a large number of civilians possessing security clearances, including many

  • New Defense Health Agency to streamline functions

    The government shutdown did not stop the official opening Oct. 1 of the Defense Health Agency, a major streamlining of military medicine that has been in the works for three decades and signed into law earlier this year.

  • Last cargo mission out of FOB Sharana

    The aircrew of "Growler 51" set out a few hours before sunrise Sept. 28 to fly the last of the U.S. cargo out of Forward Operating Base Sharana before the base was officially transferred to the Afghan government. Twelve hours and three round-trip flights later, the 774th Expeditionary Airlift

  • Air Force Aid Society provides services during government shutdown

    Due to the government shut down we are being told many Airman & Family Readiness Centers to include their Air Force Aid sections will be closed. We have compiled a list of FAQs to help you understand what we can do and how you can request assistance if needed.

  • Continuing family support through government shutdown

    The government shutdown is affecting quality of life, family support, and child and youth programs that service members and families value. The purpose of this blog post is to provide guidance as to what to expect regarding the operating status of these programs while the government is shut down.

  • CSAF concludes counterpart visit

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, Gen. “Hawk” Carlisle, Pacific Air Forces commander, and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody met with Chinese military counterparts to discuss opportunities to build trust and cooperation as part of a weeklong visit to China.

  • Hagel says national security assured during shutdown

    The Defense Department and other government agencies responsible for national security will carry out their missions despite the government shutdown, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Oct. 1 here. The secretary, traveling in the Asia-Pacific region this week for high-level meetings here and in

  • AF movement team oversees retrograde operations

    Staff Sgt. Daniel Hall walked into the air cell room and proclaimed, "I got us a case of Pop-Tarts and they haven't expired yet!" Finding such items on a base in the middle of retrograde is a big deal. Forward Operating Base Salerno's dining facility is down to one hot meal a day and there are no

  • AF intern: ‘I have never felt less disabled’

    Natalie Labayen may look fine on the outside, but inside, a battle wages. A senior at George Washington University and intern with the Air Force, LaBayen was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in 2011, an ailment that some days leaves this 23-year old in severe pain.

  • CSAF begins counterpart visit in China

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, Gen. Herbert “Hawk” Carlisle, Pacific Air Forces commander, and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody arrived here Sep. 24 as part of a weeklong visit to China.

  • Lieutenant beats cancer, selected to pilot Raptors

    For one new Air Force pilot, "living the dream" is much more than a cheap throwaway line. To 1st Lt. Rob Hansen of the 80th Flying Training Wing, "living" means surviving stage 2 Hodgkin's lymphoma. "The dream" means graduating at the top of his undergraduate pilot training class and earning a slot

  • F-35: New fighter creates new culture for 21st Century and beyond

    She didn’t have a smudge on her. Not a leak found anywhere. She even had that “new jet smell.” Skies were blue, everything was perfect. Those were the conditions on that July day in 2011 when Lt. Col. Eric Smith took off from the Lockheed facilities at Fort Worth, Texas, in the first operational

  • Generals stress collaboration, innovation during forum

    General officers candidly discussed innovation, concerns and the service's future during the professional development portion of the Air Force Association's Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition 2013 here Sept. 18.

  • Service chiefs detail 2014 sequestration effects

    The House Armed Services Committee heard testimony on planning for sequestration in fiscal 2014 from Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James F. Amos.

  • Airman reflects on recovery, resiliency

    While driving southbound on I-95 in Virginia in June 2011, an 18-wheeler struck the car behind the then-staff sergeant, creating a chain reaction. The collision resulted in a four-car accident, blowing out all four windows and totaling Barnett's car, leaving her injured.

  • CMSAF emphasizes power of Airmen

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody discussed why the strength of the Air Force lies in its Airmen at the Air Force Association’s 2013 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition here today.

  • Roll Call returns, encourages face-to-face communication

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody is bringing Roll Call back to the Air Force. Roll Call is designed to deliver messages to the field from senior Air Force leadership for Airmen to use as a topic of discussion when they gather for daily or weekly meetings.

  • ISR official urges looking to history to face future challenges

    At the Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 17, Lt. Gen. Robert P. Otto discussed the current state and way ahead for Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, and the role Airmen play in its planning and impact.

  • 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year shine at gala

    The Air Force’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year earned praise at a dinner hosted by the Air Force Association as part of the 2013 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 16.

  • Academy instructor vacancies available

    Eligible active duty officers interested in U.S. Air Force Academy instructor opportunities have until Sept. 30 to apply, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.

  • Buckley nerve center for FEMA flood victims support

    With more than a 1,000 people unaccounted for and communities still damaged from flooding, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, staged out of Buckley Air Force Base, Colo., continues providing life-essential materials to Coloradans in need.

  • Forum focuses on family

    In remarks and an interactive session during the Air Force Association’s Spouse and Family Forum here today, spouses of Air Force senior leaders championed the service’s focus on families and support.

  • Airmen, Air Force Association leaders lay wreath at Air Force Memorial

    The Air Force's 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year, Air Force senior leaders and Air Force Association members gathered for an early morning memorial service and wreath laying ceremony Sept 15, at the Air Force Memorial Arlington, Va. Laying the wreath were Air Force Assistant Vice Chief of Staff Lt.

  • Airman receives International Affairs Excellence Award

    During the Air Force Association’s 2013 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition here today, an Air Force lieutenant colonel accepted the 2013 International Affairs Excellence Award for his leadership efforts downrange.

  • U.S., Cambodian Airmen support Pacific Angel

    Twenty engineers from the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces have spent the last four days working alongside 16 engineers from U.S. forces to provide engineering assistance to the citizens of Takeo.

  • Senior leaders send Airmen, families birthday best

    Acting Secretary of the Air Force Eric Fanning, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody issued the following message to the Airmen of the United States Air Force:

  • Journey home: Final C-17 leaves Boeing for Charleston

    As the sun rose above Long Beach, Calif., the last U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III, P-223, rolled off the Boeing assembly onto the flight line where it was prepared for its inaugural flight to Joint Base Charleston, S.C.

  • AFA Air & Space Conference comes to AF.mil

    The AFA’s Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition brings Air Force and industry leaders. The Defense Media Activity and www.af.mil will be bringing coverage conference’s most important events right to your screen.

  • Academy again ranks among best U.S. colleges

    The U.S. Air Force Academy is one of the best educational institutions in the nation in several undergraduate academic categories, said the U.S. News & World Report 2014 Best Colleges report released Sept. 10.

  • Colonel promotion rate to drop

    Air Force officials decreased the promotion opportunity to the rank of colonel to 48 percent for November’s Colonel Line of the Air Force, or LAF, Central Selection Board.

  • Virtual fitness kiosks set up at 66 locations

    To help improve total force fitness levels, the Air Force is installing "Fitness on Request" kiosks at 66 locations by the end of September, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.Part of the Operational Fitness Program, the kiosks are available to all Airmen, including retirees and family

  • Deployed Airmen remember Dominguez, serve on 9/11 anniversary

    Sept. 11 is never too far from the hearts and minds of the 105th Security Forces Squadron deployed here from Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York. Through mementos and each other, they remember one unit member who was killed during the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.Nearly 3,000 people

  • Memory’s requiem: 12 years after 9/11

    She held the Airfone receiver close to her mouth and spoke in a clear, concise manner.“The cockpit’s not answering,” the flight attendant said as her voice wavered slightly. “Somebody’s stabbed in business class, and um, I think there is mace that we can’t breathe. I don’t know, I think we’re

  • Wounded warrior adopts four-legged partner, friend

    From the moment Staff Sgt. Brian Williams arrived at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to begin his recovery, he had only one request. Carly. Williams was deployed from the 87th Security Forces Squadron when he sustained serious injuries after an roadside bomb detonated while he was on a

  • Serving country, African wild animals part of routine for ANG Airman

    For one Missouri National Guardsman, life as a Citizen-Airman is far from the wilds of her civilian career. Airman Casey Self, a zookeeper at the Kansas City Zoo, joined the 131st Bomb Wing to expand her resume from taking care of animals on land and water to people in the sky as well.

  • AFSA conference encourages, informs Airmen

    The strength and impact of the NCO corps was the theme of the night as Acting Secretary of the Air Force Eric Fanning was keynote speaker during the Air Force Sergeants Association Convention and Professional Airmen's Conference banquet Aug. 28 in San Antonio, Texas.

  • Airmen awarded Distinguished Flying Cross with valor

    Five 33rd Rescue Squadron Airmen were recently awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with valor for their heroic actions during a deployment mission in 2012.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III presented Capts. Michael Kingry, Gavin Johnson and Matthew Pfarr, Tech. Sgt. Scott Lagerveld

  • Past, present AF leaders gather at AFSA conference

    United States Air Force senior leaders, past and present, gathered here Aug. 24-29 to speak at the 2013 Air Force Sergeants Association Professional Airman’s Conference and International Convention.

  • Flight medic stays grounded, keeps AF flying

    Although the 65th Air Base Wing has no owned aircraft, Lajes Field's strategic importance as the world's only mid-Atlantic military airfield ensures that one Lajes Field medical technician stays plenty busy. Even though only a handful of rated officers are assigned to the wing, Staff Sgt. Yvette

  • Airman improves bio waste program on forward operation base

    Every day Staff Sgt. Chad Whitehead drives out to the edge of the Forward Operating Base Ghazni to dispose of biowaste. It's a necessary task to make sure that the health and sanitation of service members stationed here is maintained.

  • Testing, tactics, training: Training squadron sets the bar

    The 505th Test Squadron provides testing, tactics development and training for the United States military and coalition forces. Their focus is on providing advanced air operations center training and AOC testing and tactics development at the operational level of war.

  • Airman's talents 'brighten' wherever he goes

    The Air Force did not teach him these skills, but his gift has been recognized, and the units he has been assigned to have benefited from it. When he talks about his craft, he smiles in a way, which can only be expressed when talking about a true passion.Because of this, Senior Airman Sean Connolly

  • AF only forward surgical team makes a difference in Afghanistan

    All over Afghanistan service members are deployed to forward operating bases as they continue their mission to train and assist Afghan forces. Currently, a team of twenty four Airmen with a range of medical specialties are deployed to FOB Ghazni as the only Air Force Forward Surgical Team in

  • Official notes progress in suicide prevention effort

    Making sure people know where to turn for help during a time of crisis is the continuing goal of the Defense Department's suicide prevention program, the Pentagon official in charge of the effort said here Aug. 30.

  • CSAF, CMSAF tour PACAF

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody toured various locations within the Pacific area of responsibility, Aug. 18 to 31.

  • CSAF meets with Airmen at JB Elmendorf-Richardson

    For the first time since assuming his current post, the Air Force's top general officer visited Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Aug. 28 and 29 to address some of the pressing issues facing the Air Force, meet Airmen stationed here and get a first-hand look at the base's mission.

  • 129th Rescue Wing continues fighting Rim Fire

    Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing have performed more than 400 bucket drops resulting in over 188,000 gallons of water dropped since they began fighting the Rim Fire August 20.

  • Technicians coengineer cost-saver with a spin

    Staff Sergeants Alex Aguayo and Michael Rogers, aircraft metals technicians with the 6th Maintenance Squadron, co-engineered a way to centrifugally mount a KC-135's nose and main landing wheel on a rotating base to allow the entire part to be painted in a single step.

  • Working dogs, handlers dynamic duo for base defense

    Deploying in pairs, military working dogs and their handlers share a bond exclusive to their career field; each directly dependent upon each other to accomplish the mission. This bond is strengthened in a deployed environment keeping the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron military working

  • CSAF visits, thanks Yokota AB Airmen

    Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Cody visited Airmen here Aug. 27, 2013, as part of a two-week tour of the Pacific region.

  • Airman rollerskates way to fitness

    The Air Force requires all members to be 'fit to fight', but not everyone lifts weights, hit a punching bag or run on a treadmill. One Airman gives the phrase a different meaning.Staff Sgt. Hilary Middleton, 355th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, skates with the local

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Langley NCO's road to recovery

    In 2002, 1.4 million people were arrested nationally for driving under the influence, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Unfortunately, U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Randall Renaud was part of that statistic. On Oct. 2, 2002, six months after promotion to technical sergeant, he

  • ANG, Singapore fighters dogfight over Idaho skies

    F-16 Fighting Falcons returned to Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, recently, and could be seen screaming across the skies above base as red- and blue-force aircraft.Guardsmen from the 162nd Fighter Wing, Arizona Air National Guard, located at Tucson International Airport, are currently visiting

  • USAFE-AFAFRICA commander talks challenges, change

    Gen. Frank Gorenc shared his enthusiasm for becoming the new U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander and spoke about challenges the command faces and how to overcome them, in an interview here Aug. 16.

  • Airmen train for contingency operations

    As part of the 36th Contingency Response Group, members of the 736th Security Forces Squadron provide an integrated force protection element that arrives first at operating locations. Without existing airfields, CRG members are sometimes required to arrive by parachute.

  • Curriculum policy changes mark start of new DODEA school year

    Department of Defense Education Activity students, parents and employees should expect quite a few changes in the upcoming school year, the DODEA director said in an Aug. 23 interview. Those changes will be both visible and behind the scenes, but they all are geared toward improving the quality of

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman strengthens Russian ties at Manas

    Not many Americans can say they are originally from Russia. Even fewer can say their military deployment has strengthened their family. For 2nd Lt. Liya Smolina, 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Theater Security Cooperation chief host nation liaison, that's exactly the case.

  • AF leaders visit Kadena to thank Airmen

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody and their spouses met with Airmen and families here Aug. 21-22.

  • Welsh, Cody: greatest strength is our Airmen

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody visited here Aug. 22 to 23 to discuss Air Force priorities and thank Airmen and families for their service and dedication.

  • What do you mean, 'Back to basics'?

    Last September, in his first speech as the Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Mark A. Welsh III advocated a back-to-basics approach for the Air Force. He noted that the missions of the Air Force have not changed over time, but rather, the terms by which we identify the missions have changed.

  • AF releases nuclear enterprise’s future plan

    The Air Force recently announced a long-term vision for the service’s nuclear enterprise.The plan, signed by the chief of staff and secretary of the Air Force and approved by the 4-star-level Nuclear Oversight Board, provides a framework for advancing and monitoring the overall health of the Air

  • Joint training helps readiness, saves dollars

    In an effort to save dollars and increase mission effectiveness, 41 students from across the Area of Responsibility, including enlisted, officers and chief warrant officers representing every service, attended two 10-day joint tactical data link courses in the Combined Air and Space Operations