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  • 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

  • CSAF: Every Airman matters, each story is important

    As outlined in the Air Force vision, “every Airman, regardless of specialty, must understand and be able to explain how they contribute to producing unparalleled airpower for our Nation Each Airman has a compelling story that needs to be told. Tell your story. Let your fellow Americans know that

  • Combat arms instructor is third generation Air Force cop

    Staff Sgt. William Delphia said he has gained both strength and wisdom from his father, a former Airman. Delphia, a 633rd Security Forces Squadron combat arms training and maintenance instructor at Langley Air Force Base, Va., has spent his enlistment continuing the legacy of his father, Bruce

  • Air Force offers potential model for future MWR programs

    For a glimpse into how the military services might provide quality morale, welfare and recreation services and programs despite continuing budget pressures, the transformation program the Air Force Services directorate has been rolling out for the past two and a half years is worth a look.

  • Innovative programs keep MWR relevant

    Military fitness centers, swimming pools, lodging facilities and outdoor recreation offices might sound to some like a footnote among competing budget requirements. But Ed Miles, DOD’s MWR policy director, and his counterparts across the military services see a close connection to military

  • Regional African Air Chiefs Symposium begins

    The U.S. 3rd Air Force commander and the Ghanaian chief of air staff hosted opening ceremonies for the second Regional Air Chiefs Symposium at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Center Aug. 20.

  • AF announces PT test enhancements to start Oct. 1

    Air Force senior leadership announced enhancements to the Air Force’s Physical Fitness Assessment program, to be implemented Oct. 1. In a letter to Airmen Aug. 20, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III explained the results of the comprehensive review, highlighting the strength of the

  • Love for Lamia: Retired general devotes life to help Afghans

    It was part of the international relationship building he spoke about to the graduating pilots from Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program, Aug. 9., here that has propelled Lt. Gen. (Ret.) John Bradley into a post-military career passion.

  • New ASVAB pretest available for applicants

    Applicants who hope to join the Air Force can now take the Armed Services Aptitude Battery pretest from any computer with internet access thanks to a new program.

  • Recruiter’s post-tornado effort has lasting impact

    As the massive 1.3-mile-wide tornado approached Moore, Okla., May 20, Staff Sgt. Tim Smith took shelter along with his family, neighbors and dogs."I arrived home 10 minutes before the tornado hit my neighborhood," said Smith, an Enlisted Accessions recruiter in Norman, Okla. "My wife, my son and I

  • CSAF, CMSAF tour Pacific

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody arrived here Aug. 18 on the first leg of a tour to various locations within the Pacific area of responsibility, held Aug. 18 to 31. In addition to meeting with Airmen and Department of Defense

  • Air guard director hosts first all-call

    Remaining operationally engaged, the fiscal climate, furloughs and serving with distinction were topics frankly discussed by the director of the Air National Guard, Lt. Gen. Stanley E. Clarke III, at his first All-Call Aug 14 here.

  • Message from CSAF

    Since the Air Force was born in 1947, the core missions of the United States Air Force haven’t fundamentally changed.

  • Former Air Force leader passes away

    A former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who was also a chief of staff of the Air Force, passed away Saturday in Falcon’s Landing military retirement community in Potomac Falls, Va.

  • Security forces Airmen -- ready to roll

    The 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron's bike patrol make their rounds almost daily through base housing and other designated areas, making their presence known with the goal of community policing and mobility in mind.

  • Academy welcomes new superintendent

    The U.S. Air Force Academy logged a new milestone here Aug. 12 when the first woman to hold the position of Academy superintendent assumed command in a ceremony before hundreds of guests, Academy staff and cadets.

  • Dog's best friend

    As Pepper leapt over a 5-foot fence to catch up with a "bad guy," his left hind paw was caught in one of the chain links. As the rest of his body catapulted forward, his paw remained snagged in the fence. When he freed his paw out from the fence, his leg hung distorted and lifeless. His handler knew

  • Enlisted Airmen may be eligible for medical prep school

    Active-duty enlisted Airmen who qualify can now apply for a new pilot program designed to prepare them for medical school, but "intent to apply" emails must be submitted no later than Sept. 6, Air Force Personnel Center officials said Aug. 12. The Enlisted to Medical Degree Preparatory Program

  • CSAF meets with Israeli partners

    Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody visited with Israeli air force Commander Maj. Gen. Amir Eshel and other Israeli defense officials during a four-day visit to the region Aug. 5 to 7. They discussed a number of topics including mutual security

  • C-17 crew brings warfighters home

    Boarding a C-17 Globemaster III at Kandahar, Afghanistan and headed to Transit Center at Manas here, U.S. Army Maj. Daniel Garcia prepared for the first leg of a special flight: the journey home after several months on his deployment.At the heart of this mission is the 817th Expeditionary Airlift

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Linguist shoulders seven deployments in five years

    (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.)Seven deployments in five years is a feat not many Airmen can claim. Serving as a career enlisted aviator on the RC-135 Rivet Joint, Staff Sgt. Chris has

  • Innovative Airmen modify mobile A/C unit

    Performing in extreme temperatures is the norm for many deployed service members, and adjustments in operations tempos are necessary to complete the mission on time to accommodate heat stress conditions. Two innovative Airmen assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron here

  • First ANG bomb wing certified for nuclear operations

    The Air National Guard celebrated a historic milestone this week as the 131st Bomb Wing, the nation’s only Guard unit to fly and maintain the B-2 Spirit, was certified to conduct the nuclear mission upon completion of their initial nuclear surety inspection.

  • ANG contingency response, Army units test earthquake response

    Nearly 100 members of the Kentucky Air National Guard's 123rd Contingency Response Group and the U.S. Army's 689th Rapid Port Opening Element deployed to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport on Aug. 5, to set up a logistics hub as part of exercise Gateway Relief, an earthquake-response scenario directed by

  • Power of AF families

    Despite their distinguished status as the wives of Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody, Betty Welsh and Athena Cody casually fit in the circle of chatting coffee-drinking ladies like they've been here their entire life. Maybe it

  • Top AF leaders visit Spangdahlem Airmen

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody and their spouses visited Spangdahlem Air Base to meet with Airmen and their families Aug. 1.During their visit to the 52nd Fighter Wing, Welsh and Cody received a mission brief, participated in an open

  • Gorenc assumes command of USAFE, AFAFRICA, Allied Air Command

    Three consecutive generations of U.S. Air Forces in Europe commanders and the U.S. Africa Command deputy commander took to the stage as Gen. Frank Gorenc assumed command of USAFE, U.S. Air Forces Africa and Allied Air Command during a ceremony here Aug. 2.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh

  • 24/7 fitness center access coming to a base near you

    Getting fit to fight in the Air Force just became more convenient. As part of an Air Force Services Transformation Initiative test concept, Joint Base Andrews, Md., was one of six installations to implement unmanned hours at their fitness center, making it accessible 24/7.

  • Healing deployed wounded warriors

    The 379th Expeditionary Medical Group's Intra-Theater Care Program here was established in 2008 to ensure no service member is sent home from the U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility before having a chance to get back in the fight.

  • Department of Energy recognizes Air Force energy program

    It's the Oscars of the energy world and the Air Force has stolen the show again.Innovative ideas and procedures for saving facility energy and aviation fuel have earned the Air Force five Federal Energy Management Program awards in 2013, bringing the total to 21 winners in the last four years. A

  • A tribute to a warrior, patriot and hero to all Airmen

    I am the very proud son of an American fighter pilot, one of that treasured group who served in three wars, built an Air Force, and gave it an enduring example of courage and mission success. My dad was a hero. As a young man, I asked him who his combat heroes were; he gave me only two names. One

  • PLAYpass gives Airmen up to $1,000 in discounts

    Airmen projected to deploy or have recently returned from a deployment can participate in the PLAYpass Get out and Play Program and save $500 to $1,000 on installation programs.The PLAYpass program is based upon discount cards which provide eligible Airmen and family members the opportunity to

  • Waist measurement failures non-factor for most Airmen

    Recent comments on social media sites show there's a rumor among Airmen that the abdominal circumference component of the Fitness Assessment is where the largest majority of failures come from. This opinion is wrong.Since the Air Force has adopted the policy, which automatically fails Airmen with a

  • Japanese kids get close-up look at American firefighters

    Two bright red fire trucks, American Airmen and children and an oversized fire dog stood by on a sunny and clear summer morning as buses made their way to the Kadena Air Base fire station headquarters where water arches and rainbows welcomed 49 sixth-graders and 11 escorts from a local Japanese

  • Two Joint Base Langley-Eustis firefighters earn national designation

    Seventy plus pages, multiple character references, years of professional development, and six to nine months of grueling waiting while the application is reviewed, is what it takes for a firefighter to be awarded the national designation of Chief Fire Officer. Only 913 firefighters in the United

  • Incirlik AB Airmen come together for Storytellers III

    Airmen from across the base gathered at the club complex to hear the stories of their fellow Airman for the third "Storytellers" event July 27 here.The first Storytellers event took place July 19 at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. It was the brainchild of several members of the Incirlik Toastmasters

  • Acting SecAF visits Westover ARB

    "That's a lot of iron on the ramp," Acting Secretary of the Air Force Eric Fanning said during his July 25 visit to Westover, seeing a row of 10 C-5s on the East Ramp.During his three-hour visit, the acting secretary donned a hard hat and toured the nation's largest military aircraft, flew a C-5

  • Air Force takes swift action against sexual assault

    It's not an overstatement to say that the past many years have been challenging for those in the military working to prevent sexual assault and sexual trauma. However, for those who've been victimized it has been much worse, and we should never forget that. The harm in this crime is not just

  • Air Force names 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

    Air Force officials announced the service's top enlisted members, naming the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2013.An Air Force selection board at the Air Force Personnel Center considered 36 nominees who represented major commands; direct reporting units, field operating agencies and

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Kadena AB Airman has Nhu story to tell

    (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.)Think of taking time off, leave, or going abroad. What comes to mind? Perhaps some time for you, a way to reinvigorate or reenergize? For one staff

  • Two combat controllers hike with USAF Seven Summits Team

    For some, hiking and climbing for days, and sometimes months, through some of the harshest environments known to man, would seem like an arduous task. Two Airmen from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., experienced just that as they summited Mount Rainier, Wash., July 19 through 22.Staff Sgt. Brian

  • AF names primary, alternate DARPA participants

    Twelve captains, majors and lieutenant colonels have been selected as primary or alternate fiscal year 2014 Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Service Chiefs Program participants.The program begins in September and is designed to immerse outstanding military officers into an imaginative,

  • Airmen flip for charity

    What originally began as a dream workout, changed to working out a dream when Airmen from the base here had the idea for the ultimate CrossFit challenge: Flipping an 800-pound tire 11 miles to raise money for wounded veterans. "My goal was to flip the tire downtown," said Staff Sgt. Cody Lytle, who

  • Welsh meets with Wyoming's Total Force Airmen

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and his wife, Betty, visited with Airmen of 153rd Airlift Wing at the Wyoming Air National Guard Base here July 19.During an Airman's call, Welsh applauded the 153rd Airlift Wing's role in hosting the Air National Guard's first active-duty associate

  • Free smartphone app designed to keep Airmen informed

    The Air Force launched a free mobile application geared toward informing Airmen and families about force support squadron morale, welfare and recreation events happening on their bases."MyAirForceLife," developed by the Air Force Personnel Center, links eligible patrons to force support

  • Air Force takes swift action against sexual assault

    It's not an overstatement to say that the past many years have been challenging for those in the military working to prevent sexual assault and sexual trauma. However, for those who've been victimized it has been much worse, and we should never forget that. The harm in this crime is not just

  • No more redundant inspections: AF implements new inspection system

    The Air Force recently implemented a new inspection system, aimed at giving more power to wing commanders.With the signing of Program Action Directive 13-01, Air Force inspection system Implementation Tiger Team transitions from the planning phase to the execution phase. The program, which was beta

  • Air Force Cycling Team pedals across Iowa

    Come rain, wind or an average temperature of 90 degrees, 94 Airman began pedaling across Iowa as part of the Registers Annual Bicycle Ride across Iowa, better known as RAGBRAI, July 21.The Air Force Cycling Team, under the leadership of Senior Master Sgt. Larry Gallo, assigned to 433rd Airlift Wing,

  • Thunderbirds egress specialist finds fulfillment in service

    Many Airmen discover their paths early in life. Some join the Air Force after graduating high school, and others wait a few years before making the decision to enlist. For one Airman assigned to the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, deciding to join the Air Force took 11 years.Staff Sgt.

  • Two special operations Airmen earn Silver Stars

    Two Air Force Special Operations Command combat controllers stationed in San Antonio were each presented a Silver Star for gallantry in combat during a ceremony here July 22.The two combat controllers, Tech. Sgt. Ismael Villegas and Staff Sgt. Dale Young, were decorated by Lt. Gen. Eric E. Fiel, the

  • Exercising to honor, inspire

    At the beginning of their deployment, a team of four Royal air force members from the No. 1 Air Control Center set out to exercise their way back to Lincoln, England, roughly 3,400 miles away, in honor of United Kingdom and U.S. service members who have been injured or killed in contingency

  • CSAF thanks Schriever AFB, addresses importance of every Airman

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III visited Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., July 19 to thank the team as well as provide some insights on current Air Force issues.As part of a two-day visit to Colorado, Welsh and his wife, Betty, met with Schriever AFB Airmen and their families at a key

  • Air Force, Army effort saves government money

    In a joint effort between the firefighters of the 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron and a deployed Army battalion, more than 60 Soldiers have been trained in the handling of hazardous materials, enhancing their emergency response skills and saving government dollars. Army Capt. Eric

  • Airman earns "Service Member of the Year" award

    Master Sgt. William G. Janczewski II was honored July 18, on Capitol Hill, as "Service Members of the Year" by newspaper publisher Military Times, along with four other service members, one from each branch of service. "It's very, very humbling," Janczewski said of his being named the Airman of the

  • Technicians safeguard fuel, oxygen

    Aircrew members depend on several moving parts to ensure an aircraft is properly maintained and prepped for a safe mission. A part of this preparation is ensuring that the fuel and oxygen within the aircraft are safe and free of contaminates that could negatively affect the mission.Airmen at the

  • Kandahar remembers fallen heroes with memorial ceremony

    The men and women of the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing came together during a remembrance ceremony here July 13 to honor the Airmen assigned to the wing's area of operations who paid the ultimate sacrifice.While deployed to Kandahar Airfield in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, 13 Airmen lost

  • CSAF says readiness harmed by steep cuts

    The rigid requirements of sequestration spending cuts have made it difficult for the Air Force to maintain readiness, the service's top officer said yesterday.Speaking to CNN's John King at the annual Aspen Institute Security Forum in Aspen, Colo., Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III

  • AF officials announce fiscal 2014 force management programs

    In ongoing efforts to size and shape the force to current and future requirements, Air Force officials announced the fiscal 2014 force management programs.The Air Force ended fiscal 2012 159 Airmen over end strength and anticipates ending fiscal 2013 at or marginally over end strength. The fiscal

  • Holding Airmen accountable: Mandatory discharge for sexual assault

    The Air Force recently adopted two new measures to eliminate sexual assault from within the ranks, including requiring discharge for Airmen who commit sexual assault, and requiring the Air Force's most senior commanders to review actions taken on these cases. According to Capt. Allison DeVito, chief

  • Security Forces Airmen recall IDF attack, bringing members closer

    Members of the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron had just finished dinner and were on the way back to their compound on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan June 18. Heading south on a perimeter road, they passed a bus stop located about 50 yards from their compound, where service members were

  • Gallantry earns pararescueman Silver Star

    An Airman assigned here earned the Silver Star medal for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force near Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan April 23, 2011. Maj. Gen. Frank Padilla awarded Staff Sgt. Zachary Kline the Silver Star in a ceremony here July 14, citing