NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Knowing where to request records saves time, money

    In an effort to save time and money, the master personnel records branch staff at the Air Force Personnel Center wants retirees and former Airmen to know the correct procedures for requesting medical and personnel record information."Knowing the correct procedures can not only cut down on the

  • AFPC officials streamline PCS orders process

    Air Force Personnel Center officials here have centralized how Permanent Change of Station orders are processed, validated and authenticated. Since Oct. 2011, the Total Force Service Center-San Antonio has been managing the PCS orders process and has authenticated more than 82,000 orders and 19,000

  • Opening ceremonies kick off Air Force Week activities

    The Air Force kicked off one of its biggest outreach programs in America's largest city Aug. 19 with a combination of opening day remarks, flyovers, interactive displays and performances by Air Force bands.The opening ceremony at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum on Pier 86 marked the start of

  • Nuclear enterprise experts train and attend symposium

    Approximately 16 general and flag officers, led by the commander of U.S. Strategic Command, took part in an airborne emergency action officers exercise and Strategic Deterrence Conference at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., Aug. 6-9.Gen. C. Robert Kehler, commander of U.S. Strategic Command, is

  • Photos: Rescue Airmen train in the open seas

    A team of pararescuemen with the 38th Rescue Squadron at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., conducted a water rescue exercise in the Gulf of Mexico on Aug. 14. During the exercise, pararescuemen had to locate downed victims several miles apart and provide self-aid and buddy care as needed. The

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Maxwell officer builds historical database

    (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.)What started as a solution to an information collection problem six years ago has grown into a substantial database that documents air power through

  • Airman nets $10,000 through IDEA program

    The Air Force presented a check for $10,000 to a 31st Maintenance Squadron Airman recently for creating a new process that used less manpower and resources without sacrificing quality.Tech. Sgt. Jesse Swiderek, 31st MXS aircraft metals technology craftsmen, received the money as part of the

  • Behind-the-scenes look at saving lives

    It was his first deployment to Afghanistan, and to make matters worse, he was assigned to one of the busiest trauma centers in the region. Staff Sgt. Caleb Gibson felt a sense of shock, pride and satisfaction as he watched U.S. military medical personnel treat injured troops. "It was shocking to see

  • USAF Honor Guard, Band represent Airmen at Air Force Week

    The premier U.S. Air Force ceremonial units, the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and U.S. Air Force Band, are returning to New York City as part of Air Force Week 2012 with several performances and concerts scheduled for August 18-22.Two of the USAF Band's ensembles - the rock band, Max Impact, and The

  • Airmen's heroic acts featured in Portraits in Courage

    Climbing a glacier for 24 straight hours, delivering medical care while taking enemy fire or chasing an armed murderer through a crowded airport; these are the actions of some of the 20 Airmen featured in the latest volume of Portraits in Courage.As the Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley

  • 'Today's Air Force' highlights new CSAF, Air Force Week

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of "Today's Air Force" on Aug. 17. On this episode's "Straight from the Top," Gen. Mark A. Welsh III talks about his priorities as the new Air Force chief of staff. Later, Staff Sgt. Shannon Ofiara shows viewers the Air Force chief of staff transition

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman inspires through music

    (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.)Born and raised in Newton, Miss., a real life "small town," he had watched many of his family members join the military and knew he would soon follow."My

  • Hotel tax exemptions could help AF save millions of dollars

    During a time of increasing Department of Defense budget constraints, the Air Force continuously looks for innovative solutions that save money and positively impacts the mission. Air Education and Training Command's Financial Management office said Air Force travelers could help save millions of

  • High year of tenure changes take effect in 2013

    High year of tenure changes announced in December will go into effect in September 2013, Air Force Personnel Center officials reminded affected Airmen on Aug. 16. Changes will affect senior airmen, staff sergeants and technical sergeants, said Lt. Col. Tara White, AFPC retirements and separations

  • Welsh talks 'leadership' with NCOs

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III shared his perspective on leadership during the 2012 Air Force Sergeants Association Convention and Professional Airmen's Conference here Aug. 15.Welsh spoke about what it takes to be a great leader and NCO, sharing insight and personal stories from

  • Total force seminar builds 'bold leadership'

    Nearly 200 Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine service members took part in a full-day leadership seminar hosted by the Kaiserslautern Military Community Top III Total Force Development Council here Aug. 3.From junior enlisted to senior officers, all members who attended the seminar learned about the

  • Kick your reading into OverDrive

    If you love to read but can't make it to the library, the Air Force will bring the library to you. OverDrive, one of several Air Force library online resources, features nearly 10,000 electronic books, audio books, videos and music available for checkout to eligible customers, said Melinda Mosley,

  • USFJ commander focuses on bilateral operations

    With the Department of Defense's rebalance of military forces to the Asia Pacific region, the focus on bilateral operations is more critical now than ever, said the new U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander."We plan to increase our bilateral and multilateral cooperation throughout the

  • Keeping marriages strong across miles

    When Tech. Sgts. Gena and Barry Armstrong received orders to Korea, their marriage had gone through some rough patches and they had all but decided divorce seemed like a good idea. The couple had dealt with numerous deployments and temporary duties away from each other, common stresses in military

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman's quick reaction saves girl's life

    An Airman doesn't have to be on the battlefield to risk his life for others, to react within a moment's notice to a crisis and to be a hero.It started out as a beautiful weekend summer day at Sullivan's Island, S.C.Desperate pleas for help were echoing faintly over the rolling ocean waves. The pleas

  • Enlisted village cares for AF widows, families

    The ninth chief master sergeant of the Air Force, James Binnicker, spoke about the Air Force Enlisted Village during the 2012 Air Force Sergeants Association Convention and Professional Airman Conference here Aug. 12.The Air Force Enlisted Village was founded in 1967 after a survey conducted by AFSA

  • Combat training supports 21st century strategy

    As the nation winds down from a decade of combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Department of Defense is shifting its focus to the future and recently introduced new strategic guidance describing the projected security environment and key military missions for which the department will

  • CMSAF kicks off AFSA convention

    More than 1,300 U.S. Air Force enlisted Airmen gathered here to kick off the 2012 Air Force Sergeants Association Convention and Professional Airman Conference, Aug. 12. The convention is held annually, and is comprised of a number of smaller conferences and meetings, all sponsored by AFSA. This

  • Marilyn Monroe and the general

    Plastered across the pages of many magazines, blogs and newspapers last week were photos and stories about the untimely death of actress Marilyn Monroe 50 years ago. Some authors went beyond just simply discussing her beauty or sexual exploits and opined she was actually quite brilliant. Sources

  • EOD tech school puts 'battlefield' into PT

    Physical fitness workouts for Air Force explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) candidates now have a battlefield twist at Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (NAVSCOLEOD), as the 366th Training Squadron Field Training Detachment 3 here has revamped their fitness program to turn Airmen into

  • McChord Airmen tackle Mt. Rainier summit

    Getting a view of a clear blue sky can be a pretty rare event in the Pacific Northwest. The grey cloud cover that often hovers over McChord Field and the surrounding area can sometimes feel a bit gloomy.To fight off the gloom, many people turn to a rigorous exercise regimen, with the idea that a

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Eglin couples make NCO rank together

    (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.)When Air Force officials announced who'd made staff sergeant Aug. 3, two Team Eglin families received twice the good news.Senior Airmen Joseph and Nicole

  • New instruction puts spotlight on standards, culture

    When referencing fundamental standards, Airmen now have a single source: Air Force Instruction 1-1, Air Force Standards.As one of the capstone acts of his 39-year career, Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force chief of staff, put his signature on the brand new instruction, which communicates in one

  • Rescue squadron 'drops in' on children's hospital

    The young boys and girls at the Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emmanuel were treated to a special surprise by pararescuemen from the 304th Rescue Squadron here Aug. 6.Arriving by air, via HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters from the 305th Rescue Squadron, and from the ground in Humvees, the Airmen

  • Food service teams heat up the dining experience

    Good food is big business and nobody knows that better than Bill Spencer, Air Force Personnel Center appropriated funds food operations section chief, who last year faced the daunting task of introducing epicurean variety to a culture rooted in traditional fare.According to Spencer, Air Force dining

  • Welsh 'humbled' to serve as Air Force chief of staff

    The Air Force chief of staff flag passed to the service's 20th chief in a ceremony here Aug. 10.Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, a 36-year Airman, stepped into the position, taking over for Gen. Norton Schwartz, who also retired from the Air Force during the ceremony."Mark is respected throughout the Air

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman enlists father's help to improve KAF

    (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.)Airmen from the 651st Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron conducted a retreat ceremony at the contingency aeromedical staging facility here

  • Air Force names 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

    Air Force officials selected the service's top enlisted members, naming the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2012, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.An Air Force selection board at the Air Force Personnel Center considered 35 nominees who represented major commands; direct

  • CSAF, spouse recognized for distinguished service

    During the final days of a 39-year career, the Air Force's top Airman stood beside his wife as they were both recognized for their distinguished service in a modest ceremony before close colleagues and family members here Aug. 9.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz received the

  • 'Today's Air Force' covers Welsh, safety, warrior care

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of "Today's Air Force" on Aug. 3.The first segment, "Straight From the Top," highlights Gen. Mark A. Welsh III's nomination to the position of chief of staff of the Air Force. Later, Senior Airman Marshall Hunsaker covers what some bases are doing for

  • General Carlisle takes command of Pacific Air Forces

    Gen. Herbert Carlisle took command of Pacific Air Forces from Gen. Gary North in a change of command ceremony here Aug. 3.Presiding over the ceremony, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz praised North's past accomplishments and Carlisle's future potential as the commander of PACAF.Schwartz

  • 2nd Bomb Wing delegation visits Russia

    A delegation of five people from the 2nd Bomb Wing visited Engels Air Base in Saratov, Russia, last month on a goodwill mission with a dual purpose. Team members evaluated the suitability of the airfield at Engels Air Base for B-52H operations. The outing also established initial relationships for a

  • EOD prelim helps tech school attrition rate

    It's amazing what a difference a year can make in the technical training world.The 366th Training Squadron Field Training Detachment 3 here is reaping the benefits of better-prepared Airmen attending Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal, with the overall Air Force attrition rate down 16 percent

  • US, Botswana provide humanitarian civilian assistance in Malwelwe

    Family and community members from the Malwelwe village gathered to receive medical treatment during a humanitarian civilian assistance event Aug. 7.The humanitarian civilian assistance event was conducted as part of the MEDLITE/SOUTHERN ACCORD 12 exercise, a key element in a broader series of

  • 'Air Force 101' gives spouses toolbox for life in Air Force

    Taking care of Air Force families has been a passion of Suzie Schwartz, wife of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, and Paula Roy, wife of Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy. They have tackled issues that have ranged from spouse employment to issues affecting the families of

  • Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. announce Military Awards winners

    Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., announced the winners of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. Military Awards at the organization's 41st annual convention here Aug. 1. The annual TAI Military Awards recognizes four service members who have logged continuous achievements that parallel the spirit, goals and ideas of the

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman takes wingman concept to new level

    (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.)It was a typical night for Senior Airman Dara Alexander; working as a receptionist at the Langley Inns, Langley Air Force Base, Va., ... until the phone

  • Rescue Airmen partner with Canadians for search-and-rescue training

    Approximately 30 Airmen from the 920th Rescue Wing at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., traveled to Canada July 15-22 to train alongside and strengthen partnerships with Royal Canadian Air Force search-and-rescue technicians, known as SAR techs, and their support personnel. The SAR techs from our

  • Air Force leaders send birthday messages to Coast Guard

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy congratulate the Coast Guard on its 222nd birthday Aug. 4. In a letter to the commandant of the Coast Guard, Schwartz wrote:"Congratulations to you and the United States Coast Guard as you celebrate 222

  • Maxwell medics return from Peru

    Nine members of the 42nd Medical Group recently returned from New Horizons, an ongoing joint humanitarian training exercise in Peru. An annual series of free medical clinics and infrastructure development projects, New Horizons is a U.S. Southern Command-led exercise conducted with Latin American

  • Airmen train with Polish counterparts

    Ramstein Airmen from the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing and 86th Airlift Wing continue to train together along with Polish military members in exercise Screaming Eagle IV, here July 24th through August 3rd."Poland is one of our strongest and closest allies in the world and is a leader in Europe,"

  • Leading by example: Academy cadets develop leadership skills at BMT

    U.S. Air Force Academy cadets learned first-hand over the past seven weeks how military training instructors develop the Air Force's newest warrior Airmen in basic military training.The 27 cadets in the Summer Leadership Program developed leadership skills by shadowing MTIs in seven BMT squadrons at

  • Senate confirms General Welsh as next Air Force chief of staff

    Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, a 36-year veteran, will be the twentieth Air Force chief of staff, according to a Senate confirmation vote Aug. 2. Welsh provided testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee July 19, before the full Senate voted on his confirmation. Now the president must appoint the

  • First lady visits RAF Mildenhall, meets military families

    Military families stationed in the United Kingdom had the opportunity to meet the first lady of the United States on July 29, before she returned home after attending the opening ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympics.Michelle Obama took about 30 minutes here to personally meet more than 150 family

  • Air Force officials release E-5 promotion list

    More than 13,400 senior airmen -- 40 percent of those eligible -- have been selected for promotion to staff sergeant.To see the list, go to http://www.afpc.af.mil/promotions/ssgt.asp.Staff sergeant is the first noncommissioned officer rank. Those selected will be promoted beginning in September,

  • Through Airmen's eyes: Samoa native puts bombs on target

    (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.)His father always told him, "Whatever job you are doing, always do your best." This is something the 6-foot Samoan took to heart and lives by to this

  • Luke AFB selected for F-35 pilot training

    It's official, the F-35 is coming to Luke. Air Force Secretary Michael Donley announced today that Luke AFB has been chosen as the location of the Air Force's F-35A Lightning II pilot training center. The base will receive 72 aircraft for a total of three fighter squadrons."This is a great day for

  • US, Poland develop partnership through Screaming Eagle

    Airmen from the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing and 86th Airlift Wing continue to train with Polish military members in Exercise Screaming Eagle IV here July 24 through Aug. 3."Poland is one of our strongest and closest allies in the world and is a leader in Europe," said President Barack Obama.

  • AF medical team integral part of mass casualty exercise

    The "walking wounded," arrived first to the field hospital set up by the 779th Medical Group. The warbling siren from an ambulance heralded the arrival of patients on litters. The doctors, nurses and medical technicians greeted them with the initial care that could save their lives or at a minimum

  • Gen. Breedlove becomes 35th USAFE commander

    Gen. Philip M. Breedlove took command of U.S. Air Forces in Europe from Gen. Mark A. Welsh III today in a change of command ceremony here.Presiding over the ceremony, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz praised Welsh's past accomplishments and Breedlove's future potential as the commander

  • Service members successfully work themselves out of job

    Most people wouldn't define success as working themselves out of a job, but for the Joint Medical Operations Cell located in western Afghanistan, that was exactly their goal.What began as a 20-person-strong medical team in 2006 has now dwindled down to six people as medical advisors and mentors

  • Innovative simulator solution enhances training, saves millions of dollars

    A significant milestone for remotely piloted aircraft was ushered in July 10, with the first student sortie in an innovative T-6 Texan II simulator.The new setup has dramatically increased the ability to train remotely piloted aircraft pilots, and the ingenuity behind the new simulator saves the Air

  • Staff sergeant promotion list slated for Thursday release

    Air Force officials selected 13,448 of 33,060 eligible senior airmen for promotion to staff sergeant, a selection rate of 40.68 percent, Air Force Personnel Center officials said. The list is slated for release Aug. 2.The average score for those selected was 283.30, with an average time in grade of

  • Jackson takes helm of AF Reserve Command

    Lt. Gen. James F. Jackson became chief of the Air Force Reserve and assumed command of the Air Force Reserve Command in a ceremony July 30 at the Museum of Aviation here.He replaced Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr., who retired from the Air Force with 39 years of military service. Stenner had served

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: A pilot who can do it all

    (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.)Just three short years ago, Lt. Aaron Berry was maintaining A-10 Thunderbolt IIs. Today, he's flying them.In April 2009, then-Tech. Sgt. Aaron Berry was

  • CASF: Staff, volunteers send heroes home

    The state-of-the-art Craig Joint Theater Hospital at Bagram Airfield is widely recognized as the premier medical facility in Afghanistan. CJTH treats about 4,000 patients each month - as many as 130 war-related injuries each day - yet more than 95 percent of their patients survive. The hospital has

  • Spencer pins on 4th star, named next vice chief

    Lt. Gen. Larry Spencer pinned on his fourth star and was named the next Air Force vice chief of staff during a ceremony officiated by Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Norton Schwartz at the Pentagon on July 27.Spencer had been assigned as the

  • AF cyclists ride the world's longest bicycle tour

    A group of four cyclists from Scott Air Force Base left July 20, to participate in the 40th Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, July 22 to 28. RAGBRAI is the oldest, largest and longest bicycle touring event in the world and has been a tradition for U.S. Air Force members for 13 years

  • F-35 maintenance training spawns USMC's first air FTD

    It's no surprise that the military operates in an increasingly joint environment today. With the introduction of the Department of Defense's newest fifth-generation fighter jet, the F-35 Lightening Bolt Joint Strike Fighter, the joint effort is at the forefront of the aircraft's maintenance training

  • AF implements hiring tool 7 weeks ahead of schedule

    Bringing new Air Force civilian employees on board is more efficient and timely now following full-implementation of the USA Staffing Onboarding Manager tool, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.In April, AFPC initiated a phased implementation strategy to replace the civilian virtual

  • Deployed first responders test reaction skills

    An explosion rocks the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing's aerospace ground equipment hangar. Minutes later, the sound of anguished voices calling for help can be heard as firefighters enter the dark, smoke-filled building.The scene then becomes mass chaos as medical personnel scramble to assist the

  • Through Airmen's eyes: Combat medic shares story about 'just doing his job'

    (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.)Even though it was only one of more than 300 combat missions he was a part of while deployed last year, it was a day he will never forget. On that day,

  • Building international partners through music

    This week, the U.S. Air Force Band welcomed international guest conductor Capt. Abiodoun Patrick Odjo from the Republic of Benin. Captain Odjo is the commander of the Music Squadron and Mobile Squadron for the National Gendarmerie in Benin. Prior to this position, he served as the commander of the

  • DoD approves plan to lift F-22 restrictions

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz said here July 24 the Air Force has data indicating the cause of the F-22 Raptor's hypoxia-related incidents stem from the quantity, not the quality, of oxygen available in the cockpit."Given tests in the altitude chamber and the centrifuge, we have

  • Schwartz: Air Force will thrive despite fiscal challenges

    The Air Force has reinvigorated the service's nuclear mission, incorporated unmanned aerial capabilities and made progress in acquisition, the service's chief of staff told reporters here July 24.Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, who finishes a four-year term in office shortly, said he believes the Air Force

  • New civilian pay system on the way

    All Air Force civilian employees are slated to be using a new, standardized Air Force pay system by June 2013. The Automated Time Attendance and Production System will standardize the pay method across the service and will be implemented first at Air Force Global Strike Command and Air National

  • Air Force officials welcome 21st surgeon general

    The Air Force welcomed its 21st surgeon general as Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Thomas W. Travis was sworn in by Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz on July 20 here.Travis has been the Air Force deputy surgeon general since Nov. 2010, and replaces Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Charles B. Green, who retired.At his ceremony,

  • 'Today's Air Force' looks at guns, planes and more guns

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of "Today's Air Force" on July 20.First up, Staff Sgt. Chris Pyles takes look at how the Air Force is saving money through total force integration. Later, Pyles takes viewers to Baton Rouge, La., to the set of "Sons of Guns" to meet an Air Force

  • Through Airmen's eyes: From paralegal to war fighter

    (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.)One day he was helping someone with a power of attorney as a paralegal and the next day he helped protect unarmed colleagues from enemy fire in a war

  • Eglin maintenance NCO named Times Airman of the Year

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz presented the 2012 Military Times Airman of the Year award to a digital maintenance supervisor from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., here July 19. Master Sgt. Brandon Lambert, of the 728th Air Control Squadron, was nominated by a Veterans of Foreign Wars post

  • AF releases mid-year selective re-enlistment bonus list, changes

    Air Force officials today released the fiscal year 2012 mid-year selective re-enlistment bonus list along with some changes to the program.In addition to a rebalance in overall payments, the Air Force identified 53 Air Force specialties, down from 78, to receive bonuses. Based on the semiannual

  • Senior enlisted advisor to CJCS visits Nellis

    The senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff visited Nellis Air Force Base, Creech AFB and the Nevada Test and Training Range to see and better understand Airmen and their capabilities."It's been a very, very good trip," said U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan Battaglia.

  • Military leaders reflect on fallen warriors

    Air Force leaders here expressed their sympathy for everyone affected by the movie theater shooting in Aurora, Colo., July 20. Among the victims were two Buckley Air Force Base members, Air Force Staff Sgt. Jesse Childress and Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class John Thomas Larimer. "This tragic event has

  • Total force C-130 operations building opens at Peterson

    With a snip of the ceremonial scissors, Air Force Reserve and active duty Airmen ushered in the opening of a new total force C-130 Hercules operations facility July 17 here.The new $5.6 million facility is the next milestone in the 302nd Airlift Wing's integration with the active duty 52nd Airlift

  • UK's 'Friendly Invasion' 70 years on

    During his childhood, Clive Stevens would gaze up in awe at a small B-17 Flying Fortress model that sat on top of a bookcase in his home. "It obviously gave me a deep-rooted interest in the airplane," said Stevens. Over the years, his fascination grew to include not only the U.S. aircraft but the

  • Reservists among victims in Colorado shooting tragedy

    An Air Force Reservist was killed and another was wounded during the mass shooting at an Aurora, Colo., theater July 20.Staff Sgt. Jesse Childress, 29, was among the 12 fatalities and another Air Force Reservist was among 58 wounded during a midnight shooting rampage at the Century 16 multiplex,

  • Former MTI found guilty on 28 charges

    A sentence was returned today in the general court-martial of Air Force Staff Sgt. Luis Walker. Walker, a former basic military training instructor at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, was convicted of 28 charges Friday after a week-long court-martial. The charges included rape, adultery,

  • Air Force medical leader retires after 34 years

    During a ceremony filled with military tradition and reflection, the 20th surgeon general of the Air Force, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Charles B. Green, retired July 19 after 34 years of service.Green had the vision of what the Air Force medical field needed during his tenure, what should be championed and how

  • San Antonio health system among best in wounded warrior, trauma care

    During the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure commission hearings, it was suggested that the military should consolidate all health facilities in San Antonio to create the San Antonio Military Health System. The SAMHS was established after both the Air Force and Army chiefs of staff signed a

  • CSAF nominee testifies before Senate committee

    Gen. Mark Welsh III addressed a range of issues here July 19 during his Senate confirmation hearing to be the next Air Force chief of staff. Welsh, who has commanded U.S. Air Forces in Europe since December 2010, answered questions from members of the Senate Armed Services Committee about budget and

  • Florida sheriffs give 'fallen heroes' last ride home

    The Hillsborough County Sheriff's office, in Florida, in partnership with members of MacDill Air Force Base, conducted a fallen hero's dignified transfer here for the second day in a row July 18.Over the years, service members have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country, and, since 2009, the

  • Air Force running goes digital

    Beginning Sept. 1, Air Force medical officials will take new strides to get Airmen running safely.The Air Force Telehealth Office will conduct a six-month study to investigate the outcome and efficiency of online running instruction. The study will examine the effectiveness of a newly developed set

  • Air Force safety also applies to space

    When it comes to safety in the Air Force, much of the focus on mishap prevention goes into preventing and investigating slips, trips and falls. Ground safety applies to every member, regardless of their primary duty, and all can benefit from practicing prescribed safety methods in their everyday

  • Manpower, services agencies consolidate with personnel

    During a formal ceremony held here today, Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services Lt. Gen. Darrell D. Jones inactivated the Air Force Manpower and Air Force Services agencies, designating them as directorates of the Air Force Personnel Center.The ceremony, formal

  • Mildenhall Airmen catch Olympics fever

    Every four years people across the globe set aside their differences and rally behind their teams and country as the finest athletes in their lands compete at the Olympic Games.For service members, this sometimes means watching their nation compete with some of America's strongest allies. While

  • SecAF visits Spangdahlem AB

    The Air Force's top civilian leader met 52nd Fighter Wing leaders and service members here July 13.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley visited the base as part of a familiarization tour and to speak with Airmen about the unique capabilities Spangdahlem Air Base provides to the European theater

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Innovative Airman cut cost

    (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.)While the Defense Department faces tightening budgets and fiscal restraints, one Airman is developing innovative ways to save money and accomplish the

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Reserve officer recalls journey to freedom

    (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.)Col. Josie Fernandez credits providence as much as persistence for her journey from Cuban refugee to the duel-hatted role she has today with the Air

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: In the Ranks of an Ally

    (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.)It was a cloudy July day as thousands of spectators, full of national pride, flooded red, white and blue adorned streets waiting for the military parade

  • ANG TACPs hold first maritime exercise

    Tactical Air Control Party Members (TACP) and Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) from the 274th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) from Syracuse, New York participated in a first-of-its-kind Joint Maritime Operations exercise recently on Lake Ontario. The exercise was in conjunction with

  • Little Rock gets electronic flight bags, saves paper, money

    Airmen at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., received 721 iPads to be used as electronic flight bags for C-130 Hercules aircrews July 2, as part of Air Mobility Command's effort to reduce paper waste and costs by replacing flight bags and loads of paperwork they hold with the electronic tablets.This