Hawaii joint base trains for emergency preparedness

Twenty-eight members of the emergency operations center here participated in incident management team training, including earthquake and flood drill scenarios, Aug. 9 to 12. This training, the first since the installation joint based, will ensure the IMT members know exactly what to do in case of

Officials offer peek into officer promotion boards

Air Force officials offered a peek into the officer promotion board process recently to explain how they are conducted. "The promotion system is clear-cut and extremely fair," said Col. Ramona Dolson, chief of the Air Force Selection Board Secretariat. "The Air Force has done a great job in making

Space Command retires workhorse satellite

Members of the 3rd Space Operations Squadron, along with their counterparts from the 53rd Signal Battalion, waved a fond farewell to a trusted old friend Aug. 12. Lt. Col. Kevin Mortensen, 3rd SOPS commander and Lt. Col. Benjamin Jones, 53rd SB commander, took the honors, shutting down the final

VA opens small business conference in New Orleans

The National Veterans Small Business Conference and Expo in New Orleans is underway. Hosted by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the first time, it is the largest nationwide conference of its kind focused on helping veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses succeed in winning

Joint Base Charleston holds air transport conference

More than 140 people attended an Air Transportation Test Loading Activity conference Aug. 11 and 12 here. ATTLA is the Department of Defense agency responsible for approving airlift cargo before it can be transported by aircraft. Loadmasters, aerial porters and representatives from various agencies

VA reaching out to rural Vets with Telehealth

Kenneth Winn, 48, suffered a head injury while deployed in Operation Desert Storm. Since then, he's experienced his fair share of challenges in life. He's been looking for a job now for two years."I want to work," he said. "But if I tell (a potential employer) I have a head injury, they don't hire

Fellowship provides broad perspective on Air Force mission

The Air Force Manpower and Personnel office announced the plans for its annual Strategic Policy Fellowship Intermediate Developmental Education rotations for 2011-2012, which is set to begin mid-August. The program's goal is to develop competitively selected, officers' understanding of air, space,

No changes to military retirement anytime soon, officials say

The military retirement system isn't going to change any time soon, a Defense Department official said recently.Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said any changes to military retirement should be studied carefully and should be "grandfathered" so the military doesn't

U.S., South Korea forces to begin Ulchi Freedom Guardian exercise

U.S. and South Korean troops will begin the 10-day Ulchi Freedom Guardian exercise Aug. 16, conducted annually by the Republic of Korea-United States Combined Forces Command to improve combat readiness.Tens of thousands of U.S. and South Korean troops are expected to mobilize in and around the South

Boots on the ground: Moody Airmen march to ground zero

Most people can recall exactly where they were when they heard the tragic news of the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. From the service members who acted as first responders to the middle and high school students who are now defenders of freedom, that day symbolizes a painful time in history.Now 10 years

Iraqi airmen train to defend their airspace as U.S. Forces prepare to withdraw

With less than six months remaining before the U.S. withdraws from Iraq, U.S. military air advisors here are doubling their training efforts to ensure Iraqi Airmen are prepared to defend their boarders from the sky.Air Force and Army pilots and maintainers from the 721st Air Expeditionary Advisory

Officials conduct study of aircraft oxygen generation systems

Air Force officials continue to conduct an Aircraft Oxygen Generation study, with members of the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board taking the leading role.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley directed the quick look study in the wake of recent F-22 Raptor incidents.Officials seek to identify

Medical examiners identify deceased in Chinook crash

All 30 Americans killed in the Aug. 6 crash of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter in eastern Afghanistan have been identified, officials at the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System in Rockville, Md., said Aug. 12.Medical examiners also identified all eight Afghans killed in the incident, said Paul Stone, a

Officials announce civilian workforce hiring freeze

Air Force officials announced the implementation of a 90-day hiring freeze effective immediately.A firm commitment to keep spending within requested levels led to implement the hiring freeze across the civilian workforce, officials said.In addition to a 90-day hiring freeze, the officials plan to

U.S. Air Forces Central Command Band goes viral

Without microphones or sound equipment, Sidewinder performed a half-hour acoustic set for 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron Airmen working the night shift at the passenger terminal pallet yard Aug. 8 at an air base in Southwest Asia.The fan uploaded a video of vocalist Staff Sgt. Angie Johnson

Air Force continues emphasis on DADT repeal training

Air Force leaders want to ensure all Airmen are prepared for the repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law Sept. 20.Airmen can access the DADT Repeal training through the Advanced Distributed Learning Service link on the Air Force Portal, said Col. Jeff White, Air Force Directorate of Force

Transition assistance vital for those separating Airmen

With active-duty positions being eliminated through current force-management measures, it's important Airmen identified for separation use a vital tool -- the Air Force Transition Assistance Program -- to help ease themselves and their families into transition from military to civilian life.

NATO countries land successful jump week

More than 200 paratroopers from six NATO countries participated in airborne jump operations during International Jump Week Aug. 8 through 11.Paratroopers from Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands and the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps and Army jumped out of aircraft from Papa

DOD releases names of Airmen killed in Afghanistan helicopter crash

Three Air Force Special Operations Command Airmen died Saturday morning when their aircraft, a coalition CH-47 Chinook, crashed in the Maiden Wardak Province in eastern Afghanistan. They were among 25 U.S. Special Operations Command operators who died in the crash, which also took the lives of five

U.S. and RCAF civil engineers improve lives in Cambodia

When patients couldn't get care from the clinic here due to a washed-out road, the U.S. and Cambodian militaries partnered together to give back to the community. A team of Airmen and Soldier civil engineers who deployed here in support of Pacific Angel Cambodia 11-1, and Royal Cambodian Armed

Eielson medics overcome challenges during Operation Pacific Angel - Mongolia

In a deployed environment, military medical professionals must be prepared to do their job with available resources to make sure people get the help they need.Several Airmen from the 354th Medical Group had a chance to face these challenges as part of a team of medical professionals who provided

AF officials continue IT consolidation efforts in manpower, personnel, services community

Air Force officials continue to research smart and innovative solutions since merging information technology activities from four Air Force-level field operating agencies into a centralized organization in April.Members of the Air Force Personnel Operations Agency have used business process

Reservist reenlists after 19-year break, sworn in by son

Nineteen years after separating from the active duty Air Force, Scott Long enlisted into the Reserves. Now he's Staff Sgt. Long, with the 476th Maintenance Squadron as a fuel systems craftsman.Sergeant Long's son, U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Brandon Long, 1-169 Aviation Support Battalion liaison officer,

Airmen enhance relationships, airfield ops in Cambodia

The ability to deploy anywhere in the world within 12 hours to build an air base and sustain airfield operations is a capability few countries have the capacity to accomplish.Airmen deployed here in support of Pacific Angel Cambodia 11-1 are exchanging ideas and sharing best practices on this

Obama, military leaders pay respects at Dover Air Force Base

President Barack Obama and military leaders paid their respects at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware Aug. 9 during the dignified transfer of remains of service members killed in an Aug. 6 helicopter crash in Afghanistan.Two Air Force C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft carried the remains to

Japanese general tours Hickam

Japanese Maj. Gen. Jun Nagashima, Director J-4, Joint Staff, Ministry of Defense, toured the Hickam side of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Aug. 1 - 5. The visit included a tour of the C-17 Globemaster simulator, static display, and a command overview briefing. According to Col. Mark McLeod,

Airmen help prevent disease in Cambodia, one mosquito at a time

U.S. Air Force medical specialists are partnering with local experts here to hunt and trap some of the world's most dangerous insects, carrying some of the world's deadliest diseases. In an effort to conduct surveillance and encourage Cambodians to expand their technology and health care, the

Air Force Medical Service's first 'Sergeant Major' to be honored

The late Chief Master Sgt. Raymond T. Smith once told a reporter: "The Vietnam conflict has brought the services closer together. We've got to keep it that way."When he made that remark in 1970, he was serving as the first enlisted senior NCO for the entire Air Force Medical Service. So new was his

Academy to host Native American consultation

The 10th Air Base Wing commander will host representatives from up to 14 Native American tribes Aug. 9-11 as part of a consultation to develop memoranda of understanding among the Academy and the tribes.Col. Thomas Gibson, in his role as host for the nation-to-nation talks, will formally welcome

Wounded warriors, families deserve best care, Chiarelli says

The military has made great strides in warrior care over the past decade of war, but much work remains to be done, particularly when dealing with the invisible wounds of war, the Army vice chief of staff said Aug. 8.Speaking at the Warrior Transition Command's Warrior Care and Transition Program

Missing World War II Army Air Forces soldiers identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced Aug. 1 that remains of 12 U.S. servicemen, missing in action from World War II, had been identified and would be returned to their families for burial with full military honors. They are Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Jack E. Volz, 21,

Sheppard innovates Web-based self-inspections

Innovation in the checklist industry has found its way to the Sheppard Air Force Base Self-Inspection Program through the Management Internal Control Toolset. MICT is a web-based self-inspection software tool used to manage, track and close self-identified work center deficiencies. The days of

Hurlburt Field preferred for MQ-1 remote split-operation unit

Air Force officials announced Aug. 4 that Hurlburt Field, Fla., is the preferred alternative for the Air Force Reserve Command MQ-1 remote split-operations squadron. Hurlburt Field will receive a single MQ-1 RSO squadron consisting of 140 personnel and associated equipment. This action does not

Morocco receives first F-16s

Morocco is the latest U.S. partner nation to receive the F-16 Fighting Falcon, a historic event marked by a ceremony here Aug. 4. The new Block 52 aircraft will supplement the Royal Moroccan Air Force's existing fleet of fighter aircraft and will contribute to the upgrade and modernization of the

58th SOW pararescuemen save lost hiker

A helicopter crew and pararescuemen assigned to Kirtland Air Force Base recovered a hiker Aug. 1 who had been lost in Colorado since July 30. The HH-60 Pave Hawk crew of four Airmen from Air Education and Training Command's 58th Special Operations Wing, and two pararescuemen from Detachment 1, 342nd

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 salute the Coast Guard on its 221st birthday Aug. 4. Schwartz wrote a letter to the commandant of the Coast Guard stating:"Congratulations to you and the men and women of the United States Coast Guard as

Polish, American sister wings celebrate 1-year anniversary

The 86th Airlift Wing commander visited Poland's 3rd Airlift Wing here Aug. 3, marking the one-year anniversary of the "sister wing" relationship between the two units.The wings began working closely in 2008, when Polish air force officials first entertained the idea of vastly improving their

Hero honored at new William A. Jones III Building

Joint Base Andrews unveiled a new display in the recently-opened William A. Jones III Building on July 28, both of which honor the life and service of Medal of Honor recipient Col. William A. Jones III. The display dedication, presided over by Maj. Gen. Darren McDew, the Air Force District of

Air Force officials release E-5 promotion list

The staff sergeant promotion list is now available on the Air Force Personnel Center's website and Air Force Personnel Services website under enlisted promotions. Airmen can also access their Weighed Airman Promotion System score notices at the same time on the Virtual Military Personnel Flight

Eielson AFB Airmen join university for emergency management exercise

First responders and plans and programs teams here joined staff members from the University of Alaska and local emergency management teams July 27-28 to conduct emergency management exercise at the UAF campus.The university's first large-scale exercise tested emergency responders the first day and

VA officials kick off National Caregiver Support Conference

The 2011 National Caregiver Support Conference, which highlights Veterans Affairs' support of caregivers of all eras, will conclude here Aug. 4.The conference, which began Aug. 2, follows the implementation of landmark legislation by VA that provides a direct benefit for the first time to

CBRN Challenge 2011 showcases emergency response capabilities

CBRN Challenge 2011 wrapped up July 22 with the team from McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., representing Air Mobility Command, taking top honors.Held at the Center for National Response, or CNR, in Gallagher, W.Va., 50 warriors, representing 10 major commands, gathered to showcase their capabilities

Secretary of the Air Force talks with Airmen while visiting Vance AFB

"We're committed to ensuring that the United States continues to have the world's finest Air Force for generations to come," said Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley during his stop here July 27.Donley spent three hours at Vance AFB, accompanied by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy

Panetta praises new leaders following Senate confirmations

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta praised six officers Aug. 2 after the Senate confirmed their nominations for key leadership positions, including the military's two top uniformed posts."I would like to congratulate (Army) Gen. Martin Dempsey and (Navy) Adm. James Winnefeld, who the Senate confirmed

Panetta: DOD will help nation meet fiscal challenges

Though defense spending must and will be part of the solution to the national financial struggle, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta told the Defense Department workforce in a message Aug. 3, budget reductions must take sound strategy and policy into account.President Barack Obama signed a bill Aug.

Base mall undergoes changes to save $15M in energy

Officials at the Kaiserslautern Military Community Center here recently started phase II of a cost-saving energy initiative that will save at least $15 million over the course of the building's life.Phase I consisted of removing redundant and unnecessary lighting in and around the KMCC

Mullen stresses lessons of jointness

The men and women gathered in the apse of the Al-Faw Palace here spoke volumes of what the U.S. military has become.Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Defense Department civilians gathered to hear and to ask questions of America's highest-ranking military officer. Their service together in the

Academy ranked among nation's best colleges

The Air Force Academy received top-10 rankings in most available professors, low drug and alcohol use, and best school administration, according to The Best 376 Colleges book, released today by Princeton Review.The Princeton Review ranks the Air Force Academy's faculty fifth in the nation in "most

711th Human Performance Wing wins SMART Sponsoring Facility of the Year award

The 711th Human Performance Wing has won the Air Force SMART Sponsoring Facility of the Year award. The Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service program is an opportunity for students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Science, Technology,

Program helps disabled vets become entrepreneurs

Retired Army 1st Sgt. Renee Floyd wasn't about to let a disability stop her from realizing her dream of having her own business.Applying 21 years of experience as an Army mechanic, she launched BRF Mobile Lube Service in Phenix City, Ala., in 2009 and began traveling to people's homes and businesses

Defense budget cuts must be balanced, Mullen says

As the pressure increases on the federal budget, the Defense Department must make cuts in a balanced way, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here today."There are three dials: the people dial, the operations dial and the acquisition or equipment dial," Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said to about

Kunsan AB Airmen put new firefighting suit through week-long test

Thirty-three Airmen from here participated in a field test of the new Joint Firefighter Integrated Response Ensemble July 25 - 29, providing data and feedback for researchers from the Air Force Research Lab at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.Kunsan AB firefighters donned the JFIRE suit for a

Officials announce E-5 selection stats

Air Force officials here selected 11,337 of 26,549 eligible senior airman for promotion to staff sergeant for a selection rate of 42.70 percent.The average score for those selected was 275.56, with an average time in grade of 1.88 years and an average time in service of 4.44 years. The average score

Top award winners named for Air Mobility Rodeo 2011

The Air Mobility Rodeo 2011 competition drew to a close here July 29 with the 97th Air Mobility Wing earning the "Best Air Mobility Wing" title during the awards presentation for the air mobility competition.In the closing ceremonies, the Rodeo commander addressed the thousands of people who had

Professional development key to Airmen's success

In a culture where deployments are part of daily life and Airmen regularly perform duties above their rank, professional development is an important piece of cultivating the enlisted force to meet mission requirements, Air Force leaders said recently at the 2011 Air Force Sergeants Association

City of New York marks 'Air Force Day' during CSAF visit

Citing the city's long military history, Mayor Michael Bloomberg declared July 28 as "Air Force Day" in New York, through a proclamation read at the Air Force Association Iron Gate Chapter's 50th Anniversary Luncheon here.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz spoke at the event, and received

Air Force leaders laud AFSA, Airmen at gala

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz capped the 2011 Air Force Sergeants Association Professional Airmen's Conference with remarks at an awards banquet here July 27.Donley congratulated AFSA on its 50 years of dedicated service to enlisted

Walter Reed's legacy will endure, McHugh says

Though it's consolidating soon in nearby Bethesda, Md., with the National Naval Medical Center, Walter Reed Army Medical Center has built a lasting legacy, Army Secretary John M. McHugh said here July 27 at a ceremony in which the 102-year-old hospital cased its colors.The consolidation in Bethesda,

Special ops defenders on the road for 9/11 memorial march

Ten years after the tragic events of 9/11, four 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron Airmen picked up their packs July 28 to participate in the Ruck March to Remember.Tech. Sgt. Daniel Dance, the NCO in charge of supply; Tech. Sgt. Chad Reemtsma, the NCO in charge of physical security;

Obama, Thurman commemorate Korean Armistice anniversary

As President Barack Obama commemorated the anniversary of the armistice agreement that established a demilitarized zone between North and South Korea and brought an end to fighting there, the top U.S. officer in South Korea emphasized today the need for international cooperation to curb the North

Reserve personnel center moving, going green

Air Force Reserve Command leaders celebrated the command's newest green building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony here July 19.Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr., the commander of Air Force Reserve Command, officiated the ceremony for the new Air Reserve Personnel Center. The 80,000 square foot facility

Air Force surgeon general lays out future of aeromedical evacuation

The Air Force surgeon general addressed hundreds of medical professionals from around the world at the International Aeromedical Evacuation/En Route Care Conference at Joint Base Lewis-McChord recently.Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Charles Green was the keynote speaker on the second day of the first U.S.-led

Air Force vice chief testifies on force readiness

The Air Force vice chief of staff provided a total force readiness update to the House Armed Services Committee's Subcommittee on Readiness here July 26."I'm pleased to report that America's Air Force continues to provide the nation with unmatched global vigilance, reach and power as a part of this

Chief Roy: Air Force past, present, way ahead

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy communicated his vision of the Air Force's past, present and future to more than 600 attendees at a forum during the Air Force Sergeants Association's 50th Anniversary Professional Airmen's Conference event here July 25.The chief started the forum by

Consultant program supports troops, families

With portable, flexible care, the Defense Department's Military Family Life Consultant program has become a critical component in service member and family support, the director of the Pentagon's office of family policy, children and youth said recently.Through the program, behavioral health

Air Force flight attendants hold first culinary arts competition at Rodeo 2011

For the first time in the history of the Air Mobility Rodeo, Air Force flight attendants competed against each other in a culinary arts competition here July 25 through 27.Although the primary role of flight attendants is to facilitate the safe evacuation of passengers in case of an emergency on

Pallet build up contest introduced at Air Mobility Rodeo 2011

Twenty five Aerial port crews competed in the first Air Mobility Rodeo 2011 pallet build-up contest here July 26 to simulate the high-stress environment of a deployed location. The cargo for the pallet built in the competition was made up of various pre-determined items by event organizers. The

Joint, combined team make first-ever Pac Angel - Mongolia a success

As part of the first Pacific Angel operation in Mongolia, U.S. Air Force and Mongolian army military engineers work side-by-side with local contractors to repair and renovate a clinic for Mongolian Armed Forces veterans and retirees in Tsenkermandal village from July 17 to 23.A joint and combined

Pentagon streamlines approval for energy projects

A Defense Department clearinghouse for renewable energy projects has approved 229 of 249 projects proposed in 35 states and Puerto Rico, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said recently."These projects represent 10 gigawatts of renewable energy generation capacity in wind energy alone,"

Columbus defenders bring 9/11 march across Mississippi River

Airmen from the 14th Security Forces Squadron here will take the Ruck March to Remember across the Mississippi River July 26 during their portion of the 2,181-mile trek.The Columbus Airmen began their 146-mile march July 24, taking part in the nationwide security forces event commemorating the 10th

First group of wounded warriors arrive at Wilford Hall's new staging facility

The staff at the new 59th Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility received their first group of wounded warriors July 19. A KC-135 Stratotanker, flying direct from the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, landed here, carrying six wounded Army personnel."Two of the Soldiers were in

U.S. aviation advisers volunteer to teach Iraqi airmen English

Few would consider learning the English language a military necessity, but for Iraqi aviators, it's a fundamental need to learn the internationally recognized aviation language as they work to rebuild their defense forces.U.S. Air Force and Army advisers from the 721st and 821st Air Expeditionary

International participants add 'flavor' to Air Mobility Rodeo 2011

At the opening ceremonies for Air Mobility Rodeo here July 24, service members from more than 25 nations were among the nearly 3,000 mobility personnel in formation around the McChord Field flightline.Those international partners each carried their country's flag to their formations, creating what

AFA aerospace award nominees announced

Air Force officials selected the following individuals and units as nominees to compete for the Air Force Association Aerospace Awards.The specific category and respective nominees are:Theodore Von Karman Award -- For the most outstanding contribution to national defense in the field of science and

French award National Defense Gold Medal to pararescue Airmen

Three 83rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron Airmen were awarded the French National Defense Gold Medal with bronze star during a ceremony at Forward Operating Base Morales-Frazier July 8.French Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Maurin, the Task Force La Fayette IV commander, presented Capt. John Mosier, an HH-60G

Air Mobility Rodeo 2011 kicks off

Air Mobility Rodeo 2011 kicked off here July 24. Airmen from around the world, including seven international teams, are participating in the biennial competition that focuses on mission readiness, featuring airdrops, aerial refueling and other events that showcase the skills of mobility crews. This

Caring for People Forum addresses issues facing Airmen, families

The Air Force's 2011 Caring for People Forum concluded here July 21 with the presentation of several initiatives focusing on a range of issues affecting Airmen and their families.More than 250 attendees from various base-level organizations met to recommend special focus areas to the Air Force

Life support, medical Airmen provide assistance in SAFE SKIES 2011

Two life support Airmen and four medical Airmen are supporting participants in SAFE SKIES 2011, a joint U.S., Ukraine and Polish exercise where Air National Guard pilots fly engagements with Ukrainian Su-27, Mig-29s and Polish F-16s. SAFE SKIES 2011 is designed to develop the Ukraine and Polish air

Air Force chief of staff visits Cheyenne

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and his wife Suzie spent July 22 and 23 here meeting with area Airmen and the Cheyenne community to celebrate Cheyenne Frontier DaysDuring the visit, the general visited members of the 153rd Airlift Wing of the Wyoming Air National Guard and their active

Air Force leaders issue statement on certification of readiness to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy issued the following statement today:Today marks a significant milestone in the history of the Department of Defense and the U.S. Air Force. The secretary of

Colorado Springs community, Airmen replace Tuskegee Airman's stolen medal

A personal tragedy for one of the documented original Tuskegee Airmen ended on a happy note July 22, courtesy of the Colorado Springs community, and Airmen from Peterson Air Force Base and the Air Force Academy.Former 2nd Lt. Franklin Macon received a bronze replica of the Tuskegee Airmen

Intel analyst honored as Air Force Times 2011 Airman of the Year

A national tactical integration and signals intelligence geospatial analyst from the 31st Intelligence Squadron at Ft. Gordon, Ga., received the Air Force Times 2011 Airman of the Year award here July 21.Staff Sgt. Lindsay W. Bell, of the 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group at

Children learn to cope during deployment support camp

Children here attended the "With You All The Way" camp July 13 through 15.The three-day camp, hosted by Trevor Romain, a Public Broadcasting Service children's series host, taught children to express and manage their feelings regarding their parents' deployments and the stresses of being a military

Air Force, Navy team up for 21st Century fight

Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Phil Breedlove discussed the Air Force's enduring capabilities, the Air-Sea Battle concept and the Long Range Strike family of systems at a Mitchell Institute for Air Power Studies event here July 20.Speaking to members of the Department of Defense, international

Air Force works to improve energy efficiency

The vice chief of staff of the Air Force outlined service energy priorities during a keynote address at the 2011 Army-Air Force Energy Forum here July 20. "The Air Force has developed an energy plan which concentrates on three pillars," Gen. Phil Breedlove said. "We are reducing demand, increasing

New tool to help support deployed Airmen

Air Force officials are testing a new capability to expedite the personnel assistance deployed total force Airmen receive from Personnel Support for Contingency Operations, or PERSCO, teams.PERSCO teams at deployed locations in U.S. Air Forces Central's area of responsibility will be phased in to

28 nations begin participation in first international AE conference

With 28 nations participating, Airmen from across the Air Force and the international committee began the first-ever International Aeromedical Evacuation/En Route Care Conference July 20-21 here.The conference aims to help build on improving the future of aeromedical evacuation throughout the

Air Force Caring for People forum begins

Air Force professionals and families from around the world brought improvement ideas to Air Force leaders during the 2011 Air Force Caring for People forum here July 19. More than 250 Air Force leaders, program managers, family members and volunteers assembled for the start of the three-day forum to

Air Force Key Spouses of the Year honored at forum

Some of the Air Force's outstanding 'Key Spouses' were honored during the service's Caring for People Forum here July 19.Suzie Schwartz, wife of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, and Paula Roy, wife of Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Roy, accompanied Lt. Gen. Darrell

Mullen: U.S.-Japan alliance serves as model for others

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on his first visit to Japan since the devastating earthquake and tsunami in March, recently praised the U.S.-Japanese alliance and said the two nations must expand such relations throughout the Pacific region.Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, speaking at a news

Kenyan chaplains visit Camp Lemonnier

Chaplains from the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Religious Affairs office welcomed three Kenyan Ministry of Defense chaplains here July 5 during a U.S. military professional chaplaincy familiarization visit. Catholic Bishops (Cols) Alfred Rotich and Paul Simuyu and Muslim Imam (Lt.

Air Force officials host first international aeromedical evacuation conference

Hundreds of aeromedical evacuation professionals will gather here July 20 to 21 for the first, U.S.-led international symposium on in-flight medical care.The International Aeromedical Evacuation/En Route Care Conference features speakers from a variety of countries sharing their stories, advice and

TRICARE covers skilled nursing facility care

A skilled nursing facility is designed to provide short-term care for people who no longer need acute care in the hospital but are not well enough to go home. Under TRICARE, a SNF must have the staff and equipment to provide skilled nursing, skilled rehabilitation or other medically necessary health

Allen takes reins as ISAF commander

Marine Gen. John R. Allen assumed command of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force and U.S. forces in Afghanistan here July 18.Allen succeeds Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, who will retire from the Army this summer and then serve as CIA director.Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the

Rome N.Y. implements USAJobs hiring process

Air Force Research Laboratory officials in Rome, N.Y., have implemented the single-staffing-tool civilian hiring process used to fill civilian positions at most Air Force bases.Under the single staffing system, civilian vacancy announcements for appropriated fund positions are available for viewing

Academy cadets gain insight into security forces mission while deployed

For a group of U.S. Air Force Academy cadets visiting the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia, a training day with security forces proved both exhausting and informative.The cadets, here as part of Operation Air Force-Deployed -- a program designed to give cadets a firsthand view of a

Chief of staff recognizes French air force hero

JBB officials host first Iraqi air force logistics commander summit

An Iraqi Air Force C-130 landed here July 6 carrying IqAF logistics wing commanders from across the country, Iraqi Training and Advisory Mission-Air staff advisors and IqAF logistics staff members including the Iraqi director of logistics. This was the first IqAF logistics wing commander summit"The

Air Force releases updated dress and appearance instructions

The Air Force's instruction on dress and personal appearance recently received an appearance upgrade with the release of the updated instruction July 18. Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance, received the facelift after several years of interim updates as uniform items were

Development plan helps officers communicate their preferences

Officers interested in specific development opportunities should use the Airman Development Plan to communicate their preferences to decision-makers, official said. Although assignments are based on Air Force needs first, and then professional development, officer preferences communicated via the