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U.S. Air Force News

  • 386th AEW first with all-AF customs team

    Due to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing's all-Air Force customs team, a first in the Air Force Central Command area of responsibility, a process that would usually require Airmen who are redeploying to stay confined to the passenger terminal for more than 14 hours was greatly reduced.Senior Airman

  • Airmen work side-by-side with Iraqi AAC members

    As part of efforts by U.S. officials in Iraq to continue strengthening a long-term partnership, Airmen assigned to the 721st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron train, advise and assist members of the Iraqi Army Aviation Command with all helicopter operations here."The air advisers are applying

  • ROBOTx adds helping 'hands' to pharmacy

    The pharmacy staff here recently added a new member to their crew:  a robot designed to count medication for prescriptions. The PharmASSIST ROBOTx stores the counted medications until electronic prescriptions are received from doctors. Then, using bar code scanning checks, it ensures patients

  • Spreading the love of language

    An officer here uses a special skill to communicate with local Djiboutians as well as international partners throughout Eastern Africa. Capt. Sylvia Kim speaks fluent French, one of the official languages of Djibouti and a dominant language throughout the African continent. Realizing her skill could

  • Falcons capitalize on turnovers, swat Yellow Jackets, 14-7

    A disciplined offense and tenacious defense sealed Air Force's second consecutive bowl game win and the team's first-ever victory against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at the Advocare V100 Independence Bowl in Shreveport, La., Dec. 27.Two muffed Georgia Tech punt returns set the stage for the

  • Runway repair team keeps airlift moving

    Senior Airman Jacob Cleer wrestles his 30-pound jackhammer into place and begins pounding the pavement on one of two landing strips at an air base here.Chunks of concrete fly into the air as the steel-tipped chisel digs into the tarmac, demolishing a patch of runway that had begun to crumble a few

  • Falcons coach fires up home crowd for Independence Bowl

    The term "home team" will have special meaning to the Airmen of Air Force Global Strike Command when two of the nation's top college football ground attacks take the field in Shreveport, La., for the Independence Bowl Dec. 27.The U.S. Air Force Academy Falcons, with the nation's second best rushing

  • Barksdale sergeant streamlines maintenance process

    For Air Force maintainers, the shift is not over until the job is finished. This means every minute counts, and time is wasted every time an Airman has to wait in line for an aircraft part. Where most people saw an unavoidable delay, one Airman found a way to ensure Barksdale Air Force Base and the

  • Fitness regulation changes based on Airmen's feedback

    As Air Force officials continue to sculpt their fitness program based on Airmen's feedback, service officials issued an AF Guidance Memorandum here Dec. 20 that provides policy changes to AFI 36-2905, Fitness Program, with an implementation date of Jan. 1, 2011. Compliance with the program is

  • Nellis AFB officials host joint training exercise for local canine units

    Military working dog handlers from the 99th Security Forces Squadron worked with 25 canine teams from Las Vegas Dec. 16 during an explosive detection training exercise.Handlers and dogs from local casinos; Las Vegas Convention Center; Hoover Dam; Las Vegas Monorail; University of Nevada, Las Vegas;

  • Defense.gov names top stories of 2010

    Defense.gov administrators published nearly 3,000 stories ranging from Tricare health-care benefits to the status of gays serving openly in the military to the Defense Department budget. The top 10 stories most viewed on Defense.gov this year are:10. "Pentagon Changes Don't Ask, Don't Tell

  • Hawaii National Guard all-hazards response team earns validation

    Members of the Army and Air Force Hawaii National Guard all-hazards response team stood up a chemical, biological, nuclear, high-yield explosive enhanced response force Dec. 13 through 18 here to be evaluated by Joint Interagency Training and Education Center officials.The CERF team was validated

  • USAFE vice commander discusses Air Force operations

    More than 100 business and military professionals gathered here recently to hear the U.S. Air Forces in Europe vice commander's perspective on Air Force operations and what it means as Air Force communications and information Airmen transition from a support role to an operational cyberspace

  • Classic associate unit activated at Kirtland AFB

    The Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Norton Schwartz recently approved the creation of a classic associate unit by aligning elements of the 150th Wing and 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland AFB, N.M.The 58th SOW, which is a regular Air Force unit, will serve as the host, and will have

  • Airmen win honors at worldwide talent search

    Air Force entertainment officials selected the top 11 entertainers Dec. 13 at an awards banquet here during the annual Air Force Worldwide Talent Search.More than 70 Airmen participated in the event Dec. 6 through 13 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.The annual competition allows Airmen to showcase

  • Mobility rodeo prepares Airmen for exercises, deployments

    More than 400 Airmen participated in an ability to survive and operate, or ATSO, rodeo Dec. 13 here in preparation for upcoming exercises and deployments.Participants attended one of five two-hour long classes where they learned proper chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear-active defense,

  • Intrepid Center provides new level of warfighter care

    When it officially opened its doors in June, the National Intrepid Center of Excellence at the National Naval Medical Center here set out to provide a new level of care for warfighters suffering traumatic brain injuries and psychological disorders.Six months later, as it continues to build staff to

  • Obama calls on Senate to ratify new START

    President Barack Obama called on Congress Dec. 20 to ratify the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty before recessing for the holiday, warning of the consequences of delays in moving forward on "an urgent national priority.""Ratifying a treaty like START isn't about winning a victory for an

  • Don't Ask' remains in effect as Gates, Mullen tackle plan

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, welcomed the Senate's vote Dec. 18 to repeal the so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law, while emphasizing that the current law and policy will remain in effect until they and President Barack Obama

  • Department prepares for 'Don't Ask' repeal

    The Defense Department is preparing for passage of a law that overturns the ban on gays serving openly in the military, a Pentagon spokesman said Dec 17.The U.S. Senate is expected to vote -- possibly as soon as Dec. 18 -- on a bill the House of Representatives passed Dec. 15 that would repeal the

  • CV-22 accident investigation board results released

    Air Force Special Operations Command officials released the results of their investigation into the CV-22 Osprey accident April 9, near Qalat, Afghanistan, that killed four people and injured 16 of the 20 onboard. The pilot, flight engineer, an Army Ranger, and a civilian contract employee were

  • First 24th AF Portraits in Courage recipient: 'I was just doing my job'

    Staff Sgt. Alexander Yessayan said he's not a hero, and you might just believe him unless you talk to anyone who knows him, or he begrudgingly tells you about what happened more than a year ago in Afghanistan.Those who know him use words like humble, straight shooter and, yes, hero to describe

  • Airmen turn aeromedical staging facility into 'home-like atmosphere'

    Your plane lands after multiple flights and long hours. The door of the C-17 Globemaster III opens, and the cold air hits your face. It's the middle of winter in Southern Illinois, and several men and women in uniforms escort you to a bus that will take you to your room. When the bus comes to a

  • Partners build high-tech hands for wounded warriors

    Scientists and technologists are working with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to give arms and hands back to warriors who lose them in battle.Army Col. (Dr.) Geoffrey Ling, the DARPA program manager, talked about the program Nov. 19 to a TEDx Pentagon audience. TEDx Pentagon is a

  • 386th AEW members fly first airdrop missions in Afghanistan

    From providing humanitarian assistance in Pakistan to moving more than a half-million passengers throughout U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility this year, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing members can now add another accomplishment to their list -- performing airdrop missions in support of

  • Communications Airmen prove vital to Regional Command-West mission

    Imagine a small group of elite Soldiers on patrol in the mountains of the northern Herat province of Afghanistan coming under heavy attack by a large group of insurgents.What if these outnumbered and outgunned Soldiers called back to camp for close-air support but found no answer on the receiving

  • Lesser-known UCMJ offenses

    Some Airmen destroy promising careers, and it's not always because they are caught stealing, using drugs or misusing their government computer. Having served as a prosecutor, defense attorney and military judge, I've seen people lose their careers for many reasons: from voyeurism to disloyal

  • AMC commander signs order prohibiting use of spice

    Gen. Raymond Johns, Jr., the commander of the Air Mobility Command, signed a general order Nov. 2 prohibiting the use of intoxicating substances, including spice.The order bans AMC members, including those assigned to tenant units, active duty on temporary duty on an AMC base, Air Force Reserve on

  • Culture and language center to expand production of field guides

    The Air Force Language, Region and Culture Program Office will increase field guide production to provide Airmen an understanding of the cultural concepts necessary to meet mission requirements in the region to which they are deployed, officials said here Dec. 15. The framework of the field guides

  • Commander retires after 41 years of service

    U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen bid farewell to Gen. Roger A. Brady, the USAFE commander since 2008, who retired Dec. 13, as the longest-serving Air Force officer currently on active duty. "Being the commander of USAFE is really something; it just doesn't get much better than this," General Brady

  • Air Force leaders stress safety during the holidays

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy issued the following holiday safety message to the Airmen of the United States Air Force:During this holiday season, we extend our sincere appreciation for your

  • TRICARE assistance program is here for beneficiaries during the holidays

    The holidays are a great opportunity to bond with family members and reconnect with old friends, but this time of year can also present significant stress, particularly if a loved one is deployed for the holidays. An empty seat at the dinner table, holiday shopping minus one or unwrapped gifts under

  • Airman aims to help others during holiday season

    It's not unusual for Maj. John Thomas to come home with beat up old bicycles.In the old, discarded bikes he finds in dumpsters, he sees a few more good years that could benefit some other child or adult, said Major Thomas, the 721st Mission Support Group chief of plans and programs. He takes the

  • Brain tumor survivor cross-trains to aid recovery, improve health

    Tech. Sgt. Carmen Colon-Alemany knew what to expect going into her second brain surgery. She'd been on the operating table before when the doctors first found a mass on the left side of her brain, around her temple, and when an aneurysm that hadn't burst was removed.This second surgery, five years

  • New program connects wounded warriors with loved ones

    Members of the 455th Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility staff teamed up with Airmen from the 455th Expeditionary Communication Squadron to offer wounded warriors a way to communicate with loved ones as the wounded warriors make their journey home.The 455th ECS completed the installation of a

  • AFRC commander presents Air Force Marathon trophy

    The commander of Air Force Reserve Command officially presented the 2010 Air Force Marathon Major Command Challenge trophy to AFRC members Dec. 9.Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr. put the 2-foot tall trophy on display during the headquarters commander's call at the Robins AFB Museum of Aviation."I

  • USAFE welcomes new commander

    U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen welcomed a new commander with the arrival of Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, who assumed command during a ceremony here Dec. 13. "This command is in great shape," General Welsh said. "My goal is just to make things even better than they have been in the past."General Welsh

  • Air Force leaders issue holiday message

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy send the following holiday message to the Airmen of the U.S. Air Force:As we celebrate the holidays, please take the opportunity to reflect on our many blessings

  • 820th Base Defense Group heads to Afghanistan

    A group of Airmen from the 820th Base Defense Group recently deployed to Afghanistan for the first time under the new unit name.The hand-selected group of Airmen will deploy to an air base in Afghanistan for about six months.The 820th BDG is the first Air Force unit designed specifically to provide

  • Officials select potential base for Royal Saudi Air Force F-15 training unit

    Air Force officials announced today that Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, is their preferred alternative to potentially host a Royal Saudi Air Force F-15SA maintenance and flying training unit in the U.S.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz validated

  • 'Portraits in Courage' Vol. V highlights Air Force heroes

    The latest "Portraits in Courage" released Dec. 10 highlights 18 Airmen who demonstrated bravery and heroism in the crucible of war as they repelled air and ground enemy fire, led convoys through perilous terrain and assisted injured comrades.The stories describe ordinary Americans who accomplished

  • PJs carry blood again, increase survival rates

    Pararescuemen from the 46th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, have brought back the ability to carry and administer blood to patients on rescue missions, increasing survival rates for injured warfighters.Air Force rescue units haven't carried blood since the beginning of

  • Special needs families receive added support

    Thirty-five installations worldwide now have additional staff members to support active-duty Airmen who have family members with special needs.Air Force officials established Exceptional Family Member Program family support coordinator positions at installations with the highest number of

  • Airmen graduate from first Guard, Reserve survival component course

    Two reserve component Airmen were the first to graduate from a new course specifically developed for guardsmen and reservists Dec. 2 here.Staff Sgt. Andrew Dunn, from the 514th Air Mobility Wing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., and Airman 1st Class Brian Alfano, from the New York Air

  • Combat rescue officers celebrate 10-year anniversary

    Officials celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the creation of the combat rescue officer career field Dec. 8."Our personnel recovery forces need to be organized, trained and equipped to operate across the full range of military operations, including humanitarian operations, irregular warfare and

  • Senior DOD leaders share perspectives on future warfighting

    A panel of senior Department of Defense and service component leaders acknowledged that an uncertain, fluid international security environment demands new thinking and approaches to meeting training and simulation requirements for future joint warfighters. The panel met during the

  • Fairchild officials reactivate squadron at March

    At the forefront of Total Force Integration, officials with the 92nd Air Refueling Wing here reactivated the 912th Air Refueling Squadron Dec. 3 at March Air Reserve Base, Calif. As part of the Air Force Reserve Command's 452nd Air Mobility Wing at March ARB, the 912th ARS is an active-duty squadron

  • Air Force selects preferred alternative base for C-27J training aircraft

    Air Force officials announced Dec. 8 that it has chosen Key Field Air National Guard Base, Miss., as the preferred alternative base for the C-27J Spartan training aircraft.The secretary of the Air Force and the chief of staff of the Air Force considered the site survey results, mission-specific

  • 24th AF becomes AFCYBER

    Air Force officials announced that 24th Air Force changed from Air Forces Strategic to Air Forces Cyber Dec. 7. The change better reflects the mission the numbered Air Force performs for the Air Force and the Department of Defense."The name change will not impact the 24th Air Force's mission," said

  • Photo essay: Kadena Airmen stage rescue for Keen Sword

    Airmen with the 31st and 33rd Rescue Squadrons perform a water rescue here during the Keen Sword exercise Dec. 6. Units from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps are conducting training with their Japan self-defense force counterparts at military installations throughout Japan, Okinawa and in

  • CJCS calls on China to help curb North Korean aggression

    The top U.S. military officer cited growing security challenges created by North Korean aggression and called on China to join other regional nations to help counter it."The regime in the north continues to isolate itself and to act in a manner detrimental to ... security," Adm. Mike Mullen, the

  • Officials introduce new patient care concept at medical town hall

    Beginning in June 2011, officials from the 21st Medical Group will launch the Air Force Surgeon General's Family Health Initiative program here, which aims to lower the number of patients assigned to an Air Force medical provider and assigns a back-up team that knows each patient's medical history,

  • Helicopter pilot receives Cheney Award

    An HH-60G helicopter pilot received the Cheney Award from Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz here Oct. 15 for the rescue of two critically injured Marines in Helmand Valley, Afghanistan. Maj. John G. Mangan, the assistant director of operations for the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody Air

  • New inpatient medical records system enhances patient care

    A new electronic medical record system to enhance patient care is coming to Wilford Hall Medical Center here.Essentris is an electronic healthcare record management system which is specifically designed for inpatient care and will allow health care providers instant access to inpatient records

  • Lajes Airman, K-9 provide unique service at G40 summit

    A Lajes Field Airman and his security forces detection dog were tasked as part of the security detail that provided support for President Barack Obama and Air Force One at the G40 summit Nov. 19 through 20 in Lisbon, Portugal.After conducting a host of training together at Lajes Field, Azores, Staff

  • Air Force rugby team continues successful streak

    The Air Force men's rugby team won its seventh consecutive Armed Forces Rugby Championship tournament  Nov. 6.Players on the team are active-duty, Air National Guard and Reserve Airmen of all ranks and career fields from across the Air Force. They all play in local rugby clubs and on base intramural

  • AFPC to host retirement webinar

    Air Force Personnel Center officials here are scheduled to host two webinars Dec. 9 and 10 to educate total force Airmen on the retirement application process.AFPC representatives also plan to discuss how to navigate through the virtual Military Personnel Flight secure application to help Airmen

  • Air Force officials correct resource stewardship

    Air Force officials have taken corrective action following a DOD comptroller review that confirmed service officials violated the Anti-Deficiency Act in fiscal 2005 by over obligating approximately $87 million from the Air Force Military Personnel Appropriation for permanent change of station

  • Admiral Mullen praises Newman's Own Foundation, military charities

    The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff praised the Newman's Own Foundation and nine military charities that shared a $2.5 million award from the foundation.At the annual "Newman's Own Awards" ceremony here Dec. 2, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said the foundation's role as a funding stream in an era when

  • Aircrews provide training for weapons school

    Flares popped from the side of C-17 Globemaster IIIs and C-130 Hercules aircraft and fell to the desert floor, filling the skies with smoke. Pilots weaved their way through mountainous terrain to avoid threats along an airdrop route trying not to get blown out of the sky. Fortunately for the 535th

  • Photo essay: Refueling the joint fight

    A KC-10 Extender connects with a group of U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornets here Nov. 25, while deployed in support of operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn. The KC-10 is from the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron. View the slideshow.

  • Ellsworth Airman found dead

    An Airman assigned to the Air Force Financial Services Center here was found dead in his off-base residence Nov. 28. Staff Sgt. Ira Kaur, a military pay technician stationed here since August 2007, died from apparent gunshot wounds. "We mourn the loss of a valued member of Team Ellsworth and extend

  • Yokota Airman killed after being struck by vehicle

    Staff Sgt. Raymond Briggs from the Defense Courier Service here was struck by a vehicle and killed Dec. 1 as he attempted to cross a highway while on leave in San Mateo County, Calif. "The sudden death of Sergeant Briggs is a tragic loss to his family, Team Yokota and the entire U.S. Air Force,"

  • STRATCOM commander: 'No higher calling' than nuclear mission

    The commander of U.S. Strategic Command visited all five Air Force Global Strike Command bases Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, telling Airmen "there is no higher calling" than the nuclear deterrence mission.Speaking to hundreds of Airmen at commander's calls at each stop, Gen. Kevin P. Chilton emphasized how

  • Airmen acquire MQ-9 maintenance responsibility in Afghanistan

    Airmen assumed responsibility of MQ-9 Reaper maintenance operations Dec. 1 here.Nearly 75 Airmen replaced a civilian contract force, making them the first servicemembers to maintain MQ-9s since they entered combat operations in Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom."We're really excited to be

  • Operation Provide Hope supports Ukrainian medical facilities

    The humanitarian-assistance program base in Pirmasens, Germany, recently completed an Operation Provide Hope project in Simferopol, Ukraine. A team of 10 civilians, two Soldiers and 12 U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen provided medical supplies and training to help increase their medical

  • Dr. Biden welcomes Guard children at holiday event

    To kick off the holiday season, Dr. Jill Biden, the wife of Vice President Joe Biden, welcomed children with parents serving in the National to the official residence of the vice president yesterday to make holiday ornaments, decorate cookies and write letters to servicemembers overseas.Children

  • Keeping Yokota moms fit

    The team at the health and wellness center here has recently added a prenatal aerobics class to help expectant mothers stay in shape.Staff Sgt.Treshawna Gwendo, a diet therapist with the 374th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, is the instructor for the class. She said the class is for anyone a soon-to-be

  • Air Force officials continuing source selection for new tanker

    Air Force officials have said the KC-X source selection process will continue despite a mistake in November, where a limited amount of identical source selection information was provided to both KC-X offerors concerning their competitor's offering. Air Force officials are ensuring a level playing

  • 'Major' medical mentoring taking place in Afghanistan

    "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." Similarly, this Chinese proverb coincides with the efforts of an Airman from here who is mentoring Afghan medical professionals in a country that has been at war for more than 30 years.Maj. Carl

  • Nine medevaced from PRT Zabul after tragic accident

    It was 9:10 a.m. when the notification came to Forward Operating Base Smart, Afghanistan.A civilian bus headed south on Highway 1 rolled over, leaving seven dead and more than 30 injured just outside Qalat city.Within 15 minutes, medical personnel from Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul were on

  • Air Force implements new transition program

    The Air Force's new technical training transition program was implemented Nov. 15, after test periods here and at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas."Over the past 18 years, the enlisted phase program had transformed into a bloated management tool used to control and manage Airmen," said Chief Master

  • Gates, Mullen endorse working group's report

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates Nov. 30 urged the Senate to repeal the so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law this year.Secretary Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke at a Pentagon news conference unveiling the recommendations of the working group tasked

  • VA officials testing quicker access to medical records

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials are working to significantly reduce the average time needed to obtain health-care records from private physicians with the help of a private contractor and the Internet to speed claims decisions. "Innovations that will speed, simplify or improve our services

  • Turkish, American partnership keeps Incirlik AB safe

    At most bases, only American forces patrol the base and keep the community safe. But the 39th Security Forces Squadron has a unique way of doing things.Members of the 39th SFS and the Turkish air force (also referred to as THX) partner to patrol the base to ensure it's kept safe and assets are

  • Mullen: Military workplace needs more flexibility

    Recognizing and finding ways to accommodate the changing needs of servicemembers and their families with regard to the military workplace should be a priority for leaders, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here Nov. 29.Navy Adm. Mike Mullen spoke as part of a panel on work and life

  • Communications and information service consolidation eases MAJCOM workloads

    The transition of common communication and information workloads from major commands to the Air Force Network Integration Center is complete, enabling MAJCOM communications and information staffs to further focus on core warfighting missions and information needs.The transfer centralized 10 services

  • Mullen: U.S. drawdown in Afghanistan to begin in July

    The U.S. is "very committed" to begin drawing down its forces in Afghanistan in July, but large numbers will remain, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said on a televised broadcast Nov. 28."We will start drawing down troops next July," Navy Admiral Mike Mullen told Fareed Zacharia, host of

  • Mullen: North Korea's unpredictability endangers region

    The only thing predictable about the North Korean regime is its unpredictability, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a television broadcast Nov. 28.Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il is trying to assure the transition of leadership to his son, Kim Jong-un. He

  • Iraqi air force officials open new facilities at Ali Air Base

    Iraqi air force officials opened new facilities and transferred Squadron 70 to Ali Air Base, Iraq, during a ceremony Nov. 23 here. The opening of these facilities and the Squadron 70 transfer is a milestone for the Iraqi air force on its way to securing the southern provinces, officials said."Today

  • Joint Chiefs chairman sends Thanksgiving message

    Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sends Thanksgiving Day greetings:"As we reflect on all that we have to be thankful for during this upcoming holiday weekend, I want to express my personal thanks to our armed forces and their families. Their profound commitment - and

  • Loadmaster's call with the president makes for a memorable Thanksgiving

    Deployed Airmen broke bread Nov. 25 for the Thanksgiving holiday at this air base in Southwest Asia, taking time away from their normal duties to celebrate with food and friends, but a phone call from the president of the United States made it an especially memorable day for one C-130 Hercules

  • Mullen cites North Korea's unpredictability

    North Korea's artillery assault on South Korea's Yeonpyeong Island Nov. 23 is an issue of concern in a region that wants stability, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said Nov. 24 on ABC's "The View" television show.Admiral Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his wife, Deborah, appeared on the

  • Leaders provide update, vector on Air Force space efforts at symposium

    Senior Air Force leaders, servicemembers and industry partners gathered for the Air Force Association's annual Global Warfare Symposium Nov. 18 through 19 here. This year's symposium focused on innovation, operating under financial constraints, building partnerships and managing space acquisition.

  • Remembering Virginia: Captain uses CFC to honor friend

    "I will not let fear rule my life. I will not be consumed with cancer. I will go on and live my life as fully and with as much joy as I possibly can ... I ask that you keep me in your prayers and thoughts. I ask that when you think of me, you picture me healthy, vital, whole, cured. I plan on

  • Competition brings out the 'beast'

    Thirty-nine military working dog handlers from the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, U.S. and the Honolulu Police Department, as well as from Japan and Alaska, brought their K-9s through a series of events during the 2010 Hawaiian Islands Working Dog Competition at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii,

  • Photo essay: K-9s show off in Hawaii

    Military working dog handlers from the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps brought their partners to the 2010 Hawaiian Islands Working Dog Competition here which ran from Nov. 15 to 19.View the slideshow.

  • Child development center professional saves infant's life

    A child development center education technician reacted to an emergency while shopping at the commissary here recently, saving the life of her friend's 3-week-old baby.Lindsey Gren was shopping with her friend, Ashley, and her friend's baby, Joseph, when the baby stopped breathing."He was crying

  • Schwartz discusses Korea, other issues

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz said it is "significant" that the South Korean air force, rather than the U.S., is leading its country's air defenses at a time when North Korea has become increasingly provocative.Schwartz spoke here Nov. 23 at a Defense Writers Group meeting hours

  • Tinker Airman is three-time rifle champion

    When Staff Sgt. Michael Henderson shoots, he scores -- literally. Recently, the two-time National Rifle Association National Police Shooting champion entered the contest again, and won. Despite his track record, Sergeant Henderson, a combat arms instructor assigned to the 72nd Security Forces

  • Air Force leaders release Diversity Strategic Roadmap

    Striving to remain a leading competitor in the search for talent to carry out the Air Force mission, the service's senior leaders released the Diversity Strategic Roadmap here Nov 17.In a collaborative effort, members of the Air Force Diversity Operations Division authored the living document's

  • Air control wings partner under active association construct

    The chief of staff of the Air Force recently designated the 116th Air Control Wing here as an active association wing.The newly designated active association also establishes the 461st ACW as the regular Air Force associate wing. The 116th ACW will become the Air National Guard host wing. Together,

  • Reservists clear path for Air Force largest rocket

    Air Force Reserve helicopter, maintenance and life support personnel from the 920th Rescue Wing Airmen at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., along with their mission partners from their host wing, the 45th Space Wing, supported the successful launch of a Delta IV-Heavy Launch Vehicle, the largest rocket

  • Influx of stop loss claims may cause approval delays

    An influx of claims in October and November by members applying for retroactive stop loss special pay is leading to an increased processing time as the Dec. 3 deadline nears.Air Force Personnel Center officials here said applicants can anticipate the processing time to take from 10 to 12 weeks from

  • Task force prepares for Horn of Africa mission

    Leaders preparing to deploy to Djibouti in January as the next headquarters staff at Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa just wrapped up the first phase of a new, four-part training program designed to prepare them as well as the follow-on task force for the unique, strategically important

  • Airmen rope competition at rodeo world finals

    Six Airmen participated in the 10th annual 2010 Professional Armed Forces Rodeo Association World Finals at the Somervell County Expo Center here Nov. 20-21.The Airmen competed against more than 40 servicemembers, retirees and dependents in 12 events.Master Sgt. Travis Beck won the Men's All-Around