AFOSI is 2008 AFA Team of the Year

It wasn't exactly the welcome he was expecting, but Special Agent Timothy Rivera said it was pretty unforgettable as he stood in line to in-process at Balad Air Base, Iraq, during his deployment in 2006. "It was my first day, not even my first hour on the ground, and we were getting incoming

Airmen help Iraqi air force become self-sustaining service

High above the desert terrain, they fly in providing security to the people of Iraq. The airmen are vigilant, alert and ready to engage the enemy while patrolling the sky over Iraq. They are the new breed of Iraqi airmen. The Iraqi air force has evolved by leaps and bounds in recent years, and

Wing medics train with Thai counterparts

Medics assigned to the 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron returned here May 31 after participating in an aeromedical evacuation exercise in Bangkok, Thailand with the Royal Thai Air Force as part of a humanitarian-assistance mission. The 18th AES trained with the RTAF during the 13th Air

Officials bring back missile badges, wings

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley announced the return of the missile badge with operations designator for intercontinental ballistic missile crews June 6. He also announced that the three ICBM wings of Air Force Space Command's 20th Air Force will return to the convention of being

Guard, Harley-Davidson join forces to improve processes

Air Force and Harley-Davidson officials pooled their knowledge on process improvement for the benefit of both organizations in May at Harley-Davidson University here."Everything we do is a process, whether it's building a motorcycle or reviewing an airplane to get it back in flight," said Steve

Fairchild aircrew saves woman

A five-man UH-1N Huey crew from the 36th Rescue Flight here responded to an emergency call June 3 and rescued a 44-year-old woman reported lost by her husband in Ellensburg, Wash. The Kittitas County Sheriff's Department requested assistance from the Air Force the morning of June 3 after ground

B-1B sniper pod aims to hit summer target

Air Force officials say the B-1B Lancer sniper pod could be operational as early as this summer after accelerated testing cut the length of the sniper pod program from nine to three months. Air Force Materiel Command's Global Power Bomber Combined Test Force at Edwards Air Force Base, along with Air

Airman shows tenacity, extends twice to meet goals in Iraq

An Air Force major will return to the U.S. from Iraq -- more than a year after he expected to be home.Maj. Jiro McCoy, the 770th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron Mi-17 (multi-role helicopter) commander of advisers, who voluntarily extended for more than 18 months on what was supposed to be a

Manas soars with total-force operations

The 376th Air Expeditionary Wing here has a combined staff of Air National Guard crews and maintenance teams alongside active-duty Airmen working together as an integrated team for U.S. Air Forces Central. That team already had members of the Reserve and active duty, and added members of the Air

'Iron Man's' wingman, Terrence Howard, talks Air Force

Air Force and Department of Defense officials agreed to highlight Air Force capabilities and Airmen to a worldwide audience in the summer blockbuster "Iron Man," primarily because the story included character Lt. Col. James Rhodes, played by Oscar-nominated actor Terrence Howard. "The character of

Doctor receives Canadian award

A member of the 59th Medical Wing has been awarded the Canadian Meritorious Service Medal for his life-saving contributions to Canadians and coalition soldiers while deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan. Col. (Dr.) Thomas Seay, the 59th Radiology Squadron commander, was assigned to the Combined

Enlisted members give highest honor to AETC commander

The commander of Air Education and Training Command received the highest honor the Air Force enlisted corps can bestow at a formal ceremony May 30 in San Antonio. Gen. William R. Looney III was formally presented the Order of the Sword on behalf of the men and women of AETC by the Air Force's top

Captain leads Airmen up highest peak in North America

When HH-60G Pave Hawk pilot Capt. Mark Uberuaga hits the fitness center's treadmill, he wears five-pound weights around his ankles and a 50-pound expedition pack on his back. His training is intense, but so is the task that lies ahead of him, to complete the  "Seven Summits Challenge," which is

Raptors arrive at Holloman

More than 200 members of Holloman Air Force Base gathered to welcome the first two F-22 Raptors as they taxied into Hangar 301 here at 2:49 p.m., marking June 2 as an important date in 49th Fighter Wing history. The Air Force had announced in March 2006 that Holloman AFB was one of the preferred

McGuire Airmen aid injured parachutists

Army parachutists suffered injuries after a mid-air collision during a routine jump at the 2008 McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., Air Expo May 31.The parachutists belong to the 82nd Airborne Division's 40-member airborne parachute team from Fort Bragg, N.C. Both Soldiers were treated at the scene before

Bolling, Reserve officials honor famous actor, Airman

Actor James M. Stewart was a Hollywood legend who flew bomber missions with the Army Air Forces during World War II and rose to the rank of brigadier general in the Air Force Reserve. Officials from the 11th Wing from Bolling Air Force Base and Air Force Reserve Command members participated in a

Defense Nuclear Surety Inspection conducted at Minot

A Defense Nuclear Surety Inspection was conducted at the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., from May 16 to 26. Inspectors from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, the Department of Defense Inspector General, Air Force IG, Air Combat Command IG and Air Force Space Command IG evaluated the

Predator, Reaper unit becomes air expeditionary wing

The 432nd Wing here that flies the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles was designated an air expeditionary wing by Air Combat Command officials in May. The wing will now have dual reporting responsibilities to 9th Air Force and U.S. Air Forces Central at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C.,

Medical team inspects remote health clinic

Appearances can be deceiving. The Jegdalak Medical Health Center, standing alone atop a rock-strewn hill overlooking Jegdalak, looks nothing like a medical facility. The clinic, however, serves a remote region of more than 30,000 Afghans. Located approximately 100 miles east of Kabul, Afghanistan,

'Today's Air Force' features Air Force transformation

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights how the Air Force continues transforming to meet the needs of the 21st Century. The transformation begins with Airmen taking advantage of professional education, training and networking opportunities.Also featured is a segment on how Airmen are

Air Force Week Philadelphia culminates with McGuire air expo

Officials opened the gates here for an air expo to highlight the men, women and equipment of the Air Force May 31 and June 1 to culminate Air Force Week in Philadelphia. The weather hampered aerial demonstrations May 31, but base and New Jersey officials still held a wreath-laying ceremony to open

Doolittle Raiders return to Eglin

Hundreds of people and seven Doolittle Raiders assembled to witness three B-25 Mitchell bombers perform a reenactment of the war heroes' historic training mission at Duke Field here, May 31.The reenactment was one of the last events of the Doolittle Raiders Homecoming celebration held May 28-31.

Officials explain humanitarian operations during Air Force Week

Senior mobility and medical Air Force officials met with the mayor of Philadelphia and other community leaders to explain how Airmen provide hope around the world through humanitarian operations May 29 at the National Liberty Museum here. Lt. Gen. Christopher A. Kelly, vice commander of Air Mobility

Kunsan Airmen exercise with RSAF

Enhancing interoperability and allied war fighting lethality are just a few of the aims for Kunsan Air Base airmen currently mobilized to the Republic of Singapore. More than 22 F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots and maintainers from the 80th Fighter Squadron are wrapping up a 10-day air-to-air training

Centralization at AFPC of separation actions complete

Under the Personnel Services Delivery Transformation initiative, beginning May 30 the Air Force Personnel Center here became the service center for all separation actions to include providing Airmen with their separation orders and DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.

Aggressors give Blue Forces realistic training

Every good novel needs an antagonist, every good movie needs a bad guy and every good air force exercise needs an aggressor, commonly known as the Red Forces. F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots from the 64th Aggressor Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., are screaming across Canada's open skies playing

RAF officers spin-up on 820th SFG roles, mission, training

Two members from the Royal Air Force, Force Protection Centre at RAF Honington, United Kingdom, recently visited the 820th Security Forces Group at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., as part of an exchange program between the units. Flight Lt. Dave Martin and Wing Cmdr. Tom Sawyer, Force Protection Centre

Manas BASH program takes to wing

Bird strikes are a major concern for the Air Force and Manas Air Base leaders have turned to a different version of the fighting falcon to keep the airfield clear. One of an aviator's best friends on Manas AB is a luger falcon named Mustang, the fist of its type in the area of responsibility to

Visionary doctor helps hundreds of Iraqis

A single doctor, a retired Air Force colonel, arrived here without much fanfare May 18 and left four days later. He left in his wake improved sight for many Iraqis and priceless training for Nasiriyah General Hospital physicians in Nasiriyah, Iraq. He traveled with a few bags and a 50-pound box

Service demographics offer snapshot of force

The Air Force Personnel Center here recently published its demographics report offering a snapshot of the service's active-duty and civilian force. This data is current as of April 30. More information can be found at the center's analysis branch website:

General addresses transportation needs during Air Force Week-Philadelphia

The leader of U.S. Transportation Command addressed community leaders and hundreds of Airmen about the outlook of American military transportation May 27 at the University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg Center here. Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, USTRANSCOM commander at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., spoke at

AETC plans 2009 Symposium in San Antonio

Air Education and Training Command officials are planning the 2009 AETC Symposium -- scheduled for Jan. 15-16, 2009, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. A crowd of more than 2,000 military and civilian attendees from around the country attended the 2007 AETC Symposium, which

Airmen trace roots of independence during Air Force Week in Philadelphia

Airpower roared over the birthplace of American independence as Airmen on the ground and in the air showed local citizens what the Air Force is all about May 27 during festivities supporting Air Force Week in Philadelphia. Throughout the Independence National Historical Park here, Airmen talked with

Air Force, Army improve joint training

Officials at the Army's National Training Center at Ft. Irwin, Calif., and the Air Force's Green Flag West at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., have been working hard to integrate service-level exercises to help improve joint training for units preparing to deploy to Iraq or Afghanistan. "We are the

Phillies recognize Air Force heroes, newest Airmen

Take me out to the ball game. Take me out to experience the Air Force. The Philadelphia Phillies saluted the Air Force with festivities both on the field and around the ballpark as part of Air Force Week in Philadelphia ceremonies on Memorial Day here as the Phillies dismantled the Colorado Rockies

Air Force Week in Philadelphia kicks off with parade

Airmen paraded down the streets of Bridesburg adorned with red, white and blue flags and banners May 26 to kick off not only Air Force Week in Philadelphia but also the city's annual Memorial Day parade Gen. Arthur J. Lichte, the commander of Air Mobility Command, led a contingent of Airmen and

Seven countries hone fighter pilot skills during Maple Flag

Fighter pilots from seven different countries, including the United States, participate in Maple Flag 41May 5-16 and May 19-30 at Cold Lake in Alberta, Canada. "Ask any U.S. fighter pilot and he'll tell you the best part about flying here is the unrestricted air space," said Maj. Derrick Johnson,

Coalition forces, local government thwart IED in Panjshir

Many innocent Afghan lives were saved due to the quick action of a local farmer and the combined efforts of the Panjshir government and the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Panjshir Province, Afghanistan, May 23. A farmer, crossing one of his fields on a Panjshir mountain ridge, found an improvised

Safety Center site has something for every Airman

You don't have to be a safety professional to benefit from the products and services of the Air Force Safety Center. Commanders and Airmen in every career field have something to gain by checking out the material on the Safety Center's Web site. That's the message senior officials here want Airmen

Air Force officials announce aviation resource management awards

Air Force officials announced the 2007 Outstanding Air Force Aviation Resource Management award winners. The 2007 Aviation Resource Management award winners are: -- Airman of the Year is Airman 1st Class Cheryl A. Roach of the 493rd Fighter Squadron at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom --

CSAF addresses Air Force top enlisted leaders

"We have to adapt to today's fight, but prepare for the fight of tomorrow," the Air Force chief of staff told more than 300 of the Air Force's top enlisted Airmen during the 2008 Senior Enlisted Leader Summit at Maxwell Air Force Base's Gunter Annex May 21. Gen. T. Michael Moseley spoke with chief

Cadet cyberwarriors head to AFIT

Two Air Force Academy first-class cadets will soon be the first graduates to go directly from the Academy to the Air Force Institute of Technology's cyber warfare track. Cadets 1st Class Aaron Gross and Nicholas Fritts have followed the Academy's undergraduate cyber warfare degree track as computer

Gaming, simulation training in near future for military

Defense Department officials are looking for ways to integrate a structured learning environment and gaming to train military members, a senior official said. "Structured learning environments are doing very well, but games offer such a tremendous motivational component to users," said Robert A.

Navy, Air Force train together to showcase capabilities

In an effort to enhance the Air Force's weapons delivery capabilities and the Navy's F-18 Hornets' intercept capabilities, the 96th Expeditionary Bomber Squadron here and the aircrew of Carrier Air Wing ELEVEN (CVW-11) of the USS Nimitz have been participating in joint training exercises off the

Former Air Force pilot, NFL star touts opportunities for veterans

Chad Hennings has been known by many titles in his life: U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, Gulf War veteran, Dallas Cowboy. The three-time Super Bowl champion now can go by one more title: small-business advocate. "Small business is the lifeblood of America," Mr. Hennings

Battlefield Airmen train on Hickam

Joint terminal attack controllers, or JTACs, found a unique place to train for close-quarters battle:  in one of Hickam's base housing areas. JTACs are part of a tactical air control party team. These battlefield Airmen live and work with Army ground units, and their main function is to coordinate

Iraqi air force postured to break records

Iraqi air force members are making their mark in history. The fledging air power has proven its effectiveness through the execution of combat missions in Basrah, Mosul and Sadr City, and the year-to-date tally marks for aircraft sorties broke 5,000 last week. The IQAF has roughly 100 pilots assigned

Top leaders unite for senior enlisted summit

More than 350 of the Air Force's top enlisted leaders converged on Maxwell Air Force Base's Gunter Annex to participate in the 2008 Senior Enlisted Leader Summit May 18 to 23. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley, along with hundreds of Air Force command chief master sergeants,

Afghan student firefighters put to the test

Eleven Afghan National Army Air Corps student firefighters tested during an unexpected training exercise held May 12 here. The exercise was the culminating event of a four-month course designed to prepare the members of the ANAAC for emergencies of all types. The course has been conducted under the

Officials plan events for Air Force Week in Philadelphia

Air Force officials will spread "brotherly love" as airpower will be displayed for Air Force Week in Philadelphia May 26 through June 2. Activities in the Philadelphia metro region will begin on Memorial Day and culminate with an Air Exposition featuring the Air Force Demonstrations Squadron, the

Air Force explains AFCYBER basing criteria for governors

Air Force officials here recently sent a second in a series of letters to governors of states that have expressed interest in hosting the permanent location for the Air Force Cyber Command. This letter further explains the basing methodology and requests more detailed information about the locations

'Today's Air Force' features deployment operations

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights explosive ordnance disposal Airmen and their efforts to demolish improvised explosive devices. Also featured is a segment on how Airmen find time, after a 12-hour shift, to volunteer their services while deployed -- a great gain for the host

Military conservation agents recognized for support

From chasing bears out of housing, enforcing fish and wildlife laws, to educating the public, the efforts of Elmendorf's military conservation agents tend to be behind the scenes and rarely noticed ... until now. The program was recently recognized by the National Military Fish and Wildlife Agency

Joint force employees share process improvement ideas

More than 1,000 military and civilian defense department employees came together May 13 to 17 to compare process improvement notes during a four-day conference in Lansdowne, Va.During the 2008 Department of Defense Continuous Process Improvement Symposium, Airmen from around the world shared input

Air Force delivers 400,000 short tons of relief to Burma

A total of six Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft have delivered more than 400,000 short tons of relief supplies to Burma as part of the ongoing U.S. relief efforts following Cyclone Nargis which devastated the coast of the Irrawaddy Division in Burma, May 2. As of May 14, Air Force aircrews have

Combat Hammer offers opportunity to evaluate precision-guided munitions

In a "remote village" west of Salt Lake City, a 2,000-pound enhanced guided bomb unit-15 slips suddenly through an open window of a 30-foot building with immaculate precision. Zero fatalities result from this TV-guided infrared intrusion that occurred May 13. The village -- stacks of cargo

Security forces, lawmen train together for crises

Bodies lay strewn about on the floor like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Cries for help reverberate off the walls as four-man teams search for the creator of this carnage. Gunshots cut through the cries, and the acrid smell of gunpowder fills the air. Fortunately, as real as this scenario seemed, it

Multinational exercise in Croatia wraps up

Croatia hosted the closing ceremony for the 2008 Medical Training Exercise in Central and Eastern Europe, or MEDCEUR, here May 14. MEDCEUR is a Joint Chiefs of Staff regional, multilateral exercise sponsored by U.S. European Command. The exercise provides an opportunity for medical people to share

Iraqi air force supports Mosul, other operations

Members of the Iraqi air force integrated and synchronized with Iraqi special forces in an effort to dissolve the al-Qaida in Iraq influence since early May in Mosul, Iraq. In less than two weeks, the Iraqi air force members have moved more than 3 tons of cargo and 251 passengers into Mosul using

Air Force club members eligible for scholarships

Air Force Clubs are offering 25 scholarships valued at $1,000 each to club members and their families through a themed essay contest. Essays must be 500 words or less and written on the subject of "The Most Important Person in My Life." Interested applicants may visit the Air Force Clubs Web site

Airmen, Soldiers improve Afghan lives

Airmen from around the world and Soldiers from Pennsylvania, Texas, North Carolina and Virginia arrived in Afghanistan in early March to improve the lives of the people of Nangarhar Province. After two months on the ground, the team has gotten its bearings and is working to build strong

New experimental equipment enhances Airmen capabilities

It's not uncommon for tactical air control party Airmen, navigating through miles of rugged terrain, to carry nearly a hundred pounds of equipment in order to call in an air strike. In fact, it is their mission to advise Army commanders about that capability and use of airpower to enhance combat

Kunsan hosts peninsula-wide weapons load competition

Officials from the 8th Fighter Wing hosted a peninsula-wide weapons load competition May 10 at Kunsan Air Base. A South Korean air force team and American teams competed in the event as members of the 35th Fighter Squadron from Kunsan AB swept the competition. Other teams competing were from the

Iraqi air force performs medical evacuation

May 14 marked another significant event when members of the Iraqi air force flew its first medical evacuation mission since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The crew consisted of an Iraqi pilot, flight medic and aerial gunner -- each with a U.S. military counterpart -- as they transported

Officials extend spouse career advancement initiative

Career and training opportunities for military spouses just got better, as the Defense and Labor departments' career advancement demonstration project has been expanded to include all active-duty military spouses, along with four additional career fields. "In the first days of the demonstration

FAST students train in combatives

Students in the Air Force Fly-Away Security Team training course, or FAST, practice combatives as part of the course's training May 12 at the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center on Fort Dix, N.J. The course is taught by instructors with the center's 421st Combat Training Squadron and provides

Judge advocate general announces award winners

Maj. Gen. Jack L. Rives, the Air Force judge advocate general, has announced the 2007 Judge Advocate General Award winners. The award recipients will be formally recognized at an awards banquet during KEYSTONE 2008, the JAG Corps' leadership summit, to be held the first week of November in

Aircrews stand by to continue Burma relief mission

For Capt. Trevor Hall, flying a C-130 Hercules to deliver humanitarian relief is largely what his mission is all about. Captain Hall and his aircrew were one of a handful of C-130s allowed to deliver relief supplies to the people of Burma in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Nagris that swept through the

New hydraulic lift aims to boost contingency capabilities

Contingency response wings throughout the Air Force rely on their ability to move people and cargo quickly for fast deployment. An Air Mobility Battlelab initiative is looking to make that process even easier. Battlelab members, located in the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center here, have been

'Aggressive' training helps pilots outmaneuver enemy

Members of the 18th Aggressor Squadron are playing an important role in Northern Edge 2008, an annual joint-training exercise currently taking place here. "We are the bad guys. We are the 'aggressors,'" said Tech. Sgt. Gary Pursley, an F-16 Fighting Falcon flightline expeditor for the 18th Aircraft

Camp Eggers staff visit Afghan girls' school

Nearly 70 members of Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan delivered backpacks, toys and school supplies to the Zabuli Education Center for Girls and Women May 8 outside of Kabul. American servicemembers from Camp Eggers visited the school as part of the volunteer community relations

First wave of ROTC field training gets underway

More than 360 ROTC cadets, mostly upcoming juniors from 144 colleges nationwide, kicked off the first wave of summer field training May 8 at Maxwell Air Force Base. In the next three months, Air Force ROTC officials forecast more than 2,300 cadets will participate in the annual training that serves

Airmen, Soldiers hone skills of Afghanistan National Police

A Parwan Police Mentoring Team traveled to Dandar, a small village in the Parwan province of Afghanistan, May 8 to instruct  members of the Afghanistan National Police on hand-to-hand combat, community policing, coordination-cell training and criminal investigation. The PMT is a highly-efficient

Alaska ANG KC-135s provide 'edge' anytime, anywhere

Between eight and 12 KC-135 Stratotankers from Eielson Air Force Base depart each day, providing fuel to as many as 18 aircraft in one mission for Northern Edge 2008.The missions, flown by the Alaska Air National Guard's 168th Air Refueling Wing, deliver the fuel aircraft need to remain engaged in

Airmen ready to render aid to Burma

About 45 members of the 36th Contingency Response Group took a seven-hour flight to Utapao Air Base, Thailand, to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Burma. Published reports indicate more than 100,000 people were killed after a cyclone caused massive flooding in southern Burma May 3.

AF Marathon officials spread word about upcoming event

Officials from the U.S. Air Force Marathon office made a stop at the Pentagon May 6 and 7 to increase awareness for the Sept. 20 event held at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. This is the twelfth year for the annual marathon, and officials hope to make it the biggest year yet. "Our

Robins NCO Academy prepares to close

The Robins Air Force Base Noncommissioned Officers Academy officially closes May 20, one of several academies that have closed or are closing soon. The school started decreasing its staff a few months ago when the staff learned about the pending inactivation, said Chief Master Sgt. Roy Lapioli, the

Fitness 'In Training' program helps runners achieve goals

Air Force fitness has a new program that may improve Airmen's running goals. The "In Training" program, accessible from the Air Force Fitness Web site, www.usafsports.com, has guides for runners of all fitness levels. New runners can use the program to learn how easy it is to start a training

Dover Air Force Base cited as premier installation

The premier installations from each military service and the Defense Logistics Agency were recognized at a Pentagon award ceremony May 8. John J. Young Jr., undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, presented the Commander in Chief's Annual Awards for Installation

Portable electronic power initiative energizes possibilities

An Air Mobility Battlelab initiative could "energize" new possibilities for aeromedical evacuations in the future. Termed the Portable Electronic Power Supply for Aeromedical Evacuations, or PEPSAE, initiative, it addresses a problem of heavy and cumbersome avionic frequency converters used to power

2007 Chaplain Service Award winners announced

The chief of Air Force chaplains has announced the winners of the annual Air Force Chaplain Service Awards program for 2007. Winners were recognized in individual categories for both active and Reserve components, and Airmen at three chapels earned recognition as the Chaplain Service's most

Hill environmental team earns DOD award

A team of environmental specialists here has been named the best Environmental Quality Team in the Department of Defense. The 21-member group, part of the 75th Civil Engineer Group Environmental Division, includes biologists, an archaeologist, several engineers and other managers who oversee Hill

Letter to Airmen highlights attention to mission

In the latest Letter to Airmen, the secretary of the Air Force reflects on how attention to the mission allows Airmen to meet the demanding air, space and cyberspace challenges of today. "At every level of action, mission success requires clear goals, defined objectives, and an innate grasp of how

Air Force, military photographers recognized with special exhibit

Several Air Force photographers recently found themselves in an unfamiliar position: In front of the cameras. The photographers, whose work is featured in a new exhibit,  "On the Other Side of the Lens ... Military Photographers in Action," were special guests at the opening May 1 at the National

Civil engineers enhance El Salvador exercise with imagery

Two Joint Task Force-Bravo civil engineers provided damage assessment for humanitarian purposes during a regional disaster relief exercise involving military and civilian agencies May 5 here. Flying aboard a JTF-Bravo UH-60 Blackhawk, the engineers used an automated route reconnaissance kit, called

Applicants sought for air attache duty

Air Force officials here are accepting applications until June 13 from senior captains, majors and lieutenant colonels to fill 19 air attache positions with in-country reporting dates from June 2010 to February 2011. Officers selected for attache duty will attend training during the period of

Air Force officials release findings on F-15 accident

Pacific Air Forces officials here released the results of its investigation May 6 of the F-15D Eagle crash that occurred approximately 60 miles off of Oahu Feb. 1. The accident investigation board, convened by PACAF officials, determined that there was no clear and convincing evidence to determine a

Medical training exercise supports Partnership for Peace

Fifteen nations are currently participating in the 2008 Medical Training Exercise in Central and Eastern Europe from May 2 through 14. The MEDCEUR is a Joint Chiefs of Staff regional/multilateral exercise sponsored by U.S. European Command and provides an opportunity for Air Force medical personnel

Air Force's only UAV wing marks one year in the fight

Lt. Gen. Norman Seip, the 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) commander, congratulated Airmen at Creech Air Force Base May 6 as the 432nd Wing marked its first year as the Air Force's only MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle wing. "The 432nd Wing has grown exponentially over the

Bush, Gates honor military spouses at ceremony

President Bush and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates paid tribute May 6 to about 1,100 military spouses who gathered for a Military Spouse Day celebration at the White House, where President Bush promised to continue pushing for more benefits for military families. Following a tradition President

Accident investigation board convenes for fatal T-38 crash

General William R. Looney III, commander of Air Education and Training Command, has convened an accident investigation board to investigate the T-38C Talon crash that killed two Airmen at Sheppard Air Force Base May 1. Col. Richard Haddad of 23rd Air Force, Hurlburt Field, Fla., will chair the

Knot typical training

Study of Iraqi birds to help reduce aircraft mishaps

One of the Air Force's greatest airpower adversaries doesn't wear the uniform of another country; it wears feathers. Both deadly and expensive, aircraft accidents and mishaps caused by collisions with birds have cost the service approximately $35 million each year since 1985, according to Air Force

Predator combat air patrols double in 1 year

A significant milestone was reached more than two years ahead of schedule May 1 with the beginning of the 24th MQ-1 Predator combat air patrol in the war on terrorism. This combat air patrol doubles the 24/7/365 Predator capability of last year, and is two years ahead of the Department of Defense

Air University transformation unifies all officer PME

After several months of reformation planning, Air University Commander Lt. Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz activated the Spaatz Center for Officer Education April 29. The Spaatz Center is now the umbrella organization unifying the continuum of all Air Force officer professional military education, from the

Afghan air corps soars again

Graduates completed the first orientation course for the Afghan National army air corps April 30  at the Kabul Air Corps Training Center here. The four-week inaugural course laid the foundation for the air corps soldiers as they began their careers in the ANAAC. "This is an exciting new age," said

Japanese NCOs visit Kadena

Sixty-seven Japan Air Self Defense Force airmen participated in a bilateral exchange program April 23 at Kadena Air Base. The Japan Air Self Defense Force airmen visited the Erwin PME Center, Marshall Dining Facility, living quarters for both Airmen and NCOs, the physiological training facility, and

Airmen set up communication lines for exercise in Croatia

Members of the 1st Combat Communications Squadron based out of Ramstein Air Base, Germany, began arriving in late April into Croatia to prepare network and phone systems for participants of the Medical Training Exercise in Central and Eastern Europe 2008 here.The 1st CBCS Airmen linked the more than

Special operations Airmen reach out to Bangladesh school

Adults and children alike were all smiles during a special delivery of school supplies at Eglal's ABC School April 27 here. Members of the 353rd Special Operations Group handed out school supplies to all 60 students as part of their community outreach program during Exercise Teak Buffalo, a

Russian delegation visits USAFE bases

A Russian delegation visited two U.S. Air Forces in Europe bases April 27 through May 1 to discuss theater security cooperation between the U.S. and Russian air forces. The meeting was approved during last year's U.S.-Russia Work Plan process after more than a year in planning, said Maj. Scott