Air Force secretary tells cadets of changing times

The Air Force has met the challenge of change with a combination of innovation, adaptability and flexibility for the last 60 years, said the Air Force secretary in his address to first and third class cadets April 8 in Arnold Hall here. "Character and leadership skills are always in high demand and

Eielson intelligence flight supports Red Flag-Alaska

Airmen with the 354th Operations Support Squadron Intelligence Flight here are providing U.S. and allied forces intelligence scenarios and targeting materials to support Exercise Red Flag-Alaska 08-2 running April 3 through 18. Eielson Air Force Base and Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, are the home of Red

Honduras, American medics gather to share skills

More than 35 Honduran doctors, nurses and emergency medical members met with Joint Task Force-Bravo medics to discuss emergency procedures April 6 at Hospital Militar Luis Alonso Discua in Honduras. During the exchange, American medics stationed at Soto Cono Air Base explained emergency protocols

Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment underway

The Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment 2008 third quarter event kicked off here April 14 and will run through April 25 after two years of planning and preparation by Air Force officials. Global Cyberspace Integration Center officials here will lead the experiment with participation from sister

Sheppard officials begin replacing T-37s with T-6A Texan II

The T-37 Tweet officially began its march toward full retirement March 31 when 80th Flying Training Wing officials here "took the car keys" to its replacement, the T-6A Texan II. Retired Navy Rear Adm. James Maslowski, the vice president of government business for Hawker Beechcraft in Wichita, Kan.,

Young Iraqi burn victim progressing well

Since 3-year-old Al Amreeki left Balad Air Base, Iraq, with more than 45 percent of his body burned from a stove fire at his home, he has come a long way due to treatment from Airmen and medics throughout the world.The young boy's uncle brought him to the Air Force Theater Hospital in Iraq Jan. 25,

Airmen help flooding recovery efforts

Airmen from McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C., recently provided satellite imagery to assist state and federal agencies in relief efforts following flooding in Missouri and Arkansas. Members of the 169th Communications Flight at McEntire Joint National Guard Base collected imagery using Eagle

Potential Olympians to compete in tournament at Lackland

Some of the world's best military basketball players are converging on Lackland Air Force Base for the International Military Sports Council Basketball Tournament April 7 through April 22. Military teams from Greece, Italy, Korea, Canada, Latvia and Lithuania will join the United States team in an

Special tactics recruiting takes flight

The Air Force's ongoing need to fill critically manned special tactics positions -- particularly combat controllers and pararescuemen -- has brought about a unique initiative between officials from Air Force Recruiting Service and Air Force Special Operations Command. A recent agreement between AFRS

Euro-NATO committee has eyes on future

The spring Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program's Steering Committee completed its weeklong discussions April 4 regarding the future of the program, including its syllabus, budget and infrastructure. The committee also said goodbye to six-year chairman Royal Netherlands Air Force Air Commodore

Helicopter retires after service in Vietnam, Iraq

MH-53 Pave Low helicopter tail number 68-10357 flew its final mission and last flight supporting special operations forces March 28 in Iraq after 38 years of service. The helicopter was the lead command and control helicopter for a mission to rescue approximately 50 American prisoners of war from

Aggressor fleet paint scheme nears completion

After swapping out F-16 Fighting Falcons with the 8th Fighter Wing at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Airmen from the 354th Maintenance Squadron sheet metal shop wasted no time in painting the newly-received aircraft with a flanker color scheme which helps other pilots identify these aircraft as

General leads morale tour at Tampa VA hospital

The deputy director of the Joint Staff's Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate at the Pentagon went on a mission April 7 to raise the morale of patients at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital in Tampa and brought along cheerleaders from the 2008 Women's Final Four teams and an Air Force

Miami-based recruiter saves life of shooting victim

A recruiter's former life as an Air Force "cop" helped him save the life of a Miami shooting victim recently. Staff Sgt. Jason Procaccino, a Miami-based recruiter with the 333rd Recruiting Squadron and a former security forces member, was in South Beach visiting his brother who was in town for

New concept in maintenance training comes to fruition

Years of hard work and planning came to realization April 7 when the first class of F-22 Raptor maintenance students graduated from the $21 million F-22 Maintenance Training Facility here. Eight Airmen graduated from the 13-week Aircraft Armament Systems course and became the first pipeline Airmen

'Campus Dining' to transform AF food services

Air Combat Command is leading the Air Force in a study that will change the way food service is delivered at Air Force installations. Services officials in ACC are traveling to various installations within the command to assess current food operations; the research may result in Air Force bases

Making a pilot; the first step

The road to becoming an Air Force pilot begins in Pueblo, Colo., where  the Air Force has charged Doss Aviation, a contractor, to provide an Initial Flight Screening course under the Air Education and Training Command. The purpose of the IFS is to screen aviation candidates and prepare them for the

Tweet complete: T-37 retires after 39 years of service

The T-37 Tweet formally retired April 3 from Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training here after 39 years of service as the gateway to the sky for more than 10,000 Air Force aviators. Columbus Air Force Base was the last Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training base flying the T-37, but the T-37

Airmen visit Chilean orphanage

Airmen participating in the largest air show in South America took a moment between demonstrations and displays to visit more than 30 preschool-aged children April 3 at the Koinomadelfia orphanage west of Santiago. The Airmen from the 366th Fighter Wing at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, and

Aerial porters can now train anytime, anywhere

Air transportation Airmen across the Air Force can access training anytime, anywhere through the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center's distance learning program. Offered by the center's Mobility Operations School Air Transportation Branch, or ATB, "aerial porters" can train in eight courses:  Air

Letter to Airmen emphasizes core values

In the latest Letter to Airmen, the secretary of the Air Force stresses to Airmen the critical nature of attention to detail in every area of the Air Force. "We must always have the moral and intellectual courage to do the right thing and must continue to follow our moral compass in the decisions we

Colorado's last Guard Vietnam MIA laid to rest

The remains of a Colorado Air National Guardsman who vanished during an observation flight 39 years ago over the jungles of South Vietnam were to rest April 3 at Arlington National Cemetery. Maj. Perry H. Jefferson, an intelligence officer with Colorado's 120th Tactical Fighter Squadron, went

Program benefits American, Bulgarian maintainers

American and Bulgarian Airmen received familiarization briefings on F-15 Eagles and MiG-29 aircraft in an effort to increase theater security cooperation in April here. F-15s are deployed to Bulgaria for Operation Noble Endeavor supporting the NATO summit, and it presented maintainers from the two

Winter sports clinic helps veterans

The 22nd National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, the largest disabled learn-to-ski clinic in the world, helped motivate and heal nearly 400 veterans this year at Snowmass Village, Colo. The six-day winter sports clinic hosted 64 Airmen, 182 Soldiers, 66 Seamen, 60 Marines, and five Coast

Some civilian career updates just clicks away

Air Force Personnel Center officials here recently introduced a new self-service application as part of its ongoing commitment to civilian force development. The Electronic Civilian Record Update, or ECRU, gives civilians preparing to meet a development team panel the ability to perform Web updates

CE builds Airmen home away from home in Romania

Hundreds of Airmen deployed here in support of Operation Noble Endeavor have a home away from home thanks to the civil engineers of the 404th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron. In 96 hours the team constructed a tent city complete with hot showers, dining facility and dry living quarters in an empty

Tankers support NATO summit from Hungary, Bulgaria

KC-135 Stratotankers and aircrews from U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Mobility Command deployed to Hungary and Bulgaria to provide air-refueling support for the NATO summit running April 2 through 4 in Romania. The Romanian-led operation will police the sky over Bucharest, Romania, during the

Mobile CASF training course now available worldwide

Sheppard Air Force Base medical training took another step toward the future with the certification of the Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility Mobile Training Course taught here."Certification means we can go anywhere now and teach the course," said Maj. Tammy St. Armand, an instructor

U.S., Japan AWACS units join forces

A Kadena Air Base squadron signed an agreement here March 26 with its Japan Air Self-Defense Force counterpart formalizing the joint working relationship they've enjoyed for years. Lt. Col. Rene Romero, the 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron commander, endorsed the first sister squadron agreement

Chairman of Joint Chiefs visits Pope

Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited Pope Air Force Base and Fort Bragg March 31. While at Pope, he toured Pope's Green Ramp, visiting with warfighters from many of Pope's squadrons. He met with an aeromedical evacuation crew from the 43rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron;

Training video filmed at AFPC, various locations

"Roll 'em!" the director yelled. The clapboard was snapped and the film crew jumped into action.Although this is a common occurrence in Hollywood, it's an unusual one at the Air Force Personnel Center here. The filming was part of two 15-minute videos that will be used for training Air Force family

Ramstein Airmen participate in Exercise Thracian Spring

Airmen from the 86th Airlift Wing and the 435th Air Base Wing at Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany, as well as master jumpmasters from the 5th Quartermasters at Rhein Ordnance Barracks, Germany, joined forces with Bulgarian military forces to conduct Exercise Thracian Spring here from March 26 to

Air Force officials test Voluntary Protection Program

Air Force officials conducted the first Voluntary Protection Program mock audit to evaluate the overall safety of the base as a work site March 24 through 28 at Hanscom Air Force Base. VPP originates from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and focuses on incorporating the Air Force's

Tinker maintainers aid Saudi air force with E-3 repair

Representatives from the Royal Saudi air force arrived to collect their newly repaired E-3 March 24 from Tinker Air Force Base officials. After members of the 566th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron's E-3 Maintenance Flight here replaced a bearing between the rotodome and aircraft, an aircrew from the

Reservists may face limit on man-day tours

Later this year hundreds of reservists nationwide could reach the limit on the number of man-days they can serve in Air Force Reserve Command. Reservists through the rank of colonel received permission 3.5 years ago to serve up to 1,095 man-days of the previous 1,460 days in a rolling four-year

Air Force Web site can prevent air mishaps for civilian pilots

Air Combat Command officials here currently are reaching out to private civilian pilots by publicizing a Web site designed to prevent mid-air collisions with military aircraft. The Web site, called www.seeandavoid.org, allows users to locate their flight path and determine how they can avoid flying

Sather medics prepare for worst, provide their best

"Bag him!" "I need an X-ray in here!" "I've got an abnormal rhythm!" "Somebody get me some vitals!" This could be the sounds of the fast-paced tempo and organized chaos of any emergency room anywhere, but these voices are being heard in a combat zone, where major trauma care can be more complex by

The writings on the wall for a leaner Air National Guard

Improvement. For Col. Billy Asbell it often starts with a dozen or more slightly anxious Air National Guard members seated in their conference room. They clutch cups of coffee or water and find some comfort in the familiar walls. Before long, those walls are hidden behind layers of yellow sticky

2007 Visual Information Award winners announced

Contest officials for the Defense Department 2007 Visual Information Awards here recently recognized numerous Air Force photographers, videographers, journalists and graphic artists for excellence in their fields. Airmen earned 13 first place awards, nine second place awards and 11 third place

Officials activate 711th Human Performance Wing

Officials at the Air Force Research Laboratory officially activated the 711th Human Performance Wing during a ceremony at the Air Force Institute of Technology's Kenney Hall here March 25. The new wing combines AFRL's Human Effectiveness Directorate with elements transitioning to Wright-Patterson

Officials remain proactive in tackling trainee illnesses

Lackland Air Force Base officials remain proactive in its efforts to control the occurrence of upper respiratory illness amongst its Basic Military Training population. For the past two years, Lackland AFB has had one of the lowest respiratory illness rates of all Department of Defense military

Program takes safety, occupational health to next level

Occupational Safety and Health Administration officials continue to focus on developing and caring for the safety of Airmen, civilians and their families to build a culture of safety with the Voluntary Protection Program, senior Air Force leaders said here recently. "The Air Force implemented VPP (a

Bagram Airman gives all for the families

A Bagram Air Base Airman is making a difference for servicemembers and their families as she has one of the most difficult jobs in the area of responsibility.Senior Airman Sekina Moye, a services journeyman assigned to the 755th Air Expeditionary Group, is filling a six-month in-lieu-of tasking with

Airmen train Iraqis to save lives

Nine Iraqi firefighters graduated the Basic Firefighter Skills Course here as Airmen of the 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Fire Department trained the newest graduates March 24 at Ali Base. The six-week course teaches students "the basics of fighting fires, search and rescue and lifesaving

Wilford Hall opens new Air Force hyperbaric therapy facility

The primary hyperbaric capability in the Air Force was relocated March 21 from Brooks City-Base, Texas, to the Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.Hyperbaric chambers are used to perform hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which supplies a surplus of oxygen to the tissues, helping

SARC helps deployed servicemembers respond to crisis

Air Force Sexual Assault Response Coordinators will be stressing education and awareness about sexual assault throughout the month of April, which is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.Those deployed, with a three-drink-a-night limit on alcohol and General Order 1 applying to their interactions with

AF recruit drops 128 pounds to enlist

Will Sims will enter basic training March 24 as one of the Air Force's newest recruits. It is a significant milestone in a wild journey that began more than a year ago, when this young man set forth to overcome an obstacle that might keep others with less determination and resolve out of the

DOD anti-tobacco campaign invades military markets

The Department of Defense isn't just blowing smoke about its tobacco cessation campaign. "Quit Tobacco. Make Everyone Proud" is making its presence felt with enthusiastic marketing initiatives in 13 U.S. metropolitan markets containing 28 major military installations.The campaign positions military

Airmen minimize DOD weather-related losses

The 26th Operational Weather Squadron here helped minimize Department of Defense losses during severe regional weather recently that resulted in more than 20 civilian deaths and power outages affecting millions. The 26th OWS, which provides Air Force and Army installations weather watches, warnings

Air Force to lead National Image Conference

The Department of Defense named the Air Force as the lead service for this year's National Image Conference to be held April 14 to 18 at the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas. The conference theme, "From Heritage to New Horizons," will provide guidance and leadership to take Hispanic youth and

T-6A accident investigation complete

Air Force officials have completed the investigation of the Nov. 28, 2007, T-6A Texan II mid-air collision near Gunshy Auxiliary Field, Miss., which resulted in the loss of both aircraft. The accident investigation board determined the cause of this mishap was a result of pilot error. A T-6A flown

Pilot inducted into women's aviation hall of fame

In the months since her last flight as the Thunderbirds No. 3 right wing pilot, Maj. Nicole Malachowski has had a hard time putting her accomplishment of being the first woman to fly on a U.S. military flight demonstration team into a proper perspective. At the San Diego Air & Space Museum March 14,

AF officials implement AFMC's civilian orientation course

When Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley recently sought a way to provide initial training to new Air Force civilians, Gen. Bruce Carlson, the commander of Air Force Materiel Command, offered AFMC's existing, extensive training course created for that reason. As a result, the Air Force

CENTAF now AFCENT with redesignation

On January 1, 1983, United States Central Command Air Forces was activated as the air component of the United States Central Command. Twenty-five years later, in a ceremony here March 3, 2008, it took on a new name, United States Air Forces Central, and an enhanced way of employing forces in war.

Iraqi air force attains tenfold increase in sorties

Iraq's air force, with help from a U.S. transition team, attained a tenfold increase in its number of weekly sorties and doubled the size of its fleet over the past year, a military official said today. Maj. Gen. Robert R. Allardice, commander of the Coalition Air Force Transition Team, said the

UAVs aid force protection efforts

RQ-11 Raven unmanned aerial vehicles may be easily mistaken for an unorthodox version of a model airplane, but Airmen here use the UAV to secure the base and surrounding neighborhoods. Weighing in at less than 5 pounds, the Raven is operated from the ground via a remote control unit that can send

Identity of fallen pilot released

An Air Force student pilot, 2nd Lt. David J. Mitchell, 26, from Amherst, Ohio, and assigned to the 62nd Fighter Squadron here, was killed March 14 when his F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft crashed in a remote area three miles south of Alamo Lake, Ariz. Lieutenant Mitchell was on a two-ship student

F-16 crashes south of Alamo Lake, Ariz.

An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 62nd Fighter Squadron here crashed about 12:00 p.m. today south of Alamo Lake, Ariz. At the time of the accident, the F-16 was on an air-to-air student training mission. One pilot was on board. The status of the pilot is unknown at this time. A board

Joint basing plan takes shape

Joint basing is a reality, it's happening in San Antonio, and it will effectively support the city's military communities here. That is the message from local military leaders as they move toward consolidating support operations at three San Antonio installations as mandated by the 2005 Base Closure

AFMC command chief emphasizes understanding one's role

The stigma that Airmen assigned to Air Force Materiel Command are not part of the war on terrorism fight is one the command's top enlisted member is working to correct. "There are segments of people -- ranging from enlisted members within AFMC to those in other Air Force major commands -- who equate

'Hoop dreams' come true for Airman

For the fourth year in a row a Reserve Command member has been tapped to play on the All Air Force basketball team. Capt. Kurtis Darden, the only reservist on the team, will play in the Armed Forces Basketball Tournament to be held March 23 to 28 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. "This year I'm

General Lorenz gets fourth star, to command AETC

The U.S. Senate has confirmed Lt. Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz for appointment to the grade of general and assignment as commander of Air Education and Training Command.General Lorenz, currently the commander of Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., will replace Gen. William R. Looney III, who

Top leaders testify on '09 budget

The Air Force's top two leaders testified before the House and Senate Committee on Appropriations subcommittees on Defense during hearings about the fiscal 2009 budget March 11 and 12. While the main topic of discussion among congressmen and senators remained the KC-45A contract award, Secretary of

Balad Airmen teach contractors lifesaving skills

When it comes to rescuing someone trapped in a vehicle, using the "jaws of life" can mean the difference between life and death -- but only if the tool is used properly. Members of the Balad Air Base Fire Department recently led refresher training sessions for U.S. government contracted personnel

Dutch air chief predicts continued cooperation

His air force has a history of training pilots in the United States that dates back to 1941. It's a long relationship Lt. Gen. Hans de Jong would like to continue. General de Jong, commander of the Royal Netherlands Air Force, said he expects his country to not only maintain its aircrew training

First OTS hand-to-hand combat-trained class graduates

AF leaders focus on the future during CORONA South

"Securing the Future" was the central theme of this year's CORONA South, held at Bolling Air Force Base here. The discussion and debate among the Air Force's senior leaders focused on preparing the Air Force to meet tomorrow's challenges as well as the potential need to restructure the force to

Services tests 'pallet to palate' philosophy

From "pallet to palate" is the philosophy behind an 18th Services Squadron capability tested during the Pacific Air Forces Operational Readiness Inspection held March 9 to 15 here. Wherever Airmen deploy, the single pallet expeditionary kitchen, or SPEK, can go with them to provide support. "The

Airmen complete first Air Advisor Course

The first class of Airmen headed to Iraq and Afghanistan to train foreign military members on Airmanship graduated here March 7. A total of 59 Airmen completed the course, developed to prepare instructors to train Iraqi and Afghan airmen to re-establish their national air forces. The U.S. Air Force

Instinctive action by Bagram Airman prevents catastrophe

An Airman's quick action following an explosion of a jet fuel starter Feb. 26 that sent shrapnel across the Bagram Air Base flightline averted a possible explosion of an F-15E Strike Eagle.Staff Sgt. Jonathan Billie was working on the flightline near a fellow Airman prepping an F-15E when the small

Alaskan villages benefit from joint military medical outreach

Mixed teams of Army, Navy and Air Force health-care providers are spent a week treating hundreds of medically-underserved people as part of Operation Arctic Care 2008 in six remote villages in March in Alaska. Residents of Karluk, Old Harbor, Ouzinkie, Port Lions, Akhiok and Larsen Bay invited the

Balad Airmen rescue U.S. teachers in Iraq

Airmen from the 64th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron here were called out to rescue two American citizens lost on a hiking trip March 2. "We initially started hearing information about a possibility of American citizens getting lost during a hiking trip at around 4 a.m.," said Navy Lt. Evan Scaggs, a

Stealth fighter honored at Wright-Patterson

The Air Force-industry team responsible for providing program oversight to the F-117A Nighthawk stealth fighter aircraft said farewell during a ceremony March 11 here. More than 350 Airmen, base employees, industry partners and family members gathered for one last close-up look at the F-117, which

Multi-location, simultaneous sortie a success

Four B-52 Stratofortress aircraft and 26 crew members assigned to the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron made history at 10:15 a.m. local time March 6 as they simultaneously hit targets at four separate locations throughout the Pacific. Deployed to Andersen Air Force Base as part of U.S. Pacific

Cadets receive cold-weather training in Alaska

Cadets from both Eagle River and West High School Junior ROTC programs participated in an overnight stay at Otter Lake on Fort Richardson, Alaska, to gain cold weather survival training Feb. 29 to March 1. Arriving early Feb. 29, the cadets began marching the eight-mile trail to the lake, carrying

556th becomes newest UAS squadron

The 556th Test and Evaluation Squadron became the Air Force's first operational test squadron for unmanned aircraft systems during a ceremony March 5 here. The stand-up is concurrent with the inactivation of the 53rd Test and Evaluation Group Det. 4. The Airmen, employees and equipment of the

45th Space Wing Airmen support NASA's successful launch

With support from Airmen with the 45th Space Wing, Space Shuttle Endeavour blasted off safely from Kennedy Space Center March 11 at 2:28 a.m. (EDT), starting NASA's 25th mission to the International Space Station. The 45th SW's support included providing weather forecasts, helping organize and train

Assistant surgeon general visits Balad hospital

The assistant Air Force surgeon general for nursing services and medical force development met with deployed medics March 3 and 4 at Balad Air Base. While touring the Air Force Theater Hospital, Maj. Gen. Melissa A. Rank visited with Airmen assigned to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Medical Group and

Command chief outlines future of cyber warfare

The Air Force is leading the way in controlling the warfighting domain of the 21st century, and the formation of the newest Air Force major command is progressing well, the command chief of Air Force Cyber Command (Provisional) said during a March 4 visit here. "Cyberspace is a warfighting domain --

Officials highlight training vision to industry leaders

More than 70 representatives from 44 corporations met here March 6 to consider ways the civilian industry might partner with Air Education and Training Command officials to make the vision of the future of education and training a reality. Attendees at the AETC Industry Forum came from all parts of

Air Force Wrestling Team selects athletes for 2008 season

Thirteen Airmen have been selected for the 2008 Air Force Wrestling team by officials here recently.After almost two dozen athletes from around the Air Force traveled here to participate in the All Air Force Wrestling Camp, which started Feb. 13, the final wrestling competition held March 1

Officials announce Air Force safety awards for 2007

Air Force safety officials have announced the winners of the 2007 safety awards. A. Secretary of the Air Force Safety Award Category I: Air Mobility Command Category II: United States Air Force Academy B. Maj. Gen. Benjamin D. Foulois Memorial Award Air Mobility Command C. Col. Will L. Tubbs

Dyess Airmen help airborne operations return to Fort Hood

"Stand up! Hook up!" More than 20 personnel heard these words as they rushed to jump out of a C-130 Hercules on the first airborne operation conducted in more than 10 years for Fort Hood Soldiers.Airmen of the 317th Airlift Group from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, partnered with Fort Hood officials

Aerial porters receive advanced training

Airmen in the Air Force air transportation career field, also known as "aerial porters," can advance their training and capabilities here through the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center's Aerial Port Operations Course. Held approximately 12 times a year at either Fort Dix or an away location such as

'Today's Air Force' features modernizing the force

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights how Air Force officials are modernizing more than just aircraft.  Air Force officials are using anthropometric surveys to design gear, supplies and crew ensembles. The surveys were necessary to determine the safety requirements of ejection seats,

Women prove they have the 'right stuff' to fly

Throughout history, women have made a lasting impression on the fabric of the United States. In colonial times, women helped their husbands defend their farms from Indian attacks. During the American Revolution, women such as Mary Hays McCauly (better known as Molly Pitcher) took care of their

March-April Airman magazine now available

One of the Air Force's top priorities is helping rebuild Iraq's shattered Air Force from the ground up. It's what Airmen are doing all over Iraq and in Afghanistan. "Giving Iraq new wings," is just one of the feature stories in the March-April 2008 issue of Airman, now available in print and online

AETC commanders meet, discuss way ahead

More than 100 Air Education and Training Command senior leaders gathered at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., to participate in the AETC commanders' and command chiefs' conference Feb. 25-29. The conference, held twice annually, provided an opportunity for Gen. William R. Looney III, AETC commander, and

Council conducts operational review of AFSO 21

Several top Air Force leaders convened the Air Force Process Council here March 3 for their quarterly operational review of the service's Smart Operations for the 21st century initiatives. Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. T. Michael Moseley

Officials announce 2007 Air Force Media Contest winners

A panel of civilian journalists, photographers, broadcasters, teachers and public relations professionals selected the best individuals and units in Air Force print, photo and broadcast journalism for the 52nd annual Air Force Media Contest. The media contest is sponsored annually by the Secretary

New York City bomb targets military recruiting station

A bomb went off outside the U.S. military recruiting station in Times Square March 6, injuring nobody but causing minor structural damage, said Air Force Recruiting Service officials. The bomb went off at approximately 3:45 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, cracking the glass door, bending the door frame,

ESC officials make digital air support possible

Electronic Systems Center officials here are giving Air Force tactical air control party Airmen on the ground and in the fight every available advantage to help win the war on terrorism. Tactical air control party Airmen, known as TACPs, must be able to communicate precise coordinates to pilots

Selections to begin for new support squadron commanders

Development Team members will meet at the Air Force Personnel Center here during various dates from May through August to select new support squadron commanders, officials said today. Support squadron commanders will be selected in various career fields, including materiel, civil engineering,

Replace aging aircraft or risk irrelevancy, general says

The commander of Air Force Materiel Command, which is responsible for delivering war-winning capabilities to the rest of the Air Force, said during a visit to Air University here that Air Force officials must develop and buy new aircraft or risk the service becoming irrelevant. The Air Force must be

Air Force Reserve establishes first space wing

 Air Force Reserve Command officials are expanding the critical role reservists play in space operations by establishing AFRC's first space wing at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo. Command officials will activate the 310th Space Wing March 7. The new organization is an expansion of the existing 310th

12th Air Force officials unfurl new flags during redesignation

Airmen from 12th Air Force here sheathed the guidons of several units and unfurled a new banner marking the command's transition from a traditional numbered Air Force to an Air Force component organization Feb. 29 here.Lt. Gen. Norman R. Seip, the commander of 12th Air Force and Air Forces Southern,

Exercise Balikatan '08 tests ability to deliver

Moving large amounts of equipment, personnel or humanitarian relief supplies can be a daunting task. But it's a task tactical and strategic airlifters like the C-130 Hercules and the C-17 Globemaster III are made for. That's why they were instrumental in Exercise Balikatan '08 held here. The joint

Air Force JTACs train on leading edge technology

Approximately 20 Air Force joint terminal attack controllers from 16 different locations throughout the U.S. and other countries arrived here Feb. 23 to perform training with the mobile Air Support Operations Center Gateway in preparation for deployment. The JTACs will be at Shaw Air Force Base for

Legendary pilot visits Kadena

A surviving pilot of a legendary aviator group of determined black men at the forefront of historic social change during World War II spoke Feb. 25 at the Rocker NCO Club here. Retired Lt. Col. Charles Dryden was one of 992 Tuskegee Airmen who answered the call to serve his country when blacks were

Intermediate-repair facility keeps tankers flying in theater

The central intermediate-repair facility, the only KC-135 Stratotanker brake shop in theater, gets 30 to 50 brakes back into service every month, saving the time and money it would take to ship worn parts back for repairs. The tankers are responsible for the in-flight refueling of most of the U.S.