Camp Eggers officials dedicate building to fallen Airman

Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and civilians dedicated the Gillespie House to honor a fallen Airman March 2 at Camp Eggers. Master Sgt. Randy Gillespie, an embedded training team senior mentor with the Afghan national army 207th Corps, died July 9, 2007, from fatal wounds sustained from small

Mother, daughter race together, 8,000 miles apart

Most people would never want to run a full marathon, but even fewer would think of running one in the desert with a dust storm looming. "Looks like I might have to run the whole 26 miles on a treadmill," 1st Lt. Jessica Lopez joked, two days before the Los Angeles Marathon. "Last time I ran in a

Air Force personnel chief addresses lawmakers

The Air Force deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services answered questions from members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committee subcommittees on personnel Feb. 27 and 28. Lt. Gen. Richard Y. Newton III joined sister service representatives, as well as Dr. David Chu, the

USCENTAF to become USAFCENT with redesignation

U.S. Central Command Air Forces will be renamed U.S. Air Forces Central in a March 3 ceremony at Shaw Air Force Base.The official date of the change is March 1 as and Lt. Gen. Gary L. North, the USAFCENT and 9th Air Force commander, will preside over the ceremony in Hangar 1,200 at 9:09 a.m

Injured, separated from the Air Force, but not forgotten

Training medical personnel as a member of the 59th Logistics and Readiness Squadron's Medical Readiness Training team was not the path that George Torres had planned to pursue when he trained as an Air Force Pararescueman. A broken back and compound fracture to his ankle, caused by a combat-related

Kunsan pilots improve capability with AIM-9X missile

Pilots, maintainers and ammunition Airmen at Kunsan Air Base have been introduced recently to a new generation weapon that changes air-to-air combat.The Air Intercept Missile-9X Sidewinder, developed by Raytheon engineers, is a fifth generation AIM-9 missile that is a substantial upgrade to the

Air Force officials introduce new civilian training vehicle

Without it, they are stuck in park. With it, however, they can rev up their future. With the introduction of the Standard Form 182, which was rolled out recently by the Office of Personnel Management, Air Force civilians now have an elite vehicle in their inventory that can effectively steer them

Airmen train Iraqi firefighters for improved regional safety

Air Force firefighters here conducted training sessions with members of the city of Kirkuk fire department Feb. 27 in an effort to improve fire response and overall safety for Iraqi citizens in the region. These sessions are scheduled to become weekly events and eventually train a total of more than

Air Force leaders announce incoming AETC commander

Air Force leaders named the commander of Air University as the future leader of Air Education and Training Command Feb. 28. President George W. Bush has nominated Lt. Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz for appointment to the grade of general and assignment as commander of AETC, which is responsible for the free

C-130 crew receives award for averting crisis

A Pope Air Force Base C-130 Hercules crew was awarded Air Mobility Command's 2007 Field of Aeronautics and Astronautics Aviator Valor Award recently.The crew evaded surface-to-air rocket fire just five minutes into a flight out of Baghdad International Airport on the night of Aug. 30, 2007, while

Andersen EMTs' training kicks in during response to B-2 crash

The ambulance services unit of the 36th Medical Group here responded immediately when an emergency call came in Feb. 24 that a B-2 Spirit had crashed on the flightline.Two pilots, from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., were forced to eject from a B-2 Spirit before impact during their last flight from

Bagram receives first relocatable dormitory

The standard of living improved dramatically for more than 100 Airmen on Camp Cunningham here with the opening of the first relocatable dormitory here Feb. 26. Texan Hall was officially dedicated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and called home for 120 Airmen deployed in support of Operation Enduring

AFMC officials to implement training for sportbike riders

Air Force Materiel Command safety officials are planning a command-wide training course for airmen under 27 who ride a sportbike. Officials say they expect the training to begin in July or August, with one coach for every six students. According to Juan Vazquez, AFMC traffic safety program manager,

Pilot reaches 1,000 combat hours flown

A 332nd Expeditionary Operations Group F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot here will reach two career milestones in a matter of weeks. According to information extracted from the Aviation Resource Management and Military Personnel Data Systems, Lt. Col. Andy Uribe is the only current Air Force fighter pilot

Medal of Honor recipient visits Kunsan

There are few opportunities allowing Airmen to gain first-hand insights on the history and achievements of the Air Force, which have helped shaped the foundation of the organization, while at the same time, inspiring Airmen of all ranks. One of the military's most valued and respected achievements

Warrior training

Military, civilian firefighters work to save lives, assets

When the call came in at 10:30 a.m. on Feb.24 that a B-2 Spirit had crashed on the flightline, 44 Andersen firefighters put emotions aside and relied on their extensive training to fight the fuel-intensified fire. The multi-functional bomber, sans munitions but completely full of jet fuel for a

Protocol staff provides first-class service all the way

Although they primarily work behind the scenes, staff in the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing protocol office works hard to ensure distinguished visitors have a positive experience while visiting the base. Protocol personnel achieve this goal by providing a variety of services to allow DVs a chance to

Joint effort made satellite success possible

When analysts determined a satellite carrying a tank of 1,000 pounds of hydrazine fuel could be a threat to human life, the U.S. Department of Defense and other agencies came together to find the best course of action. More than two dozen federal agencies collaborated to shoot down the

Air Force drill team kicks off 2008 season in D.C.

Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team members from here revealed their newly choreographed routine in front of a large crowd Feb. 21 at bustling Union Station in downtown Washington. The crowd came to a standstill and watched as the drill team's public event opened the 2008 performance season. The new

Mobile communications system undergoes final tests

The 682nd Air Support Operations Squadron performed one of the final tests on their new mobile, state-of-the-art Air Support Operations Center Gateway during the base's operational readiness exercise Feb 12 to 14. The Gateway, a vehicle mounted communications system, improves situational awareness

Reserve units swap planes

Air Force Reserve Command officials will swap C-130 Hercules aircraft this spring to accelerate the consolidation of missions and equipment at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, N.Y. Officials from the 914th Airlift Wing at Niagara Falls ARS will exchange its eight C-130H3s for eight C-130H2s from

F-16s featured in Dominican Republic air show

U.S. Airmen and Coast Guardsmen joined their Dominican counterparts Feb. 16 and 17 to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Dominican air force with an air show. Aviation fans from this small island nation welcomed the Air Force active duty, Reserve and Air National Guard aircraft and

Firefighters exchange knowledge, experience

More than 30 Honduran military and civilian firefighters converged at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, Feb. 19 to 22 for a subject matter expert exchange allowing both nation's firefighters to pass along experiences, knowledge and the latest in firefighting tactics, techniques and procedures . The

Airmen mentor Afghan national army

Airmen from the 755th Expeditionary Support Squadron here are currently mentoring Afghan national army soldiers at the Logistics Support Operations Center in Kabul.The Airmen work closely with their Afghan counterparts to assist them setting up a web of logistics throughout the country. The eventual

AF leaders discuss future challenges

Air Force major command commanders spoke to Airmen, Air Force Association members and other attendees about the challenges facing their organizations during the AFA's 24th annual Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition held here Feb. 21and 22. Driving home the urgent need to recapitalize the

Top AF logistician visits deployed Airmen

The Air Force's top logistician visited five bases in Southwest Asia recently to meet with logistics readiness Airmen and get a better idea of how things were going in the area of responsibility."The reason I am here is to ensure the LRS troops are able to provide their unique capability," said Maj.

Rescue wing reservists deploy, receive 'National' sendoff

Reservists from the 920th Rescue Wing departed here Feb. 20 on the first-leg of a 14-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Before they left, they received a visit on the flightline by John Patterson, a pitcher for the Washington Nationals baseball team. The Nationals play their

Chief discusses strategy white paper at AFA symposium

The chief of staff of the Air Force helped kick off the Air Force Association's 24th annual Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition Feb. 21 in Orlando, Fla. Before hundreds of Airmen and civilians, Gen. T. Michael Moseley spoke about the future of the Air Force and also took the opportunity

Dental students receive hands-on training at Elmendorf

A dozen students currently enrolled in the University of Alaska Anchorage Dental Hygiene Program have partnered with the Elmendorf Air Force Dental Clinic to provide care and to learn from base Airmen. The partnership began in February and is approximately four weeks long with four rotations with

Elmendorf Airmen complete first F-22 deployment

Eight F-22 Raptors and 132 Airmen from Elmendorf Air Force Base completed the first deployment from Alaska as Reserve and active-duty Airmen combined for training Feb. 2 through 17 at Tyndall AFB, Fla.Members of the 3rd Wing and Air Force Reserve Command's 477th Fighter Group here combined for

Recruit loses 120 pounds to join Air Force

Growing up in Columbus, a young man admired Airmen from nearby Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and he thought joining the Air Force was a logical conclusion since his father and other family members served in the military.But the problem for Daniel Kuertz was that he weighed 320 pounds. The

Maxwell Airmen assist city devastated by tornado

More than 20 Maxwell Air Force Base Airmen teamed up with 66 Officer Training School trainees from here Feb. 19 to help people recover from a devastating tornado that leveled 150 homes in Prattville, Ala. The Enhanced Fujita Scale-3 tornado that swept through the city 15 miles northwest of Maxwell

2 Eglin F-15 pilots rescued from Gulf of Mexico

Two F-15 Eagle pilots from Eglin Air Force Base were rescued Feb. 20 in the Gulf of Mexico.The pilots who were involved in an accident Feb. 20 were transported to medical facilities, and their condition is unknown at this time.  They are assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin AFB.   The 1st

2 F-15s reported missing

Two Air Force F-15C Eagles were reported missing Feb. 20 at approximately 2 p.m. CST in the Gulf of Mexico.The two aircraft were assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing. At the time of the accident, they were on a training sortie.Active search and rescue efforts are under way.A board of officers will

Joint STARS goes beyond line of sight

A straight line is the shortest distance between two points and the best way for communication to pass from one to the other, unless the earth's curvature prevents it. Then, what is known as beyond-line-of-sight, or BLOS, communication capability becomes necessary. BLOS uses two straight lines, one

Litter training key to patient handling

Ramstein firefighters train in mass casualty exercise

Firefighters from the 435th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Protection Flight faced billowing smoke and screaming casualties during a mass casualty exercise Feb. 11 at Ramstein Air Base. Fire trucks responded to the scene of a burning warehouse with victims still inside. "It's important we stay

OTS begins new close-combat course

Today's Airmen don't simply drop bombs or watch combat from a distance; they are in the fight. From operations in Iraq and Afghanistan to the Horn of Africa, Airmen are consistently working outside the wire in support of their Army, Navy and Marine counterparts. This means Airmen need to know how to

ACC officials issue latest release from stand down for F-15s

Gen. John D.W. Corley, Air Combat Command commander, returned 149 grounded F-15s to flight Feb. 15 contingent upon the completion of customized inspections on each of the aircraft's longerons. This "stand-down release" order brings the total number of cleared A, B, C and D-model F-15 aircraft to

CMSAF outlines Air Force priorities to Dover Airmen

The chief master sergeant of the Air Force outlined the Air Force's primary concerns Feb. 11 to Dover Air Force Base Airmen. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley told base Airmen that the service's top-three priorities are winning the war on terrorism, taking care of Airmen and

'Today's Air Force' features airlift, medical training

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the Air Force's state-of-the-art technology for both air and ground operations. Also featured is a segment on cargo airlift in Southwest Asia. Airmen deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan deliver supplies to dangerous locations and, at the same time,

Firefighter first U.S. Airman to attend RAF leadership training

A firefighter here began the Royal Air Force Airmen's Command Squadron, the equivalent of the NCO Academy, Feb. 12 at RAF Halton, England. Tech. Sgt. Josh Trundle, the RAF Mildenhall fire department assistant NCO in charge of training and safety, joined RAF airmen in training topics ranging from

Civilians add stability during emergencies

Airmen here are fighting the base during this week's local operational readiness exercise Beverly High 08-04 and a special group of civilians is right alongside them contributing to the mission. These civilians, categorized as "emergency essential," stay with military forces even if a non-combatant

Airmen bring romance and roses to Air Force Enlisted Village

The champagne fountain gurgled and the dress uniform buttons gleamed in the candlelight at a very special Valentine's Day event Feb. 9.  Airmen from nearby Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field were visiting the Air Force Enlisted Village to honor and escort the residents of Hawthorn House, the

Every vote counts

The election season is in full swing and the people in the 2d Air Postal Squadron here are working diligently to ensure every vote in the U.S. Air Forces in Europe area of responsibility counts. Squadron personnel monitor 51 postal locations on a daily basis throughout USAFE to make sure absentee

Afghans complete advanced medical training

Less than a month after a basic emergency medical technician training class graduated here, seven more Afghan men entered the medical career field after graduating from a nursing school program facilitated by the joint Air Force and Army Provincial Reconstruction Team here. The 12-month training

Nurse commissioning program seeks enlisted applicants

Officials at the Air Force Personnel Center here will conduct the annual Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program board May 13-14 to select candidates for fall 2008 and spring 2009 start dates. The program offers active duty enlisted personnel the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree in a high-need

AFOSI officials seek special agent candidates

The Air Force Office of Special Investigations is seeking exceptional non-commissioned officers for duty as enlisted special agents. The AFOSI mission is to identify, exploit and neutralize criminal, terrorist and intelligence threats to the Air Force, Department of Defense and U.S. Government. With

Air Force conducts nuclear policy and procedures review

The Air Force's Blue Ribbon Review of its nuclear weapons policies and procedures has found that its nuclear mission is sound but needs strengthening. "The review provided the Air Force an opportunity to improve its commitment to a sound nuclear enterprise," said Maj. Gen. Polly Peyer, chair of the

Pacific Lifeline tests humanitarian relief concept

More than 900 Department of Defense members took part in two weeks of instruction and practical application as part of Pacific Lifeline 2008, which ceased field training exercises Feb. 7 in Hawaii. A total force exercise staged from three locations within the Hawaiian Islands, Pacific Lifeline

C-130J deploys to Southwest Asia

Members of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing here welcomed the newest member of its fleet Feb. 8 as a C-130J Hercules landed in Southwest Asia. "We're not only the first active duty, C-130J deployment, it's also a record-setting event," said Lt. Col. Dan Tulley, the 41st Airlift Squadron

Enlisted member, dependent children scholarships available

The Air Force Sergeants Association, Airmen Memorial Foundation and the Chief Master Sergeants of the Air Force join together annually to conduct a scholarship program to financially assist the undergraduate studies of eligible dependent children of Air Force active duty, Air National Guard and Air

NASA recruiting volunteers for 'out of this world' jobs

Only 12 human beings have set foot on the moon. You could be the thirteenth, if you make the cut. NASA's current recruiting effort for a new class of astronaut candidates specifies that the International Space Station and the return to the moon are part of the agency's goals, and this class will be

CMSAF testifies on quality of life

The chief master sergeant of the Air Force, along with the senior-ranking enlisted members from each branch of service, testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs about quality of life issues in the Air Force Feb. 7 at the Capitol. "Quality

'Extreme Makeover' films at Dover

Dover Air Force Base took center stage Feb. 7 as ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" visited here to film the introduction for an upcoming episode, scheduled to air March 30. As part of their endeavor to rebuild a home in each of the 50 states, the film crew is in Delaware shooting a home

New USAFE commander explains road ahead

Hundreds of Royal Air Force Lakenheath Airmen gathered to welcome the new U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander Feb. 1 here. Gen. Roger A. Brady gave Airmen a thumbnail view of how USAFE and RAF Lakenheath fit into the Air Force mission and discussed the three USAFE priorities: Winning today, building

C-17 crews support missions in Europe, Africa

In a coordinated effort with U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Mobility Command, the Air Force Reserve Command is providing dedicated aircrews to fly C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlift missions in Europe and Africa. The first group of reservists to arrive at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, includes

AAFES implementing significant 'green' initiatives

The Department of Defense's oldest and largest retailer, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, is embarking on a variety of energy-saving initiatives to reduce its impact on the environment and strengthen the exchange benefit military families have come to depend on. From vending machines to gas

Airmen build mobile medical facilty

Air Force members, primarily from the 3rd Medical Group, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, built a fully functional hospital in a barren field in just 11 hours Jan. 29.The Airmen were taking part in the Pacific Air Forces first-ever total force humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise,

Powered flight returns to Air Force Academy

Air Education and Training Command officials currently are testing a program designed to return powered flight to the Air Force Academy's curriculum. Called "Jump Start," the test marks the beginning for a program meant to enhance the Academy's focus on airmanship in its curriculum. Traditionally,

Air Force working to build cyber warrior career fields

Ever since the Air Force deemed cyberspace a warfighting domain, it's been busy preparing for a new command that will have the right technology, systems and resources required to fight in this realm. The Air Force Cyber Command, which is in a provisional status until this fall, is also working to

Threatening dust storms can't stop the mighty Herc

The C-130 Hercules touched down on an unremarkable stretch of dirt in central Africa Jan. 28. Less than four minutes later the aircraft was accelerating and airborne, climbing away from the landing zone and setting a southeasterly course toward civilization. The mission was over for the C-130 crew

Air Force Honor Guard holds annual training at Maxwell

Maxwell Air Force Base is now the new home for annual training of the Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team. The team spent the past month learning its 2008 routine here. The team is a branch of the Air Force Honor Guard based out of Bolling Air Force Base, D.C. For the past 12 years, the group learned

Texas team teaches expeditionary medical techniques in Hawaii

The Republic of Moku is a fictitious Pacific island chain, but during exercise Pacific Lifeline it is home to real-world training as more than 90 medical Airmen assigned to Pacific Air Forces practice how to deploy and provide critical services following a natural disaster. Assisting them is a

Deployed AWACS aircrews overcome unique challenge

E-3 Sentry aircrews deployed here in support of Exercise Cope Tiger 2008 performed a quick turnaround and still completed a mission on time Feb. 3. A rare challenge, the E-3 was flying a mission during the exercise's large force employment  when a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refueling

Pacific Lifeline aerial porters keep mission moving

Logistics planners deployed to Hawaii to participate in the Pacific Lifeline exercise running now through Feb. 9 have been working nonstop to ensure every moving piece of equipment, aircraft and people move smoothly through the airflow system.The team includes members from  the 44th Aerial Port

Service still seeking special compensation claimants

The approval rate of claims for Combat-Related Special Compensation is currently running 66 percent, but one-third of the eligible retirees still have not applied for the program. Air Force Personnel Center officials expected an increase in claims when the benefit was expanded to include all combat

SECAF thanks Airmen for their service, dedication

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne stopped to talk with deployed Airmen during a luncheon and Airmen's call held at Balad Air Base Feb. 2. During his visit, Secretary Wynne discussed topics including in-lieu-of taskings, the medical miracles of Iraq and current and future changes on the

Air Force officials release budget request for 2009

As part of the president's fiscal 2009 budget, the Air Force officials are requesting Congress' approval for $143.9 billion, nearly more than $9 billion more than in fiscal 2008. Of the $143.9 billion request, $117 billion are funds directly controlled and managed by the Air Force. The remaining

PACAF Airmen combat-train with Thailand, Singapore

Aircraft from Pacific Air Forces began flying combat sorties here Feb. 1 alongside its ally nations Thailand and Singapore, in support of Exercise Cope Tiger 2008. The PACAF aircraft and those from the Royal Thai air force and the Republic of Singapore air force are participating in the four-day

Command cell provides oversight during Pacific Lifeline

Six Reservists from the 446th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron here make up the Aeromedical Command Cell providing command and control for aeromedical force participating in the Pacific Lifeline exercise currently being held in Hawaii. The Reservists are providing direction, control, discipline,

Recruiters discuss challenges with Senate subcommittee

Two Air Force recruiting representatives answered questions for members of the Senate Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Personnel Jan. 31. Senators questioned Air Force Recruiting Service commander Brig. Gen. Suzanne Vautrinot and Master Sgt. Dave White, flight chief for the 341st Recruiting

MASF not MASH vital location for wounded

The classic television show MASH always began with doctors and flight nurses running to the helicopter to retrieve wounded patients and rushing them to the medical emergency tent. In real-life, that role is often reversed, said medical members taking part in the Pacific Lifeline exercise in

Airmen mentor Afghan National Police

Airmen assigned to the Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team conducted a training class Jan. 25 for Kohistan II district Afghanistan National Police in the Parwan and Kapisa Provinces. "Working with ANP in the different districts is more than part of our mission; it is a great opportunity for all

Hawaii ANG F-15 crashes, pilot ejects safely

A Hawaii Air National Guard pilot safely ejected from his F-15D model aircraft over the Pacific Ocean at approximately 1:37 p.m. about 60 miles south of the Honolulu International Airport. The pilot was picked up by the U. S. Coast Guard at 2:15 p.m. The pilot was conducting routine training. The

Team trains to improve patient's condition during flight

Providing medical care while moving very ill patients over long distances in a short period of time, is the skill being practiced by three Air Force Reserve Command Airmen as they take part in Pacific Lifeline. A doctor, a nurse, and a respiratory therapist from the 446th Aeromedical Staging

Servicemembers spend special time with orphans

Airmen assigned to the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, along with fellow servicemembers and coalition forces, are known for supporting projects that include military-to-military training, civil military operations and senior leader engagements. Missions are also in place to protect

Officials move ROTC field training to Maxwell

Air Force officials here recently announced all ROTC field training is moving to Maxwell Air Force Base beginning the summer of 2008. Last summer's ROTC schedule included three encampments here and three encampments at Ellsworth AFB, S.D., but this year will mark the first time all encampments will

F-22 Raptor crew chiefs begin training

The first class of F-22 Raptor crew chiefs began training Jan. 29 at the $21 million Raptor Maintenance Training Facility at Sheppard. Seven Airmen new to the Air Force, and one cross-trainee from the Virginia Air National Guard, are the first to undergo initial skills training on the F-22. "Thank

AETC releases vision of future learning

Air Education and Training Command officials here released a vision for the years between 2008 and 2030 when they unveiled "On Learning: The Future of Air Force Education and Training," a 29-page white paper Jan. 31. The Air Force must transform its training and education system of today into a

PIT crew brings realism to Pacific Lifeline exercise

Airmen from the 446th Aerospace Medicine Squadron and 446th Aeromedical Staging Squadron aren't being graded on the test, but their work impacts those involved with the Pacific Lifeline exercise. Known as the PIT crew, 16 reservists from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., will add realism to the

Military working dog teams fine-tune relationships

It's a simple, age-old act of classical conditioning, the dog finds what the master desires and the dog is rewarded. In the case of Tommy, a three-year-old Belgian Malinoise assigned to Joint Task Force-Bravo Joint Security Forces here, the softball-sized round rubber toy is about all the reward he

7th Air Force, Air Forces Korea redesignated

Osan Air Base Airmen began a new chapter for the primary combat air force provider to South Korea as the Pacific Air Forces commander uncased the 7th Air Force, Air Forces Korea flag Jan. 30 here.Gen. Carrol H. "Howie" Chandler appointed Lt. Gen. Stephen G. Wood as the 7th Air Force, Air Forces

Edwards Airman flies high as first military F-35 pilot

A pilot from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., became the first Air Force and government test pilot to fly the F-35 Lightning II during a test sortie at the Lockheed Martin facility Jan. 30 at Naval Air Station Fort Worth. Lt. Col. James Kromberg, the director of operations for the 461st Flight Test

First aerial bombing mission completed at Kwajalein

On Jan. 23, the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed here with their B-2 Spirit stealth bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., completed the first aerial bombing mission at the U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site . The Kwajalein Atoll is home to

Hondurans, Americans team for combined jump

More than 250 Honduran soldiers took their first step toward Airborne readiness when they leaped from the back of a U.S. Army helicopter Jan. 24 in a combined training jump with U.S. Soldiers here. Joint Task Force-Bravo member's involvement enhanced relations between the two nation's militaries by

Summit solidifies operational, strategic doctrine

More than a dozen active duty and retired general officers formulated doctrine to support joint warfighting operations through the construct of a critical liaison to Air Force commanders called an Air Component Coordination Element Jan. 23 and 24 at Maxwell Air Force Base.The two-day "Gathering of

Outreach tour educates nation's top medical civic leaders

Some of the nation's leading health care professionals recently got a close look at one of the most vital missions in the Air Force -- health care for the wounded. The tour, sponsored by the Secretary of the Air Force's National Civic Outreach office, brought representatives from national medical

OTS starts unarmed combat training

Officer Training School trainees completed the school's first combat skills training class Jan. 29 as part of the effort to expand the expeditionary officer training curriculum here. The course is part of the more than 70 hours of expeditionary skills training now being taught to Officer Training

McChord Airmen provide lifeline in Pacific

More than 140 Airmen from 446th Airlift Wing here are participating in the Pacific Lifeline exercise Jan. 26 through Feb. 9 in Hawaii. Pacific Lifeline is a total-force exercise designed to exercise the military's ability to rapidly arrive and leave a trained, equipped team anywhere in the Pacific

Air Force officials activate first air ground operations wing

The unit activation and assumption of command of the Air Force's first wing solely dedicated to supporting battlefield Airmen took place during a ceremony here Jan. 25. The activation of the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing marked the first of its kind for the Air Force and added another volume to

Latest 'Perspective' focuses on heritage

In his latest "Enlisted Perspective," the Air Force's top enlisted Airman highlights the importance of heritage and honoring the contributions and sacrifices of Airmen to fulfill the Air Force mission."Even before our current fight to win the Global War on Terror, more than 52,000 brave Airmen gave

Airmen help wounded troops survive journey home

The Air Force Theater Hospital's 98 percent survivability rate for injured U.S. servicemembers would be meaningless if the wounded were unable to survive their journey out of the combat zone. Four years into the war, the process of saving lives and then safely transporting critically injured and ill

CMSAF focuses on Airmen development

The Air Force's top enlisted leader emphasized the importance of each Airman's contributions, as well as their responsibilities in the development of their Airmen and their own careers during a Jan. 18 enlisted call at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Echoing the sentiments of the three Air Force

Tyndall squadron prepares for 'pipeline' Raptor pilots

Opportunities to train on the F-22 Raptor are highly competitive, and pilots picked to fly the world's premier fighter have been chosen from the ranks after logging years on other airframes -- until now. Four first lieutenants currently at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., have been selected as the first

Manas center helps Airmen return home quicker

Members of the 376th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron's Expeditionary Theater Distribution Center here tested a new process to help Airmen deployed for "in lieu of" taskings for the Army return to their families faster. "Air Force teamwork streamlined all processes that ensured inventory,

Cope Tiger takes flight

Aircrews from the Air Force, Marines, Royal Thai air force and the Republic of Singapore air force began launching sorties in support of Exercise Cope Tiger 2008 Jan. 27 here. More than 1,400 people Air Force, Marines, Royal Thai army and air force, and the Royal Singapore air force are

Airmen train with Humvee simulator

Rollover, rollover, rollover!!! Egress, egress, egress!!! These words were constantly echoed to a group of 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Airmen during the Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer training here Jan. 25. The training, conducted by 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, consisted of 45

Luke officials dedicate bridge to pilot killed in Iraq

More than 100 people attended the grand opening of a bridge Jan. 25 here and an overpass dedicated to a Luke Air Force Base pilot who was killed in Iraq the same month construction began on the overpass in November 2006. During the grand opening, the overpass was dedicated to Maj. Troy L.