Airmen support Rwandan Defense Force troop rotation

Ramstein Airmen returned from Kigali, Rwanda, May 15 after supporting a two-week airlift mission in the Darfur region of Sudan. Airmen provided logistics and training support for the Rwandan Defense Force troop rotation. Approximately 2,200 Rwandan peacekeepers were airlifted into and out of Sudan

Ramstein Airmen test new communications systems

Twenty-eight Airmen and civilians from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, tested new communications systems at the U.S. European Command-sponsored exercise, Combined Endeavor, held April 27 through May 10. The 1st Combat Communications Squadron's team from the 86th Airlift Wing is at the Lager Aulenbach

May 17 airpower summary: Lancers provide overwatch

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb unit-38

Thinking lean, a must for stronger, smaller Air Force

The U.S. Air Forces in Europe vice commander, Maj. Gen. Marc Rogers, spent time with senior leaders at Incirlik Air Base to discuss the importance of Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century, or AFSO21. General Rogers began with a big picture explanation of the Air Force's strong focus on the

Air Force announces aviation resource management awards

Air Force officials announced the 2006 Outstanding Air Force Aviation Resource Management Award winners. The 2006 Aviation Resource Management Award winners are: -- Airman of the Year is Senior Airman Kristel Weires of the 12th Fighter Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. -- NCO of the Year

Logistics team makes logical, money-saving move

To support the warfighter, the Air Force airlifts cargo such as computer equipment, supplies and spare parts all around the globe. Some of this cargo has to be shipped with special packaging. At Incirlik Air Base, the 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron's Cargo Movement Flight used to contract out

Iraqi air force capabilities continue to increase

The capabilities of the Iraqi air force continue to grow as they performed their first double patient transfer May 8 here. Two months the Iraqi air force conducted its first aeromedical transfer, a policeman transported from the American 28th Combat Support Hospital to an Iraqi treatment facility,

Nations at Combined Endeavor combat cyberspace security

As technology continues its steady advance, controlling cyberspace becomes increasingly critical to securing warfighting capabilities. In order to help prevent future conflicts by integrating and streamlining communications on a global scale, the 13th annual Combined Endeavor exercise April 27 to

Defense officials to implement Guard, Reserve changes

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has charged his staff to take action on 20 of 23 recommendations made by an independent commission for changes in the reserve components. Secretary Gates presented alternatives to the commission's other three recommendations to department leaders. In a May 10

International flight surgeons train in critical care

International flight surgeons from the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine partnered with the Critical Care Air Transport Team course in May to gain experience not otherwise available. The flight surgeons are a part of the Advanced Aerospace Medicine for International Medical Officers

May 16 airpower summary: Fueling the mission

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds

Airmen selected for dental training program

Air Force Dental Service officials have selected the next group of dental assistants to participate in the Dental Hygiene Training Scholarship Program, conducted at Trident Technical College in Charleston, S.C. and St. Petersburg College in Tampa, Fla. Ten current Air Force dental assistants were

Airmen complete realistic deployment exercise

Airmen here completed a Phase I and II combined exercise May 11 after two weeks of realistic combat training. The wing simulated deploying the F-117A Nighthawk, along with assets from across the wing to a forward operating base in Iraq. To replicate the experience of deploying, assets from the base

New tactical vehicle rolls onto Moody

Airmen of the 820th Security Forces Group here in May received two of the 18 new light medium tactical vehicles scheduled to replace the aging five-ton M923 and 2.5-ton "Deuce" M35 utility trucks. The group is expected to receive nine five-ton capacity medium tactical vehicles and nine 2.5-ton

Northern Command exercise concludes

After nearly 10 days of mock terrorist attacks, drug runners and train collisions, the Alaska Shield/Northern Edge 2007 exercise came to a close May 15. The exercise, part of U.S. Northern Command's nationwide Ardent Sentry/Northern Edge 2007, improved coordination between the Department of Defense

All for one - NATO aircraft monitor America's skies

Nine years ago, Mike left his hometown of Lincoln, Neb., and joined the Air Force to see the world. And see the world he did. As an airborne warning and control system pilot in NATO, he's been to places that friends and family can only read about in travel magazines. In fact, he was participating in

Air Education, Training Symposium to prep Airmen for war

The 2007 Air Education and Training Symposium is scheduled for Sept. 5 to 7 in San Antonio aiming to adapt training programs to better prepare Airmen to operate in a wartime environment. The symposium, to be held in the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center, will feature four tracks of instruction:

May 15 airpower summary: ISR critical to mission success

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb

Air Force secretary sets sights on space

"Setting the strategic conditions for victory starts right here in (Air Force) Space Command," said Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne as he visited here May 7.Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, the AFSPC commander, met with the secretary for an office call and several briefings, focusing on the

Tyndall to residents: Wildfires pose no threat

As wildfires continue to burn much of Florida and on base, Tyndall Air Force Base officials are telling residents not to worry. "No base assets are threatened by these fires," said Walt Walter, the base's Wildlands Fire Program manager. Two active fires are burning on the base, but they are located

41-year-old N.Y. doc answers Air Force's call

Little else is audible above the sounds of construction and traffic. Although it's been nearly six years, a constant flow of onlookers still gather on the breezeway above to view the site of one of the most tragic events in American history -- 9/11. Passersby pause at the "Ten House" long enough to

Special ops pilot chosen for academy airmanship award

A special operations instructor pilot and a 1993 U.S. Air Force Academy graduate was named the recipient for the 2007 Col. James Jabara Award for Airmanship May 11.Maj. Mark Visconi received the award after he flew 106 combat sorties and logged 136 combat hours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom

SECAF sees bright future for Eielson Airmen

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne highlighted the importance of the local mission to the future of the Air Force and victory in the war on terrorism during his visit here May 8 to 10. During a trip to the 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron May 9, he praised Alaskan Airmen for their

AFSO 21 changes improve C-17 availability at McChord

Airmen here are using Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century to come up with more efficient ways to use available C-17 Globemaster IIIs for training missions during the week. By shortening the turn time of each aircraft from three hours and 15 minutes to two hours and using an engine

McGuire NCO Academy closes its doors

After three decades of operation, officials at the McGuire NCO Academy closed its doors, furled and encased its flag, and held its inactivation ceremony here May 3."I'd like to put this NCO academy into perspective," said retired Col. Leland Martin, the academy's first commandant, a former base

Airmen mentor Afghan depot personnel

Airmen stationed here supporting Operation Enduring Freedom are taking the time to mentor Afghan national army soldiers at the Central Maintenance Depot in Kabul. Serving a one-year deployment, the Air Force mentors are embedded training team members supporting the Central Maintenance Depot's

Air Intelligence Agency to become Air Force ISR Agency

Air Force officials here announced May 14 a force structure change designating the Air Intelligence Agency at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, as the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency.AIA reported to Air Combat Command, but the new agency will be aligned under the Air

Government, local agencies test emergency coordination

In a training exercise May 8, local, state and federal government agencies proved they could work together, not only to the public, but also to each other as well. This incident was part of Alaska Shield/Northern Edge, the state's portion of an annual national training exercise designed for multiple

May 13 airpower: B-1B targets insurgents

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped multiple guided bomb

Military, civilian emergency communications tested

A two-week national-level exercise involving local, state and federal government agencies is proving the capabilities of a system designed to provide effective communication and organization between different emergency responders. Being tested at Ardent Sentry/Northern Edge 2007, the Incident

Army aids in aerial evac during North Pole exercise

Two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crews teamed with Airmen and civilian emergency responders May 10 to evacuate simulated victims of a terrorist attack as part of Alaska Shield/ Northern Edge 2007. Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation regiment's "Flying Dragons" based at Fort Wainwright,

Department names 'Best of Best' in communication media

Servicemembers whose words and pictures best communicated the Defense Department's activities to its internal audience and the public last year were recognized May 11 at the institution that trains the nation's military journalists, broadcasters, photographers, graphic artists and

Cash flow easier for Airmen deployed forward

Deployed servicemembers here can now access their funds 24-hours a day, seven days a week with a new, automated money management program called Eagle Cash. Co-sponsored by the Army and the Department of the Treasury, Eagle Cash is a financial management tool to support military members deployed in

May 11-12 airpower: F-15Es hit insurgent compound

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations May 11 and 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer executed shows of

'Week in Photos' features Airmen around the globe

The "Week In Photos" Web feature provides visitors with photos highlighting Air Force missions around the world. Among this week's photos are: At Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Senior Airman Andrew Caro and Staff Sgt. Dustin Maglinti take aim at a target during a training exercise. They are

Military, civilians partner for vital disaster training

In a unified effort to save lives and protect vital infrastructure facilities, Airmen, Soldiers and civilian first responders trained together May 9 as they responded to a mass casualty exercise scenario. The training event was part of Alaska Shield/Northern Edge, Alaska's portion of an annual

Charleston test platform for new all-electric vehicle

Over the next six months four new, energy-saving vehicles can be seen zipping across the base's roads. The Department of Transportation-certified, all-electric, zero-pollution, low-speed vehicles are Miles ZX40 and ZX40S. They are capable of moving at speeds of 25 mph for 50 miles before a recharge

Predators ready to aid Missouri flood victims

MQ-1 Predators are on standby to launch and help with search, rescue and recovery efforts over the areas of Missouri devastated by floods. Four of the unmanned aerial vehicles and the Airmen who launch and recover them await U.S. Northern Command orders to deploy to a location near the affected

Personnel Center reps demonstrate 'Excellence in Government'

An individual and a team from the Air Force Personnel Center here received Alamo Federal Executive Board "Excellence in Government" awards during a luncheon May 4 honoring the nearly 90,000 federal employees in the San Antonio area. AFEB officials presented Emily Covarrubia, from the Civilian Force

C-21 Accident Investigation Board completed

Air Mobility Command released the results of its investigation into the Oct. 2, 2006, C-21A aircraft accident at Decatur Airport, Ill. The aircraft was assigned to the Air Force Flight Standards Agency in Oklahoma City. The Accident Investigation Board, convened by AMC, determined that the primary

Multinational communicators network at seminars

Phoenix Endeavor, a part of Combined Endeavor 2007, offered three weeks of spectrum-management seminars to military communication specialists from 12 nations. The seminars, April 27 through May 10, introduced the finer points of managing and requesting frequencies from host nations. Combined

Airmen tell Air Force story over airwaves

Throughout the month, Pacific Air Force Airmen are sharing the Air Force story on one of Hawaii's most popular radio stations. May is Hawaii Military Appreciation Month and KHVH (AM 830) is featuring the military on radio spots and live interviews. Four Airmen from the 15th Airlift Wing based at

Realism gives Air Force pilot new perspective

Evasion training helps the Air Force's pilots stay up-to-date on survival techniques in emergency situations. Staff Sgt. Anthony Raciborski, a Survival, Evasion Resistance, Escape specialist, with the 35th Operations Support Squadron likes to give pilots the most realistic experience possible. "The

Panel recommends services for wounded vets

There is a new era of cooperation within the federal government to work together to provide services for troops returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan, Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Secretary Nicholson told the House Veterans Affairs Committee May 9. Secretary Nicholson reported on

Deployed F-22s leave Pacific, return to Langley

After almost three months in the Pacific, 12 F-22A Raptors departed here May 10 having completed the first overseas deployment for the Air Force's newest air supremacy aircraft. The Raptors and more than 250 Airmen assigned to the 27th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va., arrived in

NATO Response Force works to improve communications

Representatives from 26 NATO nations met during the first week of May for NATO Response Force Exercise Allied Reach '07 at Allied Air Component Command Headquarters in Ramstein Air Base, Germany. NATO commanders and other senior leaders attended the exercise that examined the command and control,

World War II pilot receives Distinguished Flying Cross

A former Army Air Corps first lieutenant received the Distinguished Flying Cross for actions he took almost 63 years ago, during a ceremony May 7 at the Travis Air Museum. Art Cader earned the medal for his heroism during a World War II bombing mission he was part of Sept. 30, 1944. The medal is

Air Force gains larger presence in Romania

The Romanian parliament passed legislation the first week of May that now authorizes the U.S. military to use several of its bases. The announcement came just as the Air Force was wrapping up a 10-day exercise, called Sniper Lance 2007, in the former Eastern Bloc country. This was the second

Airmen live, learn warrior ethos

Airmen going through basic training are focusing on living and learning what it means to be combat-ready. This education centers on Air Force warrior ethos -- strengthening an Airman's mind, body and spirit. "The warrior ethos has always been a part of an Airman's character, but some people may have

Pilots, attack controllers sharpen war skills in Nevada

Pilots and joint terminal attack controllers, or JTACs, here practiced skills needed in both Iraq and Afghanistan during training over two southern Nevada towns April 23 and 24. The two towns were Caliente and Panaca, with a combined population of about 1,500 residents, and the training was urban

JTACs call in 'guardian angels'

A joint terminal attack controller is completely immersed downrange on the battlefield. His heart is pounding and his forehead drips with sweat as he directs a combat aircraft to provide close-air support for U.S. ground forces there. The JTAC's eyes light up as he sees the aircraft deliver a

Offutt volunteer represents Air Force for Spirit of Hope Award

Air Force Personnel Center officials recently announced a member of the Air Force Weather Agency here as the Air Force nominee for the 2007 U.S. Armed Forces Spirit of Hope Award. Master Sgt. Lou Pell, NCO in charge of the Weather Agency's training branch, was selected as the Air Force

First Term Airmen's Center helps with transition into Air Force

Training and professional development is a high priority, beginning for young Airmen at Basic Military Training, tech school and continues at the first duty station training at the First Term Airmen's Center. FTAC is a two-week program that plays an important role in transitioning Airmen from a

Yokota becomes Pacific training hub for firefighters

Firefighters from the 374th Airlift Wing here will soon be able to receive job specific training without even leaving the base. A representative from Texas Engineering Extension Institute visited Yokota Air Base firefighters to explain how a new program will allow Airmen to participate in and

Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights how Combat Skills Training prepares Airmen to operate on the streets of Afghanistan and Iraq, and how the Air Force's highly trained Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape, or SERE, instructors provide Airmen the skills to survive alone in a

Search and rescue training

Romanian pilot returns favor, bridges gap in joint exercise

All his life he dreamed of being a pilot. Growing up near an air base, he always hoped he too would be able to take to the sky like so many pilots he saw day after day. That dream became a reality in 2001 when 1st Lt. Mihaita Marin began to fly. He started his journey toward flight in 1999 when he

Being an Air Force attaché is unique career opportunity

Officers and enlisted Airmen are needed to play key roles in international military and political affairs. Benefits include travel, accommodations, and the opportunity to interact with people on almost every continent, in almost every country. At a recent conference at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii,

Air Force security forces director visits Minot

The director of Air Force security forces visited here from April 30 to May 3 to observe firsthand the base's security mission. Brig. Gen. Mary Kay Hertog discussed deployment tempos, training and the future of the career field while here. "My number-one priority is to provide our security forces

Charleston loadmasters train Davis-Monthan Airmen

In an effort to further develop Air Force capabilities, Charleston Air Force Base loadmasters traveled to Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., in late April to train augmentees on how to assist loadmasters when loading C-17 Globemaster IIIs. With C-17s flying around the world delivering cargo to warfighters,

Deployed Airmen continue filling Army's 'in-lieu-of' taskings'

Deployments are a part of life for all people serving in the United States military. Each service deploys a certain number of troops to different parts of the world with rotations to evenly divide the workload. In the past few years Airmen have undergone changes in their wartime mission, from

Aviano Airman LEADs the way to bright future

When a retired Army master sergeant challenged a young man to out do him, the Airman pushed himself to live up to the challenge. Airman 1st Class Chase's drive to do more has led him to face an upcoming 10 months of arduous work. Airman Ray was notified April 26 that he was accepted in to the Air

Air Force aerial firefighters train in New Mexico

C-130 Hercules aircraft dotted the sky over central New Mexico April 30 through May 2 as 300 Airmen prepared to help fight wild land fires that may break out this year. Cibola National Forest officials and Airmen from Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Airlift Wing based at Peterson Air Force Base,

Services Airmen dish up real meals ready to eat

Some Airmen might not think a fresh, hot meal is a big deal, but for Airmen at a bare base a meal not named "MRE" can bring a few happy and hungry faces to the dinner table. When servicemembers arrive at a bare-base location, the first food eaten is usually meals ready to eat, or MREs. That's when

Tops in Blue boosts servicemembers' morale through song

"Tops in Blue," known as the Air Forces' Expeditionary Entertainers, performed here May 2 to a standing-room only crowd. The show, themed "The Fly By," featured hit songs by Tom Jones, The Supremes, The Beach Boys, Chubby Checker and the Charlie Daniels Band. The show was presented as a tribute to

Reservists take medical care to Guatemalans

Journeying as much as 10,000 feet above sea level, a group of 31 Air Force Reserve Command medics treated more than 8,000 patients as part of New Horizons 07 April 14 to 28 in the mountainous region of San Marcos, Guatemala. New Horizons is a joint chiefs of staff-approved, U.S. Southern

Ceremony recognizes military working dog's service

Retirement ceremonies celebrate the careers, sacrifices and vital contributions of military members in service to their country, and on April 28 Incirlik Air Base Airmen honored one such member who has been on the frontlines of the base's force protection efforts for the past nine years. Brosky, an

Active, Reserve Airmen join forces to fight fires

A total force team of firefighters from Yokota Air Base and the 440th Airlift Wing, Wisconsin's only Air Force Reserve unit, combined skills to extinguish flames during a live-fire exercise here the last week of April. The joint training offered an experience Yokota AB firefighters and the

Air Force stands up first unmanned aircraft systems wing

The Air Force's first unmanned aircraft systems wing stood up May 1 at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. As Col. Christopher Chambliss assumed command of the 432nd, a piece of history was revived and a course for the way ahead continued. "This is a monumental day for the Air Force," said Colonel

Airman chosen as Child Advocate of Year

An Air Force master sergeant was honored as the Child Advocate of the Year at a reception held by the Child Advocates of San Antonio organization April 25. Master Sgt. Tabitha Hendrix, the NCO in charge of the Periodontics Flight at MacKown Dental Clinic on Lackland Air Force Base, received the

May 1 airpower summary: Airmen support air operations

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 1, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb

PACAF to test humanitarian relief response package

Air Force officials recently developed an innovative, stand-alone humanitarian medical package to support contingency disaster-response efforts. Now, more than ever before, Airmen have the tools and techniques to put the right stuff in the right place at the right time with the Humanitarian Relief

Airman uses Air Force knowledge to save life

While shopping at a grocery store outside of Ellsworth Air Force Base the evening of April 23, an Airman watched a man walking in front of him let out a gasp for air and fall to the floor. "My instincts kicked in," said Senior Airman David Perry, an Air Force Financial Services Center

Mobility officials host AFSO 21 conference

More than 40 experts from across the Air Force gathered at Air Mobility Command's Logistics Directorate here April 23-26 for a "fruit ripe for picking" conference aimed at cutting red tape from base support agreements. "We took out a lot of the waste, steps that were unnecessary and duplicated

Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" showcases the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper and how the Air Force is currently working to become the executive agent for unmanned aerial vehicles. Also featured is the never-ending mission of moving cargo and people.  Finally, see how Airmen at bases around

Combat skills course offers Airmen lifesaving training

In preparation for the Air Force's next Air and Space Expeditionary Force rotation, 94 people attended the Pacific Air Forces-sponsored combat skills course April 23 to 25 here. Several combat skills training course instructors came to Misawa to provide information that is not only designed to

Air Force air evac crews adapt, train onboard mix of planes

Taking care of patients on an aircraft is not an easy task. What if there are patient emergencies or problems with the aircraft itself? What if it's a plane the aeromedical crew is not familiar with? These questions, and more, were answered during an Air Force Reserve Aeromedical Evacuation Jamboree

Yokota's Hazmat team gears up for training

A hazardous material response exercise here April 30 provided refresher training for some firefighters, while providing the setting for several others to earn a national certification. The exercise scenario involved a simulated rail car with a leak in the valve head on top of it. The exercise was a

Air Force offers programs to help Airmen manage stress

Airmen have a need, and Air Force leadership wants to meet it. The Air Force currently has a wide range of programs in place to help the total force and their families manage stress; however, there is a concern that some are not aware of these programs and not taking advantage of them. "Whether

Child becomes pilot for a day at Charleston

A 3-year-old boy became the youngest honorary pilot for the 17th Airlift Squadron as unit Airmen held a Pilot for a Day program April 20 at Charleston Air Force Base. Zachary Moore was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at 18 months and is undergoing chemotherapy treatment at the Medical

American, French forces join in jump training

Joint and coalition servicemembers recently joined forces for parachute jump training. Airmen and Soldiers and French airborne soldiers jumped out of a C-130 Hercules. "Every airborne soldier knows that training with other nations forces gives them a chance to learn from each other and that they

Air University hosts counterinsurgency symposium

Air University officials hosted the 2007 Air Force Symposium on Counterinsurgency April 24 through 26 here and speakers spoke on counterinsurgency in the present day warfare environment and the Air Force's role in counterinsurgency operations. Air University Commander Lt. Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz said

Air Force names 2006 Mission Support Award winners

The winners of the 2006 Mission Support Awards were announced April 27. The results are: Personnel Gen. Robert J. Dixon Personnel Award: Maj. Kevin D. Heckle, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. Gen. Horace M. Wade Innovation Award: GS-12 Steven A. McCarver, Maxwell AFB-Gunter Annex, Ala. Gerrit D.

New Horizons closes out with ceremony

New Horizons - Nicaragua 2007, a $7.5 million humanitarian and training exercise, officially ended April 27 with a closing ceremony, but the strengthened friendship between the United States and Nicaragua has not. "We will cherish the friendships we've made here in Nicaragua," Lt. Col. Aaron Young,

New JKO Portal to offer joint online training

A new system unveiled April 27 is designed to better prepare servicemembers to operate with other services, government agencies, foreign militaries and non-governmental organizations while reducing the time they spend away from home or their units for military classes. David S.C. Chu, undersecretary

Training ensures Airmen confident with weapons

Breathe in, take aim, breathe out, hold and fire. It's some of the best advice when it comes to firing a weapon accurately. And it's something that Staff Sgt. Anthony Jones refers to often. As a combat arms instructor, Sergeant Jones is responsible for making sure every Airmen he instructs is

A-10 provides top cover for troops in Iraq

The catalysts behind one of the most kinetically advanced air forces in the world can be found at the 438th Air Expeditionary Group's maintenance and fighter squadrons. The Airmen assigned to these units employ their kinetic energy by flying the A-10 Thunderbolt II, an aircraft that provides

Combat skills training preps Airmen for war

Grunts, shouts and gunshots echoed through the fields here recently as nearly 90 Airmen pushed their bodies to the limit during expeditionary combat skills training. The Airmen dragged their bodies through the grass and mud in a low crawl, propelled themselves forward on their elbows in the high

Modern missions rely on languages, cultural awareness

The Defense Department needs more servicemembers who understand other languages and cultures to meet current and envisioned 21st-century challenges, a senior official said at a Capitol Hill hearing. "Foreign language and regional expertise, which includes cultural awareness, are emerging as key

Artist honors Air Force medical field with 20-foot mural

A mural, which pays tribute to the Air Force's medical readiness mission, from entering the military here at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, to an actual deployment, was unveiled in a ceremony held here at the 59th Medical Wing. "The mural is dedicated to every deploying Air Force medical member,

Medical civil affairs team 'ambassadors of goodwill'

Because of the war on terrorism, many military members carry weapons for self-defense. But their mission is really one of peace, to improve the life of those who exist in a harsh environment. The 350th Functional Specialty Team, which includes four Air Force medical specialists and nine U.S. Army

Eielson mom dances to TV contest's final ten

A spouse here has been selected as one of 10 finalists in ABC network's "Good Morning America Dancing with the Moms Challenge." Heather Kangas, wife of Staff Sgt. Matt Kangas, 354th Logistics Readiness Squadron, sent in an entry letter and photo and producers apparently liked what they saw. Her

Security forces join SWAT training exercise

Five Airmen and two civilians from the 355th Security Forces Squadron trained with members of the Tucson Police Department, Sahuarita Police Department and University of Arizona Police Department in an exercise here April 19. The exercise was administered and supervised by TPD special weapons and

Air Force's evasion experts teach pilots survival techniques

Slathered in mud and dressed in Australian military camouflage, you might not recognize Senior Airman Jason Davis as the Pacific Air Forces Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape Specialist Airman for 2006. But that is his uniform of the day for the outdoor survival portion of the SERE training

Explosive ordnance members honor fallen heroes

Six fallen Airmen were honored during the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Memorial held April 21 at Eglin Air Force Base's Kauffman Annex. "It's an honor to be here and pay our respect to fallen warriors and families who gave so much," said Maj. Gen. Del Eulberg, the Air Force civil engineer,

Enlisted position provides flexibility in courtroom

While some enlisted paralegals are trained to do court reporting in addition to their normal duties, there are only five paralegals who do court reporting as their sole responsibility. The duty of court reporting usually fell to a civilian, but these select few were specially trained by the Army to

Bulgarians learn deployment how-tos during Ramstein visit

Strengthening U.S. Air Force ties with other air forces improves capabilities for the allies involved. This was illustrated when three Bulgarian air force officers, Col. Marin Natchev, Col. Evgeni Belkinov, and Lt. Col. Dimitar Ivanov, visited here to learn more about the deployment process. The

Chief of staff hosts Air Force acquisition summit

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley hosted a meeting of senior Air Force leaders to discuss the service's top acquisition issues and strategies at the Pentagon April 23. "We want our Airmen of tomorrow to inherit an Air Force that provides them the best tools to do the job of defending

Joint integration vital for Atlantic Strike participants

The Joint Fires Integration and Interoperability Team from Joint Forces Command helped Exercise Atlantic Strike V participants improve joint combat effectiveness April 14 to 20 here. "Through our participation, we are able to help the context of the scenarios and increase joint play," said Marine

Russian aircraft transports ANG rescue helicopters

Air National Guardsmen here worked with an aircraft that was vastly different from the MC-130P Combat Shadow tankers, HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters and other Air Force aircraft they are accustomed to. Airmen from the 129th Rescue Wing were deploying to Afghanistan and needed aircraft to