Barksdale Airmen take care of B-52 business 7,000 miles away

The ground shakes and the flightline shudders as the eight engines of a B-52 Stratofortress beat gravity into submission lifting the giant bomber into the air. Each of the bomber's engines can produce more than 17,000 pounds of thrust along with a deafening roar, but for the Airmen assigned to the

Jimmy Doolittle: famed airpower pioneer

The man the "Doolittle Raiders" are named for may not be a household name today, but James H. "Jimmy" Doolittle was once one of the most famous celebrities in America, even before the raid, and remains one of the most remarkable figures of the 20th century. Born in Alameda, Calif., on Dec. 14, 1896,

'Man, Moment, Machine: The Daring Doolittle Raid'

The History Channel will air "Man, Moment, Machine: The Daring Doolittle Raid" April 18. The program is scheduled to air at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the Easter and Pacific time zones; 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. in the Central zone; 10 and 4 p.m. in the Mountain zone. Viewers are reminded to check their local

Honor Guard Drill Team keeping sharp for Air Force

The United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team recently returned from their latest 11-day tour around the U.S., that included visits to Atlanta; Hill Air Force Base, Utah; and Salt Lake City. During their visits, the team performed for NCAA Final Four events, including the opening ceremonies at

April 14 airpower summary: C-130s provide backbone for success

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations April 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan yesterday, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets dropped

AETC announces top Airmen

Air Education and Training Command officials announced its top Airmen of 2006. The winners were chosen from among 25 nominees identified by leadership at their home stations as the best professionals in their categories. "As the first command, we recruit, educate and train America's Airmen," said

Gymnastics: Falcon tied for 11th at NCAA Championships

Sophomore Jacob Schonig and junior Greg Stine of the Air Force men's gymnastics team concluded an amazing run at the NCAA Men's Collegiate Gymnastics Championships April 13 here. The meet featured the top six teams in the nation, as well as the top six all-arounders and event specialists not on a

Officials discuss executive agency for UAVs

Air Force officials invited Defense representatives to the Pentagon April 13 to discuss the Air Force's proposal to assume executive agent responsibilities for medium- and high-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles. The proposal was put forward March 5 in a memorandum to senior Defense officials from

Guard, Reserve leaders speak before Senate

Military leaders from the National Guard and Reserve testified before members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Defense, April 11 on Capitol Hill to give a status on the forces and to bring focus on the services' budget. Lt. Gen. Craig R. McKinley, the director of the Air

Airmen, Soldiers jointly hone chemical response skills

In today's Air Force. Airmen are warfighters focused on helping win the war on terrorism. Part of that focus involves working interdependently with other services in what is definitely a joint fight. As the Air Force continues to increase its footprint in the joint environment more and more Air

Airmen get smart with sexual assault training

With bad intentions in their heart, they wait to take advantage of the person who isn't paying attention. Sam Rush-Walton, a Fullpower Workshop instructor, trained a crowd of Peterson Air Force Base active duty, civilians and dependents about how to protect themselves from becoming victims of

Week in Photos features Airmen around the globe

-- The "Week In Photos" Web feature on Air Force Link provides visitors with photos that highlight Air Force missions around the world. Among this week's photos are: An Airman with the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight at Balad Air Base, Iraq, safely

U.S. forces mentor Afghan Air Corps to 'stand on own'

At the Kabul International Airport, a joint U.S. mentorship effort is enabling the Afghan National Air Corps to soar toward new heights. "We're helping them build a good process so they can have a healthy, sustaining air force," said Maj. Rudy Alejandro, a fixed wing unit mentor. The ANAC is

Luke team trains for combat at Red Flag-Alaska

Airmen from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., are deployed to participate in Red Flag-Alaska, a multi-service, multi-platform coordinated, combat operations exercise at Eielson AFB. Thirteen instructor pilots, six operations support staff and more than 60 maintainers made the 2,600-mile trek to take part

Ordnance Airman awarded Bronze Star for Iraq duty

A "six-month adrenaline rush." That's how Master Sgt. Al Schneider described his deployment to Iraq. Assigned to Headquarters Pacific Air Forces Civil Engineer Directorate as the command explosive ordnance disposal superintendent, the Louisville, Ky., native left here last May for combat-skills

KC-10 Extenders keep jets on target

Staying in the fight is key to U.S. and coalition forces maintaining air superiority during combat missions.Helping ensure these pilots stay in the fight is the responsibility of the crews onboard refueling tankers like the KC-10 Extenders participating in the Red Flag-Alaska 07-1 exercise April 5

Airmen earn silver, bronze in wrestling championship

Two Air Force members came away with medals April 7, after a double-elimination wrestling tournament held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The U.S. Open National Wrestling Championship, held in Las Vegas for the 17th time, is where America's best wrestlers compete for the national title,

April 12 airpower: aerial porters keep cargo moving

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released this airpower summary April 12. In Afghanistan April 11, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s on two buildings from which insurgents were firing at coalition vehicles near Sangin. A joint terminal attack controller aligned with

Best Air Force journalism announced

A panel of civilian journalists, teachers and public relations professionals have selected the best in Air Force print and broadcast journalism for the 51st annual Air Force Media Contest. Senior Airman Brian A. Stives, of the 366th Fighter Wing at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, is the Air

Goodfellow students put predicting the future to the test in Lone Star

They're playing mind games at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas. A bunch of military instructors -- all steeped in years of military intelligence field work -- take a bunch of green students, put them in a room draped with maps, crowded with tables and humming with computer equipment, and squeeze

17th Training Wing preserves heritage

The end of the Cold War left the United States needing fewer forces. A smaller force required fewer bases to support it and, organizationally, fewer units to hold it. For the Air Force, as it set about eliminating excess bases through the Base Realignment and Closure process and excess wings through

Goodfellow hosts premier firefighter school

It's burning. It's burning. The flames swell as the firefighters move into the mouth of the "dragon." In front of them -- a 500 degree wall of propane flames. The giant can's steel walls force the jets of fire to sweep over their heads and land behind them. At the nozzle is Airman 1st Class Cole

Maintainers save man-hours with AFSO 21 changes

When aircraft maintainers think of inspections, their minds may be filled with thoughts of preparation and increased workload; however, 552nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron Maintenance Flight members here saw the E-3 Sentry Isochronal Inspection process as an opportunity for improvement. With Air

Ordnance disposal makes for no ordinary day

Airmen assigned to the 332nd Civil Engineer Squadron's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight have a dangerous mission that keeps fellow coalition forces safe. It takes nerves of steel and a steady hand to do the work these Airmen do. After all, getting anywhere near an improvised explosive isn't

NATO commanders go north to prepare for Afghanistan

The mission in Afghanistan is one of the most challenging tasks NATO has taken on as it provides security and stability for the war-torn country via the International Security Assistance Force. To ensure ISAF troops are ready for this Afghanistan mission NATO leaders are relying on the Joint Warfare

Pararescue Airmen, first responders train together in Arizona

Airmen from the 563rd Rescue Group here conducted an exercise to test how military and civilian agencies work together during an emergency situation April 2 at Coronado National Forest in Arizona. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base members worked alongside members of the National Park Service, Forest

Red Flag-Alaska strengthens coalition forces

Red Flag-Alaska, a multi-service, multi-platform coordinated, combat operations exercise, kicked off April 5 with the ultimate goal of improving the operational capability of participating units and fostering stronger relations between U.S. and coalition forces. Red Flag-Alaska allows these units,

Training to survive

Grissom doctors moonlight for NASA

Two Reserve doctors from Grissom Air Reserve Base have front row seats for space shuttle takeoffs and landings to help astronauts in case of emergencies. Lt. Col. (Dr.) Scott Phillips or Maj. (Dr.) Greg Pinnell, both from the 434th Aerospace Medicine Squadron here, work for NASA as part of a

April 10 airpower: Airmen keep watch in the fight

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for April 10.In Afghanistan April 9, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s on an insurgent position in an open area near Asadabad. The weapons directly hit the target according to a joint terminal attack

Airmen, Soldiers mentor Afghan medical instructors

A team of five highly-skilled Air Force and Army medics mentor Afghan National Army instructors at the Combat Medic School in Kabul. Their mission is to guide the ANA instructors into leading the Combat Medic Course, which was recently extended to eight weeks. As instructors, they serve as mentors

CMSAF introduces, defines warrior ethos

The top enlisted Airman visited Lajes Field in early April on his tour of U.S. Air Forces in Europe bases and spoke to Airmen about several upcoming service-wide changes, specifically a creed that defines a new way of life for Airmen today. "The Air Force has never had an official creed that tells

Airmen keep a step ahead of enemy

They don't talk much about what they do, at least to those outside the small, secure compound in Ops Town. But, they do listen to what others have to say -- mostly enemy ground forces. The 763rd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron maintains a constant presence in the Central Command area of

Service demographics offer snapshot of force

The Air Force Personnel Center here recently published its demographics report offering a snapshot of the service's active-duty and civilian force, as of March 31. Statistics are rounded to the nearest tenth.Active-duty demographics -- 337,780 individuals are on active duty composed of 68,675

Airmen provide force protection 'inside the wire'

An Airman performing a vehicle search might be a C-17 Globemaster III loadmaster. The Airman providing escort for local nationals could be a medical technician. But, regardless of their primary Air Force Specialty Code, or AFSC, Airmen such as these provide force protection while assigned to the

Young Airman prepares for his first deployment

Eighteen years old and fresh out of high school, he may not have many years under his flak vest but he made a choice few make ... to serve and defend his country. Airman Samuel Martinek, part of the 35th Security Forces Squadron at Misawa Air Base, Japan, is preparing for his upcoming deployment.

Tweet closes 42-year Randolph career

After 42 years of serving as the primary pilot instructor training aircraft at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, the T-37 Tweet turned its reigns over to the T-6 Texan II in a special ceremony April 6 at 3:59 p.m. on the west ramp behind Hangar 64. During its time at Randolph flying with the 559th

Charter members reflect on Air Guard's first 60 years

Their membership gets older and smaller every day. Nearly 60 years have passed since they formed, but time has not removed distant memories of 1946 and 1947 after these veterans helped claim victory in World War II and flew as Air National Guardsmen. You may have met them on your drill weekends

Iraq PRTs to double in number by year's end

Plans are under way to double the number of provincial reconstruction teams now operating in Iraq by the end of the year, a senior U.S. official said April 9. "We will both double the number of PRTs and we will double the number of individuals who are working in the PRTs," said Rick Olson, chief of

Legal Airmen train to support rule of law missions

An unprecedented number of Airmen deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan from the Air Force judge advocate corps are taking on roles to support rule of law missions in those theaters of operation. Because of that effort, the JAG corps developed a new course focusing on Task Force 134 -- the task force

Services Airmen keep morale high in Iraq

Between aircraft sorties, mortar attacks and grueling long days for the residents of Balad AB and Logistical Support Area Anaconda, 20 Airmen of the Expeditionary Services Squadron are doing their part to keep them fit, entertained and ready for the fight. "We're here for everyone else's happiness

Officials complete second phase of rescue officer selection

Combat rescue officer career field officials held phase two of their selection process March 26 to 30 at Fairchild. The purpose of phase two is to narrow the field of trainees invited into the CRO career field training pipeline. Phase two is a rigorous week of intense physical, mental and

Air Force goes digital with disciplinary training

When a person signs up for the military, he also signs up for a new system of justice.Although there are many similarities between the civilian and military justice systems, Congress wants to make sure you understand the differences and that's what the Air Force's new military justice training video

Week in Photos highlights Airmen in action

The "Week In Photos" Web feature on Air Force Link provides visitors with photos that highlight Air Force missions around the world.  Among this week's photos are: In the Horn of Africa, an HC-130P aircraft takes off from Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, headed down range in support of a Combined Joint Task

Weapons Airmen help pilots' firing accuracy

Putting steel on target is the aim of warfighters, and making sure F-16 Fighting Falcon guns hit the bull's-eye every time is the mission of weapon loaders at Misawa Air Base.In a process called boresighting, weapons Airmen ensure the path of bullets shot from the aircraft's 20mm cannon is aligned

Competitors set for AMC Rodeo 2007

More than 55 U.S. and international teams are slated to participate in Air Mobility Command's Rodeo 2007 to be held July 22 through 28 at McChord Air Force Base, Wash. The competition focuses on readiness, and features airdrop, air refueling, and other events showcasing security forces, aerial port,

AFA Team of the Year features medical Airmen

They saved lives performing miracles in the sky, on the ground and outside "the wire" during missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Senior Airman Robert Zuniga from the 82nd Medical Operations Squadron at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, helped save the lives of 120 people injured in car bombs and mortar

Officials emphasize zero tolerance of sexual assault

Sexual assault is a crime that is incompatible with military values and will not be tolerated within the Defense Department, the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness said here April 3. David S.C. Chu kicked off the month-long DOD observance of sexual assault prevention during a

CSAF discusses construction projects in testimony

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley met with members of the House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs March 29 to discuss the service's construction efforts. General Moseley said the Air Force is committed to improving base infrastructure

Band makes impact on deployed members

Approximately 200 U.S. servicemembers and coalition forces March 30 here were treated to the sounds of Max Impact -- an ensemble of the U.S. Air Force Band from Bolling Air Force Base from Washington, D.C. The traveling music group has been making its rounds in the deployed area of responsibility

Davis-Monthan pararescue Airmen help save teen

Pararescue Airmen assigned to the 563rd Rescue Group here saved a local teenager after a hiking accident March 30 in an Arizona canyon. A loosened boulder struck two of four Sabino High School students who were hiking together March 28 in Soldier Canyon. One teen went for help while another teen

Air Force celebrates Month of the Military Child

They never raised their right hands and pledged to defend their nation, but they still make sacrifices for their country. The contributions of military children will be celebrated across the Defense Department as April is designated as Month of the Military Child, and the spirit of the event will be

Chief prepares for attaché assignment

At first, she didn't know all that much about the region, let alone what it would be like to be stationed in Azerbaijan, a former Soviet republic. But for the past six months, Chief Master Sgt. Karen Doig has been training to do exactly that. Currently assigned to the Defense Intelligence Agency,

Officials discuss air space standards in Alaska

As the Air Force increases its training in Alaska with exercises like Red Flag, which begins April 5, challenges in sharing air space with the civilian sector are at the forefront of community discussions. Col. Jack Gregory, the 11th Air Force vice commander, met with military leaders and members of

Airmen in Norway contribute to NATO mission

In the southwest corner of Norway, there's a small community of Airmen stationed at Stavanger Air Base who support U.S. military members working for NATO. The 426th Air Base Squadron helps U.S. forces who work in the Joint Warfare Center, which trains NATO leaders and conducts exercises to enhance

Red Flag-Alaska begins 2007 season

More than 1,300 military members from the United States, France and Australia are gathering in the Last Frontier to participate in Red Flag-Alaska 07-1 scheduled from April 5 to 21. Red Flag-Alaska, a series of Pacific Air Forces commander-directed field training exercises for U.S. forces, provides

Air Force Reserve manpower authorizations reduced

Nearly 5,000 Air Force reservists will receive letters in April, telling them they have to make career decisions because of authorization reductions. To help pay for force modernization, the Air Force Reserve Command will reduce its manpower authorizations by 7,700 over the next four years. Part of

F-16 accident report released

Air Force officials recently completed an investigation of the F-16C Fighting Falcon accident 20 miles northwest of Baghdad Nov. 27, which resulted in the death of the pilot, Maj. Troy Gilbert. The official cause of the accident was Major Gilbert's "channelized attention manifested by his desire to

Troops embark on 'Why We Serve' public outreach mission

Eight servicemembers with duty experience in Iraq, Afghanistan or the Horn of Africa, who have been selected to tell the military's story to the American public, met with Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England here March 30. It's important and it's vital, particularly now," Secretary England told

Bilateral training strengthens U.S., Japanese alliance

Japan Air Self-Defense Force members frequently deploy to U.S. Air Force bases, and when they do, they need to know how to properly maintain equipment, even if it's not something they typically work on.That is why aerospace and ground equipment shop members recently took the time to get their

Officers go to bomb-building how-to course

Munitions specialists for the 48th Fighter Wing put senior leaders through eight hours of training in a munitions accountability course. The one-day course is designed after an Air Force senior NCO munitions course at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., that takes senior NCOs through the steps of an

Recruiting, training key to future of Iraqi Air Force

Recruiting new airmen for the Iraqi Air Force presents several challenges. With the constant fear of being targeted by insurgents, those who want to serve fear what might happen to them or their families. However, the Iraqi Air Force is making headway, and Iraqi citizens are stepping up to serve

Air Force announces change to promotion study materials

The Air Force made major changes to the materials enlisted members use for reference and studying for promotion. The new guide, called the Professional Development Guide, replaces both the Promotion Fitness Examination and U.S. Air Force Supervisory Examination Study Guides -- officially known as

March 30 airpower: B-1B protects coalition convoy

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 30. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a show of force for a coalition convoy with vehicle problems near Kabul. The B-1B also provided a show of force for another convoy that received small arms

Tinker Airmen resume Sentry in Southwest Asia

Airmen of the 552nd Air Control Wing here deployed to support operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom at the end of March after a four-year hiatus from being in Southwest Asia. The last time Tinker AFB E-3 Sentrys deployed for OEF was 10 days after 9/11, and by October 2002 crews of the 552nd

Leaders discuss Air Force priorities

Representatives from Air Force major commands discussed Air Force initiatives, systems and operational issues that tie into the top three Air Force priorities during a press conference March 26 here. Fighting and winning the war on terrorism, developing and caring for Airmen, and recapitalizing and

AFSOC scores safety trifecta

Safety officials at Air Force Special Operations Command have a pleasant problem: finding room for more trophies in the display case. AFSOC dominated the 2006 Air Force safety award program, garnering the service's top awards for best major command safety record, most effective MAJCOM-level flight

New Horizons - Nicaragua 2007 finishes MEDRETE missions

Medics from California Air National Guard's 144th Medical Group treated 7,899 patients to complete the third and final Medical Readiness Training Exercise March 28 for New Horizons Nicaragua - 2007. New Horizons - Nicaragua 2007 is a $7.25 million joint military humanitarian and training exercise

Mail call in Djibouti

Nothing is more anticipated in the military than the sound of "mail's here." Mail call is a service member's lifeline, especially in such a remote area. But here in the Horn of Africa, the proverbial mailman has taken on quite a different look. With more than 5,000 pounds of mail -- filling up two

Former NATO, U.S. leaders return to Sheppard for anniversary

Former Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training members reunited and toured Sheppard AFB as part of their 25th anniversary celebration March 26.Previous and current ENJJPT wing commanders and operations group commanders have trained more than 195 classes since its inception with more than 5,508 students

Nellis officials host threat analysis working group

Officials from the 57th Information Aggressor Squadron hosted the first-ever Information Operations Threat Analysis Working Group at the Threat Training Facility at Nellis March 27 to 29. This event brought together experts from 31 U.S. intelligence, research and development, and operational

GPS-driven dropsondes improve airdrop accuracy

An emerging technology is making airdrops around the world more accurate. Called dropsondes, they not only improve aircrew capabilities, they also keep troops safe downrange. "A dropsonde is merely a meteorological device that we use to collect weather information from the altitude of the plane to

FM Center of Expertise celebrates first anniversary

Last April, after 15 months of studies, surveys, and hard work, the Air Force Financial Management Center of Expertise, or FM CoE, opened its doors and introduced a single stopping point for cost analysis decision support for commanders and senior leaders. "The mission of the FM CoE is to provide

USAFE officials forge relations with Russian air force

Twenty years ago the idea of Russian and U.S. Air Force leaders flying together and exchanging ideas was almost implausible. That implausibility is now a reality -- one focused on cooperation and bilateral relations. Top Russian air force leaders visited U.S. Air Forces in Europe March 20 to 23 to

Whiteman Reserve unit teams up with Spangdahlem pilots

The Reserve's 442nd Fighter Wing is once again partnering with the 81st Fighter Squadron from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.Twenty pilots from the 81st FS, part of the 52nd FW, started flying with the 442nd FW at Whiteman AFB in February and will continue through the beginning of May.  "It's a

Iraqi air force takes flight with help from U.S. Airmen

The Iraqi air force is taking off once again with the help of U.S. Air Force Airmen who serve with the Coalition Air Force Transition Team in Iraq. The U.S. Air Force's contribution to enabling the Iraqi air force to build and sustain itself is focused through the CAFTT, composed of four Air Force

B-52s participate in Green Lightning, Australian air show

Andersen Airmen flew to the land 'down under' this week to demonstrate the capability and flexibility of the B-52 Stratofortress bomber to their Australian partners. They completed a series of scheduled Green Lightning exercise sorties at the Delamere Bombing Range while also providing aerial

Air Force leaders gather for Four Star Conference

Air Force senior leaders gathered here March 23 for the Four Star Conference to discuss the service's top challenges, opportunities and priorities.Topics ranged across a diverse set of issues, from how the Air Force develops and sustains warfighting systems to how moving targets are attacked,

Stand-up of training group marks international homecoming

With an international audience standing watch, Col. Michael Cosby accepted the flag of command for the reactivated 363rd Training Group at an air base in the Persian Gulf region March 26. Though officially listed as an activation, officiating officer, Lt. Gen. Gary North, U.S. Central Command Air

America's armed forces NCOs are leaders, too

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff emphasized just how important U.S. military leaders believe noncommissioned officers are by including his senior enlisted advisor in all his talks with senior Japanese and Chinese leaders. Marine Gen. Peter Pace made sure that Army Command Sgt. Maj. William

Air Force announces milestone in force transformation

The secretary of the Air Force and chief of staff recently announced the completion of the next phase of Total Force Integration initiatives after discussions with Airmen from active-duty, Guard and Reserve organizations. Total Force Integration initiatives and their changes to the Air Force are

Airmen sharpen self aid, buddy care skills

Self aid and buddy care is an Air Force requirement that begins in basic training. The class covers basic first aid and expands to more advanced life saving skills. Airmen also learn to use battlefield tools such as the combat action tourniquet, Israeli bandage, and quick clot -- tools that play a

A-10 modifications speed up to support warfighters

The Air Force will soon benefit from an A-10 Thunderbolt II milestone achieved here in March. Personnel from the 571st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron completed a precision engagement modification on an A-10 14 days ahead of schedule.The modification gives the A-10 precision weapons capability through

Air Force legend Col. Chase Nielsen passes away

Retired Lt. Col. Chase J. Nielsen, one of the famed "Tokyo Doolittle Raiders" who helped boost American morale in the early days of World War II with a surprise air attack on Japan and spent a lifetime as an advocate for American airpower, died March 23 at his home in Brigham City, Utah. Born Jan.

Coast Guard pilot traces roots to Air Force opportunities

An Airman formed a passion for flying after enlisting in the Air Force, and with the educational benefits afforded to him, this former senior airman now flies Coast Guard helicopters here. Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Juan Lopez was once an aerospace ground equipment mechanic at Norton Air Force Base in

Airman competes for Miss USA crown

She has been anticipating this moment since being crowned Miss Arkansas USA in October and it is finally here. Second Lt. Kelly George, a resident of Sherwood, Ark., and the deputy chief of public affairs for the 314th Airlift Wing at Little Rock Air Force Base, vies for the title of Miss USA March

Airmen mentor Afghan National Army soldiers

At the Kabul Military Training Center, Airmen among other U.S.military service members are supporting the Afghan National Army's progress into a full, independent military. Nineteen Air Force personnel at KMTC contribute to that effort by mentoring ANA soldiers into professional military members.

Barksdale couple donates fuel for Afghan women

Thanks to a donation by two Airmen from here, Afghan women received 1,500 liters of heating fuel critical to help them through the winter.The donation was made by Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Melahn and Senior Master Sgt. Elizabeth Melahn, who is deployed as the Afghan National Army Embedded Training

'Que Bien' Air Force Week

The Air Force showcased its assets, capabilities and Hispanic Airmen during Air Force Week to 15 countries around the world March 21-22. Univision reporter Tony Dandrades of "Primer Impacto," a nationally televised, 60-minute Spanish-language news program, told the Air Force story during his time at

Captain earns spot on DOD speakers tour

An officer from the 33rd Fighter Wing is one of two Air Force members selected for a new Department of Defense program. Capt. Michael Frasco, a flight commander in the wing's 33rd Maintenance Operations Squadron, joins representatives from each military service in the "Why We Serve" Speakers

SERE instructors attend Army combat lifesaver course

A handful of survival, evasion, resistance and escape instructors were given the opportunity to attend a combat lifesaver course March 19-21at the Army National Guard classroom here. The SERE instructors were invited to attend the course in return for previously giving members of the 396th Combat

Rotational squadron deployment jets leave Incirlik

People at Incirlik had not heard the sound of rotational squadron deployment F-16s taking off for more than 16 years. That all changed when the first Fighting Falcons arrived here in January from the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.Incirlik officials welcomed the 22nd and 23rd

Stepping up foreign language, cultural awareness for Airmen

Air Force officials are broadening their vision of the expeditionary Airman. Armed with a wide range of combat skills, serving multiple deployments in wartime theaters, this leaner, more agile Airman must now learn to navigate the global cultural landscape. "Our Air Force needs Airmen who can

Med Evac flies first non-stop from Afghanistan to Germany

The first non-stop medical evacuation flight from Bagram Air Base to Landstuhl, Germany, lifted off March 21. The lengthy three- to five-day route from Bagram AB through Kuwait to Landstuhl has been reduced to an approximate 10-hour direct flight to provide faster service to wounded servicemembers

AFSO21 team exchanges Lean practices with industry officials

Air Force officials, looking to industry Lean experts for best practices and lessons learned to apply to Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century, got a first-hand look at Lean in action during a recent three-day industry exchange here. The team of 30 Air Force leaders visited Boeing

Afghan generals visit Air Force training squadron

Several key leaders from the Afghan National Army toured here March 16 in order to gain a stronger understanding of key communication areas to help their training programs in Afghanistan. Afghan National Army Maj. Gen. Mehrab Ali, Brig. Gen. Baba Mirza and Col. Said Farooq Yosuf Zai came to Keesler

Air Force fosters "warrior ethos" in all Airmen

Whether it's the recent changes to basic military training, continual preparation for deployments, engaging in combat or new and better uniforms, Air Force leaders are instilling a warrior mindset in Airmen. That warrior ethos -- the foundation of what it means to be an Airman -- traces its roots to

New GPS-guided airdrops aid aircrew accuracy

Mobility aircrews now have a new tool which uses Global Positioning System, or GPS, to help them deliver cargo more accurately and safely in deployed theaters of operation. The Joint Precision Airdrop System, or JPADS, allows airdrops to be conducted from higher altitudes with improved accuracy,

Hill AFB welcomes deployed Airman at Warrior Welcome

Members of the 75th Logistics Readiness Squadron, friends and family rallied around more than 50 Airmen who recently redeployed from various locations during a Warrior Welcome gathering here March 15. Those at the Warrior Welcome party acknowledged recently returned members from deployment, those

Medics deliver aid in Uganda

A four-person team from around the command delivered medical expertise and therapy to the African country of Uganda in early March. Led by Lt. Col. (Dr.) Parker Plante from Ramstein's 435th Aeromedical Squadron, the team set up camp about two hours from the capitol city of Kampala in an austere