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

USAFE Airmen kick off Sniper Lance 2007

More than 200 U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen arrived here April 20 to participate in Exercise Sniper Lance 2007. Sniper Lance aims to provide realistic combat flight training for Air Force F-15 Eagles, KC-135 Stratotankers and Romanian Air Force MiG-21s based out of the 86th Air Base near the town

Alaska range, airspace critical to combat training

Ejecting out of a fighter jet at more than 400 miles per hour, aircrew members have one objective--to make it to the ground alive. For an F-15 Eagle fighter pilot and his navigator, the combat search and rescue training scenario during Red Flag-Alaska 07-1 stranded them with severe injuries on the

Air and Space Operations Centers standardized

A four-year effort for the Global Cyberspace Integration Center here culminated April 13 when Air Forces Southern Command officials signed documents officially accepting the newly installed Air and Space Operations Center Block 10.1 Weapon System at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. The AFSOUTH

April 22 airpower summary: C-17s provide intra-theater heavy airlift support

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations April 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb

Phase team keeps F-16s in the fight

The sound of electric drills and pounding hammers resonates inside the hardened aircraft shelter here as crew chiefs shout orders over the noise of wielding power tools and a variety of gadgets: Welcome to Day One of an F-16 Fighting Falcon phase dock. Members of the 35th Expeditionary Maintenance

Air operations vital to CJTF-HOA mission

In the United States, airlines coordinate flights with the Federal Aviation Administration. In the Horn of Africa it's a little more complicated as flights cross several nations, all with different aviation rules. What does it take to get flights from point A to point B within the Combined Joint

April 20 airpower: Coalition partners achieve success

Coalition airpower supported Coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations April 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs released cannon

Medics offer readiness training to embassy, medical personnel

Medics from Joint Task Force-Bravo's medical element conducted first responder and chemical/biological response training here April 17-19 for American embassy personnel and healthcare providers from Honduras. Thirty eight students attended the class, which provided training on chemical, biological,

Raiders point to leadership's key role in Doolittle Tokyo Raid

What motivates a person to volunteer for a mission so secret the people executing it aren't even told details until right before it starts? When the call for volunteers came, what makes that person's hand go up in the air, along with their fate? For at least two of the men assigned to Gen. Henry H.

General discusses future of medical services

The assistant Air Force surgeon general discussed issues regarding the medical career field's role in the war on terrorism, Base Realignment and Closure, the future of Air Force nursing, and force shaping effects within the Air Force Medical Service during a visit April 19 here. Maj. Gen. Melissa A.

Wing's shield preserves long heritage

The 17th Training Wing shield symbolizes the long heritage of the unit's lineage. The emblem was originally approved for the 17th Pursuit Group on Jan. 19, 1934. In 1993, the Goodfellow Technical Training Wing at San Angelo, Texas, was replaced with the 17th Training Wing to carry the lineage. The

Air Support Ops keep control at Atlantic Strike V

The 682nd Air Support Operations Squadron Airmen from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., provided tactical command and control as the Air Support Operations Center during Atlantic Strike V April 14-20 at the Avon Park Air Ground Complex at Avon Park, Fla. The ASOC is the forward extension of the air

Red Flag-Alaska ends on positive note

The year's first Red Flag-Alaska ended April 20 after two weeks of intense, air-combat training over Alaska's mountain ranges. Training in a multi-service, multi-platform, combat operations exercise involving coalition forces was an opportunity that cannot be underemphasized, said Lt. Col. Eddie

Air Force official testifies on UAV executive agent issue

The deputy chief of staff for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance explained why Air Force leaders support the idea of creating an executive agency for unmanned aerial vehicles before the House Armed Services air and land forces subcommittee April 19 here. Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula joined

Battlefield technology key to Atlantic Strike V

As the convoy travels down the dusty path, the lead Humvee's Joint Terminal Attack Controller zeroes in on a potential target 1,500 meters in front of him. He sends the coordinates to the waiting aircraft above. "Target is verified JTAC, expending munitions." The aircraft releases its munitions

Weather can't stop desert-dwelling Airmen at Red Flag-Alaska

Working in a cold-weather environment may not be in the repertoire of desert-dwelling maintainers supporting Exercise Red Flag-Alaska 07-1, but Airmen from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., don't seem to mind and they're not about to let it affect their mission. "If it wasn't chilly here I would probably

'Unwavering professionalism' encouraged in all servicemembers

U.S. Forces in Japan's mission to keep peace and security in its area of responsibility is shouldered by each military member serving in the region, and USFJ leaders are encouraging all servicemembers to practice unwavering professionalism in everything they do. Unwavering professionalism is a

April 18 airpower: C-130s provide heavy airlift support

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations April 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a show of

Army captain's roots branch to a Doolittle Raider

"I don't need a light to tell me what I already know!" said 1st Lt. Dean Edward Hallmark, ripping the flashing red light bulbs from the display in the cockpit of his B-25. It was April 18, 1942, and Lieutenant Hallmark and his crew were running out of gas over the coast of China following the famous

Airmen train colleagues for combat during Atlantic Strike

Insurgents wait beside a roadway for an Army convoy. As Humvees pass, the insurgents launch their attack, blasting improvised explosive devices and firing rockets at the vehicles. Air Force joint terminal attack controllers embedded with the Soldiers respond by calling for an impromptu airstrike.

Air Force ROTC cadet Virginia Tech shooting victim

An Air Force ROTC cadet was officially identified April 18 by Virginia Polytechnic Institute officials as one of the 32 students and faculty killed during the shooting incident at the school April 16. Cadet Matthew La Porte was a sophomore in Air Force ROTC Detachment 875 and the Virginia Tech Corps

Atlantic Strike V begins in Avon Park

More than 400 joint servicemembers began participating in Atlantic Strike V, a U.S. Central Command Air Forces pre-deployment training event April 14 at the Avon Park Air Ground Training Complex in Avon Park, Fla. The semi-annual training through April 20 and prepares joint air and ground forces for

German policemen invaluable asset at Ramstein

The German Civilian Security Police, also known as ZPs, are an invaluable asset in making sure things run smoothly here. With the high deployment rate of their military counterparts, the ZPs have stepped up to make sure there are no gaps in safeguarding security.They are fully integrated into the

DOD's top enlisted leader visits Okinawa

The Department of Defense's top enlisted leader visited Okinawa April 11 to 13 to see firsthand the role the U.S. military plays on Okinawa to include the missions at Kadena Air Base. Army Command Sgt. Maj. William Gainey, the senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, met

Doolittle Raiders 65th anniversary kicks off at Randolph

The 65th anniversary reunion of the Doolittle Raiders launched with an opening ceremony attended by more than 250 spectators April 17 here. The ceremony included several short speeches from Randolph Air Force Base leadership and the Doolittle Raiders' historian and manager. Second Lt. Austin

Unit scrambles to guide troubled aircraft to safe landing

Airmen of the Air Force Reserve Command's 916th Air Refueling Wing here scrambled to launch an early morning mission April 17 to rendezvous with and help safely land an Air Force aircraft that lost critical instrumentation. The NCK-135 aircrew from Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., called an in-flight

Airman's Creed exemplifies warfighting ethos

The Air Force chief of staff introduced the new "Airman's Creed" April 18 to provide Airmen a tangible statement of beliefs that they can hold most dear. The Airman's Creed reflects pride in the role of air, space and cyberspace power and the Air Force's commitment in supporting and defending the

Eielson pilots get aggressive during Red Flag-Alaska

Eielson Air Force Base F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots took to the sky as aggressors for the first time in Red Flag-Alaska history during the exercise that runs April 5 through 21. Flying with the 64th Aggressor Squadron from Nellis AFB, Nev., Eielson AFB pilots began the transition of a permanent F-16

Air Force awards 10 university research teams $60 million

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research here announced in April plans to fund 10 awards totaling about $60 million over five years to 29 academic institutions to perform multidisciplinary basic research. The award is the result of the fiscal 2007 competition AFOSR conducted under the Department

F-22s use refueling 'pit stop'

Just like in NASCAR, a good pit crew can make or break a team. When tankers aren't in the sky to refuel fighters, pilots take advantage of a pit. "Hot pits" are crucial in wartime as it gets the fighters gassed up quickly while both engines are still running, and back into the fight. "It's actually

Policy change boosts G.I. Bill eligibility

A recent Defense Department policy change widens the eligibility window for some Reserve-component troops who want to use their Montgomery G.I. Bill education benefits, a senior DoD official said here April 17. The DoD policy now aligns with Department of Veterans Affairs rules, which say National

Combat comm Airmen hone skills in field training

The 1st Combat Communication Squadron from Ramstein Air Base, recently trained in a field near Bitburg, Germany, where they dealt with hostile conditions simulating a deployed environment. The comm squadron has several field training sessions throughout each year, with both classroom and field

April 16 airpower summary: Close air support missions support operations

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations April 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a show of force,

Airman shows way for Afghan National Army recruiters

To serve and protect the nation is one of the top three reasons U.S. citizens take the military oath of enlistment, and Staff Sgt. Matt Leas learned firsthand that it is also the top reason Afghans join the 207th Zafar (Victory) Corps. The 364th Recruiting Squadron systems administrator recently

Veterinary mission morphs into lifesaving trek

With only seconds to react, U.S. military members made a daring rescue pulling a young African man out of a raging torrent April 14 in Dikhil, Djibouti. After a day of heavy rain, the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa team was assessing a river crossing site they planned to use the

Idea nets maintenance Airman $10,000

An Air Force maintainer from McChord Air Force Base recently earned big bucks by making good use of a part that was going to be turned into scrap metal. Master Sgt. Barry Buchmiller of the 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron received a $10,000 check from the Air Force's Innovative Development through

Medics treat servicemembers throughout Southwest Asia

Getting warriors back in the fight is a duty for the medical professionals in the 379th Expeditionary Medical Group in Southwest Asia. The 96 percent of wounded warriors returned to duty shows not only that they are good at what they do, but also that they provide critical support to the theaterwide

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