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U.S. Air Force News

  • Air Force NCO enjoys noteworthy exchange

    During a 10-day NCO cultural exchange program with the Japanese Air Self Defense Force that ended March 20, one Air Force NCO had a chance to meet some unexpected "brass." While most of the NCOs found their counterpart's jobs were quite similar to their own, there was one noteworthy exception --

  • Development teams guide Reserve Airmen's careers

    The Air Force Reserve Command is working on a new program designed to maximize the potential of its Airmen as they chart their future careers. It encourages them to forward their desires up the chain of command, and will prepare future air and space leaders to seize the opportunities afforded them

  • Coalition forces conduct, supervise training exercise

    Amid a mountainous landscape, students at the Afghan National Army's Officer Candidates School particpated in a medical training exercise at the Kabul Military Training Center March 15. The ANA's OCS falls under the Afghan National Army's Training and Education Command, where personnel, doctrine,

  • Airmen, Soldier nutrition specialists work, train together

    Army nutrition specialists from the 396th Combat Support Hospital Army at Fort Vancouver, Wash., had the opportunity to join Airmen here this month to share food service tricks of the trade. The Soldiers from the 396th CSH specialize in medical patients' and Soldiers' diets. They worked at the Ross

  • Oldest GPS satellite being prepared for disposal

    The oldest operational satellite in the GPS constellation has broadcast its signal for more than 16 years, during which time that signal's mission applications -- and the people who make sure the signal is available -- have changed dramatically. When Satellite Vehicle Number 15 launched Oct. 1,

  • Balad air traffic controllers maintain safer skies for Iraq

    With 5,000 air operations per week within a five-nautical-mile radius from surface level to 3,000 feet, the airfield here is the busiest in the Department of Defense. In fact, the runways at Balad Air Base are part of the world's busiest combat operation. At this pace, the 22 Airmen assigned as air

  • It's never too late to get 'fit to fight'

    Peek into the H-6 fitness center any time of the day or night, chances are someone is huffing, puffing and sweating their way to being 'fit to fight.' Air Expeditionary Force 5-6 is well underway, but it's not too late to start working on those push ups, crunches and 1.5-mile run. "The current Air

  • Airmen train to help Iraqi air force rebuild

    Air Force instructors at the Army's Camp Bullis are training Iraq-centric and basic warfighting skills to students from a host of different career fields. The focus of this training is to teach students a unique blend of training techniques so they can help the Iraqi air force rebuild their

  • Letter to Airmen focuses on education, training

    In the latest Letter to Airmen, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne recognizes the importance of the training every Airman receives, and credits these knowledge-enabled Airmen with exploring new technologies to get the job done.The secretary said that the training, skill and knowledge of a

  • Hockey: Academy Cadet a finalist for Hobey Baker Award

    Air Force junior Eric Ehn has been selected as a finalist for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, college hockey's most prestigious individual honor. A center from Dexter, Mich., Ehn has led the nation in scoring 14 of the last 17 weeks. He currently leads the nation with 1.68 points per game with 62

  • Airmen learn new perspectives from leadership

    Air Force leaders invited more than 50 junior and senior NCOs to the nation's capital March 12 to 13 to discuss Air Force triumphs and challenges with senior leaders. Participants ranged from staff sergeants to chief master sergeants in a variety of career fields and from a variety of locations. The

  • First MQ-9 Reaper makes its home on Nevada flightline

    The MQ-1 Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle's  younger, yet larger and stronger, brother, the MQ-9 Reaper arrived March 13 at its new home at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. The remotely piloted aircraft completed initial testing in California, then flew more than 250 miles in two hours to land here. The

  • 'In lieu of' Airmen learn Soldier skills at Fort Bragg

    Several hundred Airmen from varied skill sets are in the midst of three months of training at Fort Bragg, N.C., in preparation for a future deployment to Provincial Reconstruction Teams in Afghanistan. The training is designed to teach basic Army ground maneuver skills. The Airmen from around the

  • General discusses options for growing USAFE mission

    As the Air Force evolves to meet and defeat future challenges, the Airmen of U.S. Air Forces in Europe are also expanding their mission toward the future. During a visit to Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., Gen. William T. Hobbins discussed expanding operations in Africa and new NATO countries. "The

  • Military photographers key to training, investigations

    Security forces and medical services Airmen respond to the scene of a mock accident. After the victims are taken care of, the scene will be documented for investigative purposes -- that's where the base photographer comes in. Senior Airman Robert Barnett is a photographer with the 35th

  • What's on the Chief's Scope?

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley launched a new Web feature March 14 to tell Airmen what is of special interest to him. Known as "The Chief's Scope," it is designed to briefly highlight current topics General Moseley feels are important to America's Airmen. "The issues on my scope

  • Virtual Flag exercise hosted at Pentagon

    The Air Force's C4ISR Visualization Center at the Pentagon, along with the 705th Combat Training Squadron from Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., hosted a simulation exercise March 7 to help joint tactical air controllers experience the challenges of calling in air strikes to enemy targets

  • Eielson powers its own mission

    Every morning, as Airmen here drive onto base, they are greeted by friendly waves -- waves of billowing steam stretching into the crisp morning sky. This steam is more than just hot air. It is the life's blood of the base, and it comes from the central heat and power plant here. "It is unique," said

  • Preparation critical for EOD Airmen

    Explosive ordnance disposal members put their lives on the line each time they run into a building, shelter or area containing a suspicious package or bomb. Training and preparation are critical for every EOD Airmen, down to the clothes they wear. "The suit we wear is designed to help protect us

  • Aviano Airmen put operations support to test

    A recent inspection here is showing how Airmen are prepared to support operations during the war on terrorism. NATO exercise evaluators travel across Europe to assess how well a country's military is able to handle certain scenarios they may face during war time. More than 100 NATO inspectors are

  • Nellis F-16 crashes on approach to test range

    An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 16th Weapons Squadron from the U.S. Air Force Weapons School here crashed March 12 at 8:50 p.m. near the end of the runway while on approach to the Tonopah Test Range Airfield, approximately 20 miles southeast of Tonopah, Nev. The pilot ejected safely and

  • Data links give Airmen attack controllers 'big picture'

    A small group of Airmen are having a dramatic effect on the battlefield. They're in demand from everyone from Army squads and platoons to large defense contractors. Everyone wants a joint terminal attack controller on their team -- and with good reason. They are crucial to putting air force bombs on

  • Air Force continues giving 100 percent

    Strong Air Force recruiting numbers in 2007 show that "crossing into the blue" remains a popular avenue for Americans to serve their nation, gain technical skills and continue their education. In February, 2,277 people joined the Air Force while another 2,552 signed on to "Do Something Amazing" in

  • Senior Air Force medics provide testimony

    Appearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Defense March 7, two Air Force leaders provided key testimony, informing the Senators on how the service takes care of its people. Lt. Gen. (Dr.) James Roudebush, Air Force surgeon general, and Maj. Gen. Melissa Rank, assistant

  • 'New Horizons' breaks ground for Belize school buildings

    The opening ceremony for New Horizons Belize was held here March 8 with a groundbreaking for a new school building for the village. Airmen and Soldiers from both active and National Guard units will build four more new school buildings in different villages during their deployment to Belize. "This

  • Life-saving turret prototype stems from Airman's death

    Less than 80 days after Airman 1st Class Leebernard Chavis was felled by a sniper's bullet near Baghdad, Airmen in Iraq were testing an improved turret that designers hope will offer service members better protection. Airman Chavis, of Hampton, Va., was killed by enemy gunfire Oct. 14 while

  • Dover Reserve squadron flies final C-5 flight

    The 326th Airlift Squadron, a unit in the Air Force Reserve Command's 512th Airlift Wing here, flew its final C-5 Galaxy flight March 10. The squadron converts to the C-17 Globemaster III mission April 1. The base's first C-17 arrives in June and it will receive 12 more of the aircraft over the

  • Eielson welcomes home deployed Airmen

    A crowd of more than 500 Airmen, family members and guests gathered March 9 to welcome home 400 Eielson Airmen who returned from deployments over the past six months. "It's the hard work and dedication of these Airmen that made the recent deployments successful," said Lt. Col. Mike Fitzgerald, the

  • Course enhances Airmen's self-defense techniques

    For security forces Airmen, the use of force is a possibility every day. From firing on a vehicle attempting to crash through a gate to repelling an enemy attack on a forward-deployed base, security forces face the potential of using raw, deadly force as a part of their job. But not every situation

  • CENTAF leaders visit Airmen deployed to Mehtar Lam

    The U.S. Central Command Air Forces commander visited Airmen serving in Afghanistan March 7-10, making stops here, at the Mehtar Lam Provincial Reconstruction Team and Kandahar Airfield. Speaking to Airmen at Mehtar Lam, Lt. Gen. Gary North praised the work the PRTs are doing to improve the lives of

  • Future is bright for Air Force space assets

    The Airmen of Air Force Space Command are tracking a lot more than the man-made space junk that orbits the Earth. Space operators are troubleshooting the way they do business. They're focusing on getting their capabilities -- the ones most Americans know little about -- to the forefront of the

  • F-16 crashes in Florida Straits

    An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the Air Force Reserve Command's 482nd Fighter Wing here crashed about 11:05 a.m. today approximately 75 miles south-southeast of Homestead in the Florida Straits. The aircraft was from the 93rd Fighter Squadron. At the time of the accident, it was flying a routine

  • CMSAF McKinley visits Airmen at Hurlburt Field

    Enlisted Airmen here gained the opportunity this week to meet and hear from Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley. During his three-day stay, Chief McKinley immersed himself in the Air Force Special Operations Command mission. "I've been fully impressed since day one with

  • NORTHCOM nominee regards command position 'sacred honor'

    The nominee to lead U.S. Northern Command and North America Aerospace Defense Command told the Senate Armed Services Committee here March 8 that he realizes the missions of both organizations are demanding and challenging, but that he would consider leading them to be a "sacred honor." Air Force Lt.

  • Airmen upgrading 'Giant Voice' systems in England

    Airmen from the 1st Communications Maintenance Squadron at Kapaun Air Station, Germany, are installing giant voice systems throughout the United Kingdom. The 'Giant Voice' is a 2,000-watt speaker that alerts people on base of danger, whether from natural disasters or terrorist attacks. "Most people

  • Wing has long heritage of serving others

    The 59th Medical Wing is the Air Force's premier medical unit, located here in San Antonio.  The 59th MDW operates Wilford Hall Medical Center. The wing provides global medical readiness capability and comprehensive peacetime healthcare benefits through education, training and research. There are

  • Wing's shield symbolizes medical mission

    The 59th Medical Wing shield symbolizes the unit's mission and its present vision. In 1993, when the wing became a numbered medical wing, the shield of the 59th Fighter Wing, formerly the 59th Observation Wing, was acquired. Its use was approved for the 59th Medical Wing Feb. 3, 1995. Wilford Hall

  • Air Force officials announce OTS selections

    Two hundred sixteen men and women from across America have earned an opportunity to become Air Force leaders following their selection for an officer's commission, officials here announced March 8. Air Force Recruiting Service officials considered 269 applications as part of Officer Training School

  • Reserve Airmen contribute to medical mission in Iraq

    Air Force Reservists from the 920th Aeromedical Staging Squadron at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., found themselves integral to the success rate of the Air Force Theater Hospital here. Nine Airmen from the 920th ASTS, part of the Reserve's 920th Rescue Wing, are deployed here working for the 332nd

  • Travis medical center recognized by California legislature

    The accomplishments of the staff of David Grant U.S. Air Force Medical Center were recognized by the California legislature in a ceremony here March 1. California State Senator Jeff Denham, (R-Merced), presented Senate Concurrent Resolution 122 to Col. Steve Arquiette the 60th Air Mobility Wing

  • Warfare center is now U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center

    The Air Mobility Warfare Center flag was rolled up and a new flag bearing the name "United States Air Force Expeditionary Center" was unfurled March 5 during a re-designation ceremony here. "If you want to know why you've become the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center, it's because you earned it,"

  • Air Force cadets conduct research for NASA

    A group of small Pitot tubes, shaped like a hand rake, sit inside one end of a wind tunnel. A miniature space capsule is attached on the other end. It looks similar to what Apollo era astronauts used, but this model plays an important role in the future of human space flight. The Crew Exploration

  • Air Force officer reduction board to convene in June

    The Air Force will convene an officer reduction in force board June 11 here at the Air Force Personnel Center. All eligible officers should have received an Officer Pre-selection Brief around Feb. 15. Officers are responsible for reviewing their records for accuracy and ensuring information their

  • Officials announce Air Force Safety Awards for 2006

    Air Force safety officials have announced the winners of the 2006 Safety Awards. They are: Secretary of the Air Force Safety Award: Category I -- Air Force Special Operations Command at Hurlburt Field, Fla.   (No Category II listed)Maj. Gen. Benjamin D. Foulois Memorial Award: Air Force Special

  • Medics learn combat environment skills

    Even the setting is realistic. Men and women dressed in field and camouflage uniforms, military vehicles and helicopters in evidence everywhere, officers and Airmen hunched over topographical maps and the usual good-natured complaints about the C-rations forming a buzz of background

  • Eielson Airmen get aggressive about training

    Maj. Robert Kelly is getting ready to try and shoot down Air Force aircraft. But, the weapons officer from the 353rd Combat Training Squadron is not an enemy. He is becoming what is known as a Red Flag aggressor pilot, an invaluable training asset for any Red Flag exercise. "As far as becoming an

  • Two former top Air Force chiefs visit Keesler Airmen

    Two retired chief master sergeants of the Air Force addressed a capacity crowd March 2 as guest speakers at the 81st Training Wing's annual awards banquet. The first Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Paul Airey, and eighth, Sam Parish, took the opportunity earlier in the day to tour several

  • Motivational program ending at Ramstein

    After three years of helping Airmen get back on track, the Ramstein Area Motivational Program, or RAMP, correctional custody facility is closing its doors. More than 200 Airmen have come through the program, with a huge majority of them successfully completing the training. RAMP opened its doors

  • Michigan Air Guard returns from Iraq deployment

    Approximately 250 members of the Michigan Air National Guard returned home in March after supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom at Balad Air Base, Iraq.About 40 of the Airmen and 12 F-16 Fighting Falcons returned home March 2, while the rest of the group returned here March 5 to frigid temperatures at

  • Airmen receive cutting-edge satellite training

    As a satellite systems crew chief, Staff Sgt. Lori Browning has a job that is out of this world. She is currently receiving training on the Space Based Infrared Systems, or SBIRS, that is scheduled to become operational sometime next year. Sergeant Browning is part of the first class that is being

  • Andersen bombers participate in Koa Lightning exercise

    The low rumble of B-52s shook the normally quiet evening sky above Andersen Air Force Base as the Stratofortresses of the 36th Operations Group participated in Pacific Command's Koa Lightning exercise over the islands of Hawaii. For the men and women of the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, the

  • Spangdahlem, Incirlik Airmen unite in training

    The cooperation between Airmen from Incirlik AB and Spangdahlem AB, Germany, has improved the development of the 39th Maintenance Squadron ammunition members through high-fidelity training opportunities. As aircrews from two F-16 Fighting Falcon squadrons from Spangdahlem AB train in a different

  • Brooks training program integrates medical processes

    The U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine here has established a realistic, in-depth training program that marries up two processes to provide essential training to medics who, in many cases, are deployed and doing this very same mission within one to two months. The program ties Expeditionary

  • Proper training, protection help prevent hearing loss

    Hearing loss can be due to personal choices such as firing a weapon without wearing proper hearing protection, listening to loud music or riding motorcycles. To help prevent hearing loss, people should wear hearing protection devices as taught and trained by public health personnel, and by their

  • Security forces Airmen protect Iraq's airpower hub

    Although it is distinctly a guard mount formation with defenders intently listening to the towering flight chief, one may liken the experience to a press conference. Notes from the previous shift's reported activities and expected trends for the new shift are jotted onto worn, hand-fitted

  • Manas Airmen train with Kyrgyz firefighters

    Airmen of the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing fire department here have worked and trained side-by-side with Manas International Airport firefighters for five years. With each new Air Expeditionary Force rotation, a new crew of Airmen arrives and trains with the Kyrgyz firefighters of the MIA to stay

  • 5-Star program recognizes Services' best

    Eighty-seven fitness, library, outdoor recreation and golf programs were distinguished as Five Star for 2006 by Air Force Services Agency officials here, recognizing their high quality and trust.The Five Star programs provide annual recognition, acknowledging those bases that have reached the

  • March 3 airpower: JTACS critical in fight

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 3.Coalition fighters, bombers and tankers provide infrastructure protection and support to coalition troops, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities. Transports provide

  • Cyberspace warfare remains serious business

    It's a primary medium for the way the Air Force does business, whether it is used for command, control, communications, intelligence, surveillance or reconnaissance, yet cyberspace remains a relatively new and vulnerable frontier. And Air Force leaders know it. With technology evolving so quickly,

  • 'Week in Photos' highlights Airmen around the world

    Airmen are deployed around the globe every day to support operations ranging from humanitarian missions and coalition exercises to fighting terrorism with airpower. The "Week In Photos" Web feature on Air Force Link provides visitors ten photos that feature Airmen at war. It is a brief but dramatic

  • March 2 airpower: F-15Es provide show of force

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 2.In Afghanistan March 1, an Air Force B-1 Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38 joint direct attack munitions on enemy mortar and firing positions near Forward Operating Base Robinson. The joint terminal attack

  • Dyess' aircraft maintainers meet AFSO 21 head on

    While many shops in the Air Force are finding they have to do "less with less," one maintenance shop here found a way to do "more with less." The newly consolidated support flight in the 7th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron is an example of how Airmen in the 7th Maintenance Group are answering Air

  • Maintenance Airmen's custom parts keep planes in fight

    Aircraft maintenance success in a deployed environment often depends on the availability of the parts and equipment needed to get aircraft back into the fight. Oftentimes, crew chiefs look no further than 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron back shops for support when aircraft parts or other

  • Airmen complete Nicaraguan medical exercise

    Twenty medics finished the first of three New Horizons - Nicaragua 2007 Medical Readiness Training Exercises Feb. 28, giving free healthcare to 6,551 Nicaraguans throughout nine days. The $7.25 million joint U.S. and Nicaraguan military humanitarian and training exercise, provides a new school and

  • Eielson Airmen help keep mushers, dogs in race

    Interior Alaska's formidable winter chill couldn't deter the Icemen team from volunteering to help support the local community during Yukon Quest, the 1,000-mile international dog sled race. More than 160 Airmen braved temperatures -- at times dipping below negative 40 degrees -- to help man the

  • SERE specialists surprise pilot

    When Air Force pilots initially train to fly, they learn about ejecting from a plane and how to survive behind enemy lines.Several Misawa survival, evasion, resistance and escape, or SERE, specialists took a pilot out recently for some realistic training.1st Lt. Michael Baird, an F-16 Fighting

  • Spring 'Air and Space Power Journal' available

    The College of Aerospace Doctrine, Research and Education at Air University has published and distributed the Spring 2007 English edition of the Air Force's professional journal, "Air and Space Power Journal." The journal serves as an open forum for the presentation and stimulation of innovative

  • Air Force official discusses uniform updates

    Air Force officials move forward with the Airman Battle Uniform roll-out and plans for a new service dress coat. The new ABU, designed to eventually replace both the Battle Dress and Desert Combat Uniforms worn by Airmen, is currently in full production. Early deliveries of ABU inventories in 2007

  • Defense Department tops nation in child care efforts

    Child care is a critical issue for many families around the country, and the Defense Department stands alone as a model for quality child care in the nation, an independent study released March 1 finds. In the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies' ranking of state child

  • Academy boxer helps battle for life

    The boxer keeps his hands up as his feet dance around a heavy bag. He jabs and strikes the bag with his gloved fists, but when this boxer steps into the ring with an opponent, it isn't the only battle he's fighting. Cadet 1st Class Colin LaFavor is a member of the U.S. Air Force Academy's boxing

  • Airman earns medal for lifesaving efforts

    An Airman here was presented the Air Force Achievement Medal recently for saving the life of a 7-year-old boy who was choking on candy. Airman 1st Class Kyle Thomas was bowling while on leave in Norman, Okla., after competing six weeks of basic training and six months of technical training when he

  • Security Forces train Airmen to protect space resources

    Senior Airman Joshua Newton holds the flashbang up high in the air and his three teammates know what that means without uttering a single word. It is time to breach the room and they all look away as he carefully leans forward and chucks the grenade into the room. As the flashbang goes off

  • Fighting in cyberspace means cyber domain dominance

    The Air Force officially announced creation of the new Cyberspace Command late last year. Now, just four months later, the command's leaders are talking about the way ahead. The Air Force's operational Cyberspace Command, also known as 8th Air Force, is commanded by Lt. Gen. Robert J. "Bob" Elder.

  • Air Force officials release 2007 posture statement

    Air Force officials released their annual posture statement which articulates the major elements required for the Air Force to fulfill its mission and its priorities over the course of the next year and into the future. The secretary of the Air Force and the Air Force chief of staff testified before

  • General speaks on Elmendorf's, Air Force's future

    The Air Force deputy chief of staff for operations, plans and requirements, visited here Feb. 21 to 23 to discuss the capabilities Alaska provides to the service, recapitalization, joint initiatives and the arrival of the C-17 Globemaster IIIs and F-22 Raptor.Although he is no longer stationed in

  • AFMC leader discusses command's war contributions

    In the thick of rocket-propelled grenades, mortars and small-arms fire in a battle, the last thing on a warfighter's mind would be thanking members of Air Force Materiel Command for the weapons about to be used. Using better intelligence offered by AFMC's advancements, the warfighter can be sure the

  • Pararescue Airmen mission ready for search, rescue

    "That others may live" is the motto for the Air Force's pararescueman.Pararescue jumpers, or PJs, make up an elite corps of pararescuemen responsible for combat search and rescue missions.This team of highly trained pararescuemen performed a combat search and rescue training mission Feb. 24 in

  • Combat training adds to Airmen's skills

    Combat training is critical for Airmen deploying downrange. Senior Airman Joshua Issermoyer, a tactical air controller stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, already has deployed but continues to strengthen his skills with more training. Some of that training involved approximately 2,300 American and

  • Andersen Airmen response group hone combat skills

    In the former housing area known as Andersen South, a team of Airmen patrol the abandoned, rundown facilities. They scan the front and back of the patrol, looking for anything or anyone out of the ordinary. The Airmen are members of Andersen Air Force Base's 36th Contingency Response Group; this

  • In-house repairs keep costs down at Misawa Air Base

    The war on terrorism is forcing the U.S. military to take a closer look at its budget and how money is spent. In the quest to maximize resources, three Airmen here are part of program designed to do just. Three NCO's of the 35th Maintenance Group are manning Misawa's Repair Enhancement Program

  • Airmen help Kyrgyz K-9 corps take shape

    Airmen of the 376th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron here are training a new breed of fighters for the war on terrorism. The Airmen normal protect the members of the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, but are now helping train a Kyrgyz military working dog

  • Spangdahlem Airmen, a force behind ground support

    In the hangars along the flightline here, Airmen load up the 81st Fighter Squadron's A-10 Thunderbolt IIs with munitions.Having recently returned from training in Portugal, the 81st FS is back in Germany and the training hasn't stopped. While the pilots of the 81st FS are honing their skills behind

  • Feb. 26 airpower: F-15Es provide show of force

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 26.In Afghanistan Feb. 25, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided shows of force for a convoy receiving small arms fire in Pashsbad. A joint terminal attack controller reported that two individuals were firing at

  • 'Man's best friends' help fight war on terrorism

    More than 2,000 military working dogs currently serve at military bases around the world. But for the 65th Security Forces Squadron at Lajes Field, their hearts belong to two of those dogs. Dan and Rex, both adult German Shepherds, arrived at Lajes Field straight from the 120-day rigorous training

  • 'Week in Photos' highlights Airmen around the world

    Airmen are deployed around the globe every day to support operations ranging from humanitarian missions and coalition exercises to fighting terrorism with airpower. The "Week In Photos" Web exclusive on Air Force Link provides visitors ten photos that feature Airmen at war. It is a brief but

  • Feb. 25 airpower: F-16s provide watch

    In Afghanistan Feb. 24, at the direction of a joint terminal attack controller, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped a guided bomb unit-38 joint direct attack munition and GBU-39 small diameter bombs on single-story buildings being used by the enemy as small arms fire positions near Qurya. The air

  • Feb. 24 airpower: Bombers on patrol

    In Afghanistan on Feb. 23, an Air Force B-1B Lancer was assigned to observe a compound for possible insurgent targets near Musa Qal'eh. Coalition forces were taking small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades from insurgents in the compound. The B-1B pilot surveyed the compound and reported

  • Feb. 23 airpower: Airlifters move people and cargo daily

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 23. In Afghanistan Feb. 22, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles were assigned to drop guided bomb unit-12s on an enemy compound near Now Zad. One of the F-15E successfully dropped a GBU-12 laser guided bomb on the

  • Married couple share life, Air Force mission

    Most couples spend anniversaries, birthdays and Valentine's Day together enjoying a candlelit dinner. Captains Dan and Sarah Santoro however, are a little different; they usually spend their big days together in deployed locations throughout Southwest Asia. Since they started flying for operational

  • Airmen continue training for quick response

    When a tsunami devastated parts of Southeast Asia in 2005, Airmen from a special Air Force unit were ready to help. It's the job of the Airmen of the 615th Contingency Response Wing at Travis AFB to respond to crisis situations around the world at a moment's notice. They establish an aerial port,

  • T-38 crashes in Texas

    An Air Force T-38 Talon crashed at about 12:45 p.m. today approximately 12 miles south of Hondo, Texas. The aircraft was assigned to the 12th Flying Training Wing here. The aircraft was performing a training mission. The pilot safely ejected and is being transported to Wilford Hall Medical Center at

  • 'New Horizons' mission improves Nicaraguans' lives

    The sun pounds the ground as Airman 1st Class Jean Colas wipes his forehead clean of sweat and Nicaraguan soil. He stands, eyes squinted, surveying the fresh concrete he just helped pour -- the foundation for a five-room medical clinic here. He and about 16 other 820th Expeditionary Red Horse

  • Working dog teams search, patrol together

    Ensuring the safety of everyone at the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing here rests upon a group of Airmen and their highly trained four-legged partners. The 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dog Section has several certified teams made up of handlers and their explosive

  • Incirlik Airmen test life-saving skills

    Incirlik AB Airmen went one step further in an attack response exercise Feb. 8.Exercise Evaluation Team members added scenarios that challenged base Airmen with making the decisions that could save lives in the field. While still in mobility mission oriented protective posture gear, Airmen had to

  • Air Warfare Symposium features Air Force success, future

    Aerial support is critical in Iraq and Afghanistan. It saves lives and enables re-supply for troops fighting in difficult, remote terrain. But the heavy demand for aerial support is wearing down available assets, compounding problems already faced by aging Air Force fleets. The necessity to

  • First JPADS improved system airdrop over Iraq a success

    Eight aircrew members from the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing's 777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron used the Joint Precision Airdrop System, or JPADS, mission planning software for the first time over Iraq Feb. 16 to deliver six 1,200-pound Improved Container Delivery System, or I-CDS, bundles. The

  • Reserve pararescuemen help rescue Mount Hood climbers

    Air Force Reserve pararescuemen from 304th Rescue Squadron, Portland International Airport, Ore., were called Feb. 18 to assist in the search and rescue effort for three stranded climbers. While attempting to descend Mount Hood, Ore., the three people and a dog, who were roped together, fell through

  • Air Force leaders speak at annual AFA convention

    History and heritage, recapitalization and mission readiness and accomplishments were just a few of the topics covered by the Air Force's senior leaders at the Air Force Association's 23rd annual Air Warfare Symposium here Feb. 8 and 9. Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne introduced his

  • Firefighters free pilots from cockpits in worst case scenarios

    Firefighters use exercises as a venue for training in specialized scenarios. Extended hours and varied shifts for the Misawa AB members recently provided firefighters the opportunity to conduct training sessions that require extra attention and set up. One such scenario is pilot extraction. If a