Seasoned PJ trains next generation

Along the halls of the Pararescue and Combat Rescue Officer School here, reminders of heroes past adorn the walls with honor. There have been 13 Air Force Crosses and one Medal of Honor awarded to former students. They serve as testimony to the valor demonstrated by a fresh crop of

13th AF welcomes new commander, transforms operations

A one-year transformation of command and control of air, space and information operations in the Pacific ended here as 13th Air Force officially began operations as a component numbered air force headquarters and welcomed a new commander. Former Pacific Air Forces Deputy Commander, Lt. Gen. Loyd S.

'Top Flight' to rock forward bases

A 10-member Air Force band plans to boost morale throughout Southwest Asia, entertaining coalition forces at several forward operating locations as well as main operating bases typically visited by other bands and civilian artists. Top Flight, the rock band component of the Band of the West at

Operation Enduring Freedom marks five years

Five years ago, America, still stinging from the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, began striking back in the war on terrorism.President Bush appeared on national television to inform the American people he had unleashed U.S. military might against the enemy. Land-based bombers and Navy strike aircraft from

T-38s at Laughlin mark beginning of transition

Laughlin AFB officials received the first T-38 Talon Oct. 4 from Moody AFB, Ga.  The aircraft's arrival denotes the start of the transition to a new training mission. "This jet marks the beginning of Laughlin's transition to our newly acquired Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals mission," said Col.

Air Force leaders to discuss new 'Cyber Command'

Air Force leaders are gathering in early November to discuss plans for creation of a new command, one chartered with flying and fighting in cyber space. Cyberspace became an official Air Force domain, like air and space, on Dec. 7, 2005, when Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Chief of

NATO takes lead for operations throughout Afghanistan

NATO took the lead for international military operations throughout Afghanistan Oct. 5, assuming authority from the coalition for 14 eastern provinces at a ceremony in the Afghan capital of Kabul. Regional Command East is the last of four regional NATO commands in its International Security

USAFE unit debuts small diameter bomb in combat

The Guided Bomb Unit-39/B small diameter bomb was flown into combat for the first time Oct. 5 by members of the 494th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. The unit, deployed to the Southwest Asia area of operations, launched a two-ship formation of F-15E Strike Eagles at 1:30 a.m. EDT carrying the new

Virtual technology enhances training for aircrews

Survival, evasion, resistance and escape instructors at the 15th Operational Support Squadron are now using virtual technology to train aircrews in parachute hanging harness training. Most of today's aircrews are familiar with flight simulators. They are accepted as standard and are essential tools

Air Force announces team excellence awards

Air Force officials have announced the five teams selected for the 2006 Chief of Staff Team Excellence Awards. The awards recognize teams that used a systematic approach to enhance mission capability, improve operational performance and create sustained results. Improvements made by the five award

Air Force proposes initial Joint Strike Fighter locations

Plans for initiating environmental analyses for proposed locations of the Air Force's newest fighter, the F-35 Lightning II, were announced by Air Force officials Oct. 4. The initial Joint Strike Fighter locations include:-- Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., for primary maintenance and flight training;--

Guard, British officers exchange views

An Arkansas Air National Guard officer and a Royal Auxiliary Air Force warrant officer participated recently in an exchange officer program to help further cement the relationship between the two countries' air Reserve forces. For Maj. Dom Sarnataro, a 154th Training Squadron pilot, the National

Some Airmen can carry over 'use or lose' leave

Airmen who were recalled from or unable to take annual leave this past year for reasons such as support for contingency operations may be allowed to accumulate more than the normal 60 days after the fiscal year ends. Special leave accrual carry over also applies to Air Force Reserve and Air National

Air Force meets 2006 enlisted, OTS recruiting goals

The Air Force exceeded its fiscal 2006 enlisted recruiting goal of 30,750 by assessing 30,888 men and women into active duty from Oct. 1, 2005, through Sept. 30, 2006.Air Force Recruiting Service also was successful in recruiting line officers and chaplains, bringing in 485 line officers and 31

Air Warrior transforms into new Green Flag

With the ever-changing fight in the war on terrorism, thus goes the Air Force with the incarnation, or re-incarnation, of Green Flag.The Air Warrior exercises here and at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., have officially become the Air Force's premier pre-deployment exercises for Air Combat Command

Air traffic controller considers Air Force her second family

With nearly 300 flights coming in and out of Laughlin AFB every day, new and seasoned pilots depend upon the support from air traffic controllers to send them out and bring them back home safely to their base and families.One air traffic controller on the ground guiding pilots over Del Rio,

F-22 Raptor ready for its combat role

While the 27th Fighter Squadron is still figuring out the processes needed to deploy its F-22 Raptors to war, it is ready to go now. Squadron director of operations Lt. Col. Kevin Fesler said the Langley Air Force Base, Va., unit is still normalizing its operations. But he said if the call comes,

AFSO 21 tools enable Air Force to improve process

Using Air Force Smart Operations 21, Fairchild AFB members are on a journey of self-improvement as they work to save time and money."You can do more with less, if you have less waste in your process," said Bill Long, Fairchild AFB's AFSO 21 consultant. AFSO 21 is an Air Force unique

Air show to showcase C-17's capabilities

C-17 Globemaster III crews from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, will showcase their aircrafts' unique capabilities in an air show in Australia this month. In preparation for the air show, a crew flew their C-17 to Kona International Airport, putting the jet through the performance maneuvers that best

C-21 aircraft crashes at Decatur, Ill. airport

An Air Force Flight Standards Agency C-21 crashed at approximately 11:30 a.m. today at the Decatur, Ill. airport.The aircraft, based out of Will Rogers Air Guard Station in Oklahoma City, was performing touch-and-go training at the airport. The two pilots on board the aircraft are being held at a

Laughlin Airmen become Baron barnstormers for day

Oct. 2 was far from a typical day for one Airman whose normal routine includes drawing blood and trying not to make children cry in the process. When Senior Airman Robert Arrington, a medical lab technician with the 47th Medical Support Squadron was told he'd been selected to fly with the Red Baron

Ceremony brings historic 23rd Wing to Moody

The 347th Rescue Wing was officially re-designated as the 23rd Wing during a ceremony at 8:23 a.m. here Sept. 29.The ceremony culminated several recent changes to Moody's wing, including the assimilation of the 23rd Fighter Group at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., and Moody's 820th Security Forces Group.

Missile squadron poised for 72-hour alerts

Missile combat crews in the 490th Missile Squadron here are helping the 20th Air Force transform missile operations as crewmembers started performing 72-hour alerts using three-person crews Sept. 30. Twentieth Air Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Thomas F. Deppe, suggested the 72-hour alert initiative and

New capability improves search, rescue response

Pararescuemen in the 347th Rescue Group here are preparing to add a new capability to their life-saving arsenal soon. Kangaroo Duck, a process which involves strapping an inflatable rubber raft to the underbelly of an HH-60 Pave Hawk, will be used to better assist with water-rescue scenarios, like

COMUSAFE visits Portuguese defense officials

The commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe met with Portuguese defense officials to build relationships and tour facilities Sept. 29. During the trip, Gen. Tom Hobbins visited Monte Real Air Base, Alcochete Range and Lisbon's Ministry of Defense, where he met Admiral Jose Manuel Garcia Mendes

Koa Lightning sharpens B-52 aircrews' war fighting skills

The B-52 aircrews of the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed from the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., are keeping their war fighting skills sharp as part of the United States' continuous bomber presence in the Pacific region. A highlight of the "Barons" first 30 days at Andersen

55th Wing fulfills mission tasks from borrowed airfield

Every day nearly 450 Airmen from the 55th Wing take the bus to work -- making an hour-long ride that takes them 50 miles away from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. The wing moved airfield operations and support agencies to the Lincoln Air Park ramp in May to continue flying missions remotely while

Oct. 1 effective date for Air Force uniform changes

There will be noticeable changes with the Air Force uniform Oct. 1, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley said. Three changes include doing away with enlisted shoulder board ranks and introducing a new physical training uniform and an insignia. The Air Force introduced shoulder board

VPP promotes safer, healthier work environment

Tinker Air Force Base is one of nine Air Force installations that will implement the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Voluntary Protection Program in an effort to reduce the number of work-related injuries and illnesses. Recently mandated by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, the

Last U.S. servicemembers to leave Iceland Sept. 30

A 65-year segment of history ends Sept. 30, when the last American servicemembers based in Iceland will leave the country. U.S. servicemembers will continue to work with, train with and operate with their NATO ally, but troops will not be based in the island nation, said Thomas F. Hall, assistant

23rd 'Flying Tigers' to become host wing at Moody

The "Flying Tigers" will be brought back from the past as the 347th Rescue Wing will be redesignated as the 23rd Wing during a ceremony here at 8:23 a.m. Sept. 29. Brig. Gen. Blair E. Hansen, vice commander of 9th Air Force at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., will preside over the redesignation ceremony

Air Force undertaking force transformation initiatives

The Air Force has changed direction in its effort to fulfill its legal requirements to organize, train and equip a flying force. During the Air Force Association's 2006 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 27, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley explained how

Scott Airmen come down with the Blues

For many professional sports teams, summer training camp includes grueling exercises, early wake-up calls and countless hours of practice. Before their season kickoff, St. Louis Blues hockey players didn't expect to be low-crawling at Scott Air Force Base. The Blues visited Scott AFB Sept. 25 and 26

AFMC vice commander testifies on new personnel system

The recent implementation of the National Security Personnel System Spiral 1.1, at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., was the focus as Lt. Gen. Terry Gabreski, Air Force Materiel Command vice commander, spoke before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Sept. 20.It was the

Investigation continues into collision in Kyrgyzstan

A safety investigation board has convened to determine the cause of a collision between a Kyrgyz TU-154 passenger plane and an Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker on the airfield at Manas International Airport Sept. 26. "Our primary concern was for the safety of the passengers and crew of both aircraft,"

Reductions necessary to recapitalize today's service

Reducing the number of Airmen in the service is never easy business, but it's absolutely necessary to recapitalize today's service, said the Air Force's top personnel officer Sept. 26 at the annual Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference here. "This is a challenging time for all people in

Support agencies ease deployed Airmen's return

Family and friends welcomed the safe return Sept. 24 of several Airmen who were deployed in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. After spending time with their families, the Airmen returned to the base the next morning to process through a "reintegration" line at Laughlin's

Japanese, U.S. Airmen share insights at tactics symposium

Airmen from 5th Air Force here sponsored a tactics symposium Sept. 26 to 27, bringing together 30 representatives from the Japanese Air Self Defense Force and U.S. military components in Japan. A first of its kind, the event allowed captains and majors from operations-related specialties to discuss

4th Corps Soldiers get lift from 386th AEW

Pvt. 1st Class Michael Sirrine is on his first deployment but knows plenty about being in the desert. A native of Tuscon, Ariz., he noticed as soon as he arrived in Kuwait, "it's just like home, with less cactus." Before boarding an Air Force C-130 Hercules in early September for Balad, Iraq,

Command chief panel discusses enlisted issues

Change, readiness and winning the war on terrorism were the three top issues discussed during the command chiefs' forum at the 2006 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 25."We must deal with changes and focus on the No. 1 priority facing us today:

Servicemembers get chance to tell their side of story

Members of the Department of Defense's "Why We Serve" speakers bureau team shared stories of their service with employees of USAA, a 22,000-strong military financial services company, here Sept. 25-26. Over the past three weeks, the DOD's "Why We Serve" team of servicemembers from all the armed

Life-saving training at Osan AB

PACAF commander speaks of enhancing partnerships

Unlike European nations who have come together under NATO, the Pacific theater does not have a joint organization for defense and peacekeeping within its nations, said the Pacific Air Forces and Air Component commander here at the Air Force Association's annual Air & Space Conference and Technology

New 'Port Dawgs' set up for success at Charleston AFB

Members of the 437th Aerial Port Squadron here have found a unique way to get their Airmen trained smarter, faster and better -- it's called the Port Dawg University currently being taught at Charleston AFB. The Port Dawg University Program is "aerial port's way of streamlining everything to make

Dover AFB receives new maintenance trainer

The Avionics Modernization Program, also known as AMP, is changing the way C-5 Galaxies are flown by streamlining the aircaft to emulate civilian aircraft.In addition to installing new communications and navigation panels, dials are being replaced with multi-function display units. These new AMP

Three Airmen awarded Bronze Star

Three Airmen here were awarded the Bronze Star Medal recently in a ceremony at the base theater. The 20th Air Force commander, Maj. Gen. Thomas Deppe presented the awards to Senior Airman Charity Trueblood, Maj. Lawrence King and Capt. Jonathan Bennett for duties they performed while fighting the

Enlisted heritage room pays tribute to CMSAF Parish

A former chief master sergeant of the Air Force dedicated to the preservation of enlisted history was honored at a ceremonial opening of an enlisted heritage room bearing his name. The Parish Enlisted Heritage Room became a reality Sept. 22 at the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Headquarters building

Airmen fly with Indian air force counterparts

After several weeks of training with their Indian counterparts, Airmen from the 15th Airlift Wing got the chance to reverse their roles and fly with an Indian aircrew on their IL-76 medium range cargo jet. The aircrew's primary mission was to deliver members of the Indian army to Hawaii for a joint

PT gear in high demand at clothing sales stores

For the first time in the Air Force's 59 year history, Airmen reporting for physical training must show up in the same gear beginning Oct. 1. But while several agencies have been preparing for this change for some time, the last-minute rush on the new mandatory gear is creating an overwhelming

MacDill Airmen assist in high-speed chase

Officials at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., implemented enhanced security procedures at their gates after two teens in a stolen vehicle stormed through the main gate Sept. 20. MacDill security forces helped in apprehending the suspects within 10 minutes after Tampa police began pursuing the teenagers

Afghanistan's president notes progress, problems

Although progress has been profound and his country continues to move forward, terrorists have stepped up their efforts to derail that progress, Afghanistan's president told the United Nations General Assembly in New York Sept. 20. "We have seen terrorism rebounding as terrorists have infiltrated

Citizen Soldiers, Airmen make difference on border

The Department of Homeland Security has seen a drop in the number of illegal immigrants crossing the U.S. border with Mexico for the first time, and the National Guard has made the difference, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said here Sept. 18."For the first time, we are seeing a

Converted C-130s make flying, training, maintaining easier

The C-130 Hercules getting upgraded avionics will give pilots better situational awareness, will be easier to schedule for missions and easier to maintain. The first of some 350 Air Force's C-130s to receive the avionics modernization program conversion -- which upgrades it with new digital displays

Contingency training sharpens combat skills

Civil Air Patrol honored for hurricane relief contributions

The Civil Air Patrol is scheduled to receive the prestigious Summit Award Sept. 20 for its Hurricanes Katrina and Rita disaster relief contributions. This is the highest award the American Society of Association Executives and the Center for Association Leadership's Associations Advance America

Course prepares dentists to treat children worldwide

Officials from the 59th Medical Wing are teaching a Pediatric Dentistry Course to help general dentists from smaller clinics learn new techniques for treating children during the two-week course that ends Sept. 22 at Lackland AFB, Texas.The in-residence course provides training to Air Force dentists

Illustrators draw on real-life experiences

In this digital era, a group of distinguished illustrators still volunteer their time and talent to capturing the Air Force mission on canvas. "When you look at an oil painting, you are looking at the (artist's) original thinking," said Keith Ferris. "Digital images can be altered countless times

Air Force announces OTS selections

Sixty-two men and women from across America have been selected for Officer Training School, officials here announced Sept. 19.Air Force Recruiting Service officials considered 296 applications as part of Officer Training School Selection Board 06OT04, which selected 62 people for a 21-percent

Chapel worker attending ball on Air Force birthday

Senior Airman Melissa Ann Harrington helps chaplains minister to Airmen's needs and will have scant time on the Air Force's 59th birthday for cake, ice cream and punch.Instead, like for the past 15 years, she and other Airmen around the world will report to work to fight or support the ongoing war

Airman checking munitions on Air Force birthday

Senior Airman Robert Shelton has munitions on his plate on the Air Force's 59th birthday instead of the usual cake, ice cream and punch.Because for the past 15 years, he and other Airmen around the world will report to work to fight or support the ongoing war on terrorism. This war -- like all the

Eagles, Falcons face off in air exercise

Eagles and Falcons, the Air Force's premier "birds of prey," are currently facing off here in a two-week air-to-air exercise called Sentry Aloha.F-15 Eagles from the Hawaii Air National Guard's 199th Fighter Squadron and F-16 Fighting Falcons from the Texas Air National Guard's 149th Fighter Wing

Raptor pilot training on Air Force birthday

Capt. Daniel Arkema will be flying the Air Force's newest fighter on the service's birthday -- not eating cake and ice cream and drinking punch. Instead, like for the past 15 years, he and other Airmen around the world will report to work to fight or support the ongoing war on terrorism. This war --

Charleston photojournalist featured on national magazine

An aerial combat photojournalist with the 1st Combat Camera Squadron here will be featured on the cover of a national professional women's magazine. Staff Sgt. Stacy Pearsall's self-portrait flying in a helicopter over Iraq in 2003 was chosen for the cover of the October issue of Pink, which hits

Spangdahlem F-16 was in controlled crash landing

The F-16 Fighting Falcon that crashed near Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, had a landing gear problem that forced its pilot to do a controlled crash landing. The crash was not an accident, 52nd Fighter Wing commander Col. Darryl Roberson said. The colonel held a press conference Sept. 16 near the

Airmen compete in training challenge

Airmen from nine major commands gathered here this week to compete and train in the CBRN Challenge. The challenge, which covers chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear hazards, is being held for the first time as an Air Force-wide event. The week-long event ends Sept. 15 with a banquet and

'Bone' makes evolving mark on war on terrorism

It can strike at a moment's notice. It is a lethal injection for the war on terrorism. It is a combat commander' s weapon of choice. The B-1B Lancer, sometimes called the "Bone," has made a name for itself for nearly 20 years and continues to make its mark in the fight for freedom. Since the war

Basic training graduation ceremony focuses on POW/MIA Day

Army vet recalls horrors of POW camp

Dec. 23, 1944. "It was the saddest day of my life," said Guillermo Serrano. It was a numbingly cold night with Christmas Eve just hours away when young Army Private Serrano was captured and imprisoned by Germans during the early stages of World War II's Battle of the Bulge. The battle began Dec. 16,

CMSAF McKinley gets firsthand look at Offutt missions

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney McKinley met with Airmen here and saw firsthand the diverse missions accomplished in support of the nation's defense. While at Offutt AFB Sept. 5 to 8, the chief took the opportunity to speak at an "all hands call" at U.S. Strategic Command and an enlisted

Denver-area units hold POW/MIA Recognition Day vigil

To commemorate National POW/MIA Recognition Day, military and civilian employees gathered here Sept. 14 for a 24-hour vigil to remember people listed as prisoners of war or missing in action. The annual ceremony opened with volunteers from the Air Reserve Personnel Center, Defense Finance and

Dover AFB readies for arrival of C-17s

Distinguished visitors from around the state gathered together with members of the Dover Air Force Base community Sept. 11 to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new C-17 training facility and the arrival of C-17 Globemaster III aircraft to Dover. The ceremony was a celebration of nearly a decade of

Spangdahlem F-16 crashes

A 22nd Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed at 1 p.m. local time Sept. 14 near the town of Oberkail, about 10 miles north of this busy fighter base. The pilot ejected safely and is in good condition, said Staff Sgt. Tammie Moore, a spokesperson for the 52nd Fighter Wing. The aircraft was on

Selective Early Retirement Board to convene Jan. 8

In an effort to shape the force to support core and emerging missions, Air Force officials will convene a Selective Early Retirement Board Jan. 8 to balance the excess of officers in the colonel and lieutenant colonel ranks. The SERB will evaluate line of the Air Force and chaplain colonels and

Live-fire training

Officials award $589 million Weapon System Integrator contract

Officials with the Electronic Systems Center's 350th Electronic Systems Group awarded a $589 million contract Sept. 12 to Lockheed Martin Corp. to serve as the Air and Space Operations Center Weapon System Integrator.With this contract, Air Force specialists will be able to aid the government's

California ANG participating in exercises in Ukraine

California Air National Guardsmen and members of California's Emergency Medical Services Authority are participating in a disaster response exercise with civilians and military members from Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Moldova in Odessa, Ukraine, Sept. 13 through 21.Activities will focus on

South Carolina Air Guard trains at Kadena

Airmen provide medical assistance in Colombia

Fourteen Airmen from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., and Lackland AFB, Texas, arrived at Hospital Toribo Maya, Colombia, Sept. 13 and opened the doors to the hundreds of people who had already gathered outside seeking medical assistance. The team, made up of members from the 55th Medical Group at

Airmen deploy from Mountain Home AFB

More than 160 Airmen from the 726th Air Control Squadron here deployed Sept. 10 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.Their mission is to monitor the airspace over a battlefield and provide military leaders with a clear and accurate picture of that area, allowing commanders to make informed,

Air Force dentist aids Colombian people

On Sept. 11, 2001, Lt. Col. (Dr.) Gary Geracci was in the middle of packing for a TDY when he received a call from his mother saying the World Trade Center had been attacked. "I don't think you'll be going anywhere," she said. Like so many others who witnessed the tragic events of 9/11, Colonel

Fifth CMSAF puts Air Force evolution into perspective

Evolution and progression have been Air Force standards since the service's creation almost 60 years ago. But a voice from the past reminded Airmen here that the fundamentals of Air Force success are the same now as then. Retired Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Robert Gaylor, the fifth chief

Five years later Airmen remember 9/11, continue the fight

Sept. 11, 2001, is a day no American will ever forget, and Airmen serving around the world took time this Patriots Day to reflect on events just five years ago.Flags flew at half-staff and Airmen observed moments of silence around the world to commemorate the solemn anniversary. Coalition forces and

Rain doesn't stop San Antonio's Freedom Walk

Off and on rain, symbolic tears, fell upon the more than 1,200 walkers who took part in San Antonio's first Freedom Walk Sept. 11 in remembrance of the tragic attacks that scarred America five years ago. "Remembering the Pentagon, the World Trade Center in New York, and Shanksville, Pa., the America

Andersen members return from USNS Mercy mission

Members from the 36th Medical Group, 36th Wing and the U.S. Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 returned home Sept. 10 following a 72-day humanitarian and civic assistance deployment on the USNS Mercy.While embarked on USNS Mercy, servicemembers and civilians participated in theater security

Officials announce T-3A Firefly final disposition

Nearly a decade after the Air Force stood down the T-3A Firefly fleet following three fatal accidents, Air Force officials made a final disposition decision to salvage the aircraft in place. Base officials here announced the selection of TOTALL Metal Recycling Inc., of Granite City, Ill., to handle

USAFE sets course with AFSO 21

To best meet the challenges of the road ahead, the U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander assembled leaders throughout the command here to initiate USAFE-wide implementation of Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century. "We're going to determine where we're going in the future, and AFSO 21 will

ESC awards $627.8 million task order

The Electronic Systems Center's 554th Electronic Systems Group awarded a $627.8 million task order Sept. 7 to Computer Sciences Corporation for systems integration support.The order includes configuring, deploying and conducting training and change management activities for the Expeditionary Combat

Air Force team to provide medical care in Colombia

An Air Force medical team made up of members from the 55th Medical Group at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., and the 59th Medical Wing at Lackland AFB, Texas, arrived here Sept. 10 to participate in a two-week medical readiness exercise. As part of this medical readiness training exercise, or MEDRETE,

World-class runners to compete in Air Force Marathon

Two running legends will return for the 10th annual U.S. Air Force Marathon. Marathon champions Bill Rodgers and Alberto Salazar will once again have a full itinerary as they arrive the day before the big event. Rodgers will sign autographs and greet marathon participants from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Civic leaders, media help celebrate KC-135's 50th anniversary

A group of 40 Spokane business people helped commemorate the 50th birthday of the Air Force's primary refueling aircraft here Sept. 6.The Boeing Company debuted the KC-135 Stratotanker in August 1956, and it was delivered to the Air Force a year later. The aircraft has supported armed conflict and

'Treasure Hunters' meet Air Force leaders

A team made up of Air Force Academy grads that recently competed on a reality-television show visited the Pentagon Sept. 7 and met with senior Air Force leaders. They also toured the Air Force Memorial site here. Husband and wife, Matt and Brooke Rillos, and their best friend, Matt Zitzlsperger,

Charleston C-17 squadron completes deployment

The first full-squadron deployment of C-17 Globemaster III aircrews and leaders at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., came to a close Sept. 1.Lt. Col. Ricky Rupp assumed command of the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron from Lt. Col. Lenny Richoux, both from the 437th Airlift Wing at Charleston

Air Force trains to fill Army deployments

Located about an hour north of Biloxi, Camp Shelby has a reputation for weather that could make the devil sweat. The harsh weather ratchets up the realism of the training that some Air Force people receive before deploying to locations like Iraq and Afghanistan. The camp is one of the

Fall '06 Air and Space Power Journal available

The College for Aerospace Doctrine, Research and Education at Air University has published and distributed the Fall 2006 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

Combined forces at leadership school benefit students

Japanese and U.S. military forces have many training opportunities to interact and learn from each other, and that bilateral relationship is carrying over to the military education classroom. Walk into an Airman Leadership School class here and it resembles a coalition headquarters environment, with

Air University offers online language training

Air University officials here are offering an opportunity to active-duty company grade officers to study a foreign language online at no cost. In an effort to fulfill the Air Force chief of staff's guidance to develop culturally and linguistically competent Airmen, Air University will present the

Rising fuel costs tighten Air Force belt

The growing cost of crude oil combined with increasing fuel demands of the war on terrorism are forcing Air Combat Command officials to brace for a budget crisis while looking for future fuel alternatives. The Air Force paid approximately $4.2 billion for petroleum in fiscal 2005 -- almost $1.4

First wave of Airmen deploy from Ellsworth

The first wave of about 550 Ellsworth Airmen deployed to various locations throughout Southwest Asia to support ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.The majority of the Airmen, from operational and maintenance units, left earlier this week to join the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing and serve

Teams seek fresh, creative ideas to resolve problems

With violence at deployed military checkpoints a reality, U.S. and coalition forces often have to make tough decisions when drivers ignore warnings to stop. Insurgents often attack these guarded locations, sometimes with car bombs.Maj. Gen. Ted F. Bowlds, the Air Force Research Laboratory commander,

Lackland medics keep steady deployment pace

More than 100 Airmen from the 59th Medical Wing departed Wilford Hall Medical Center here earlier this week for various locations throughout Southwest Asia, including the Air Force Theater Hospital at Balad Air Base, Iraq.Others will follow throughout September, with a final count of more than