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U.S. Air Force News

  • T-38 maintenance significant to ISR

    Although various personnel provide support to T-38 flying operations a group of mechanics play an integral role. These civilian contractors work to keep the aircraft ready to fly whenever necessary.

  • Special ops surgical team saves hundreds during deployment

    If they stood on the roof of the abandoned one-story home they were working out of, at night they could see bombs dropping on the city three kilometers north. Limited resources, limited manpower, limited backup, and limited time didn’t stop this Air Force Special Operations Surgical Team from

  • What to know before piloting a drone

    As unmanned aerial systems, also called drones, become more popular, the Federal Aviation Administration and local bases have established policy on how and when to operate drones.

  • Inside look: A sensor operator’s first weapons strike

    The feelings experienced during combat missions can be intense for many aircrew members. For Airman 1st Class Matthew, a 20-year-old 15th Attack Squadron MQ-1 Predator sensor operator, his first air strike was an event he will never forget.

  • Moody 'shields' aircraft from adversaries during CS

    Moody Air Force Base’s aircraft fleet routinely exhibits their abilities by providing mission-ready combat, rescue and transient assets. In order to attack, rescue and prevail, these guardians of the skies must be able to protect themselves, especially from electronic warfare.

  • SECAF’s top 10 themes discussed at spouse, family forum

    During a spouse and family forum hosted by Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James in October, participants submitted more than 170 threads on the forum’s event page. The topics included spouse employment and child care access; Air Force programs for families with special needs; and schools,

  • Palace Chase, Front offer alternatives to active duty

    Every year, thousands of individuals raise their right hand and commit to serve in the military as either enlisted members or officers. While some choose to serve for many years on active duty, others might elect to leave, but that doesn’t mean they can’t continue serving.

  • MQ-1, MQ-9 Millennials make difference on battlefield

    For the one percent of the U.S. population that chooses the path to serve in the armed forces, there are many opportunities. One prospective path in the Air Force lies in the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft enterprise.

  • JTACs enable aerial reaction force mission

    Joint terminal air controllers from the 817th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron out of Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, recently began a partnership with Task Force Fighting Eagle’s aerial reaction force to provide JTAC capabilities to their missions.

  • AF selects 58 for test pilot school

    Air Force officials have selected 58 primary and alternate students for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Naval Test Pilot schools, with classes beginning June 2017.

  • AFCENT Tankers fuel the fight

    In the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and the Iraqi counteroffensive to liberate Mosul, no nation works alone. In the skies, pilots from 19 nations work tirelessly to dismantle, disrupt and ultimately destroy ISIL by striking infrastructure, roadways and other high-value

  • Civilian tuition assistance increases to $1M, expands eligibility

    The Air Force has received an additional $400,000, for a total of $1 million, for its 2017 civilian tuition assistance program, and all permanent, full-time appropriated fund employees, including those in wage-grade positions, are now eligible to participate.

  • Operation Christmas Drop begins at Guam

    Military members from the U.S. Air Force, Coast Guard and Navy, with international support from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and Royal Australian Air Force are joining forces to airdrop and deliver donated toys, clothes, food items and other necessities to remote islands across the Pacific Ocean

  • Tyndall host Checkered Flag, Combat Archer

    The skies over Tyndall Air Force Base will soon be filled with a variety of aircraft as they partake in Checkered Flag 17-1 and Combat Archer 17-3, concurrent large-scale total force aerial integration exercises that will run Dec. 5-16.

  • First Japanese F-35A arrives at Luke

    The F-35 program hit another milestone Nov. 28 with the arrival of the first foreign military sales F-35 at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The arrival marked the next step for the international F-35 training program as Japan took ownership of the first FMS aircraft to arrive at Luke AFB.

  • Whiteman pilot reflects on 6,000 hours in the A-10

    Nearly three decades of flying and 11 combat deployments later, Lt. Col. John Marks, a pilot with the 303rd Fighter Squadron has achieved a milestone that equates to 250 days in the cockpit, which most fighter pilots will never reach and puts him among the highest time fighter pilots in the Air

  • AF partners with OSU for stress evaluation, recovery methods

    The Air Force Research Laboratory, 711th Human Performance Wing, has signed a cooperative research and development agreement with the Ohio State University. Special operations units in the Defense Department are physically and mentally elite due to the training they endure. Since special operations

  • F-35 begins integrated training with F-16 at Luke

    In October, pilots of the 56th Fighter Wing began flying integrated direct support practice sorties in the F-35A Lightning II and the F-16 Fighting Falcon for the first time as a regular component of the training curriculum at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.

  • New RQ-4 engine depot opens on Tinker AFB

    The Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex recently stood up the overhaul and repair capability for a new workload in the F-137 engine. This new workload is a partnership with Rolls-Royce, and the first venture of this kind with this engine manufacturer.

  • Around the Air Force: Nov. 25

    On this look around the Air Force, NASA launches a new weather satellite, Airmen train with Marines during Vigilant Ace 17-1, and Serbian support during World War II is commemorated.

  • Training ISR warriors faster, smarter through mobile apps

    There are roughly 12,000 intelligence professionals assigned to 25th Air Force, 70 percent have less than five years of military service, and most of those Airmen are millennials; multi-taskers who thrive on high-tech, mobile and innovative training methods.

  • Around the Air Force: Nov. 22

    On this look around the Air Force, Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico has been selected to be the interim home for two F-16 Fighting Falcon training squadrons, the secretary of defense got a close look at special operations Airmen at work, and the Air Force has concluded an F-16 crash

  • Goldfein discusses changing face of war

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein spoke with Defense One’s Marcus Weisgerber in Washington D.C. Nov. 17 and gave the reasoning behind the changes being contemplated for the future of defense. In addition to being responsible for the “man, train and equip” mission for the Air Force, the

  • Moody Airmen host riot training for local state troopers

    Airmen from Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, hosted Georgia State Patrol’s Mobile Field Force semiannual riot control training Nov. 16-17. The GSP used Moody’s facilities to ensure their readiness for riots while Airmen supported by participating as rioters. The training consisted of both classroom

  • Airmen provide air base defense in northern Iraq

    Today, defenders assigned to the 821st Contingency Response Group are on the front lines in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, providing air base defense for Qayyarah West Airfield in northern Iraq.

  • Intel training streamlined

    When it comes to having the leading edge in air, space and cyberspace, non-commissioned officers from the 70th Operations Support Squadron have taken it to a new level, training Airmen on the importance of Air Force National Tactical Integration (AF NTI).

  • AF hosts Warrior Care Sitting Volleyball Tournament

    The volleyball courts were clear as athletes made their way into the Pentagon Athletic Center. Some arrived in wheelchairs. Some were missing limbs. Many had wounds which couldn’t be seen. As they sat down on the court for warm-ups, they all had something in common…they were all wounded warriors.

  • Wounded warriors given avenues during CARE event

    Nearly 130 Air Force wounded warriors and caregivers attending the latest Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) Program’s CARE event at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, from Nov. 14-18 received tools and resources to help them deal with their individual challenges.

  • SecDef ensures future military readiness during JBSA visit

     Secretary of Defense Ash Carter traveled to Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, Nov. 16, during a trip focused on ensuring the readiness of the U.S. military and the effectiveness of the training and equipment provided to today’s warfighters. While at JBSA, Carter spoke with Airmen who had just

  • C-17 Weapons Instructor Course relocates to JB Lewis-McChord

    Air Mobility Command will save $12 million annually by moving a weapons squadron and weapons instructor course from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington beginning the summer of 2017, officials announced Nov. 18.

  • Combat controller continues Special Tactics legacy of valor

    During a ceremony Nov. 16, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Maj. Gen. Eugene Haase the Air Force Special Operations Command vice commander, presented the nation’s third highest medal for gallantry against an armed enemy of the U.S. in combat to Thiem. Thiem's actions occurred when he was

  • CRG enables strategic air operations at Qayyarah West

    The landing was much more than routine; it was symbolic. It represented the first time a fixed wing Iraqi aircraft, loaded with cargo, landed at the strategic airfield since it fell to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant fighters in 2014.

  • Unique rehab center gets injured Airmen back on duty

    Not long after receiving innovative care for serious combat-related injuries, 2nd Lt. Marc Esposito gave his future wife a tour of the unique rehabilitation center that helped the Air Force special operator get back to jumping out of planes. The state-of-the-art setting cast with advanced technology

  • Around the Air Force: Nov. 15

    On this look around the Air Force the 301st Fighter Wing returns home from Afghanistan, Airmen participate in exercise Tonnerre Lightning, and Airmen and firefighters attend an emergency medical technician course.

  • US, Japan forces work together during Keen Sword

    Members from the Japan Self-Defense Forces and U.S. Forces, Japan, came together for Keen Sword 2017 at Yokota Air Base from Oct. 30 – Nov. 11. KS17 involved U.S. forces and the JSDF from all components of both militaries, training to conduct bilateral operations in support of the defense of Japan.

  • Licking their wounds: Trained dogs assist, comfort wounded Airmen

    Constant back pain from an injury suffered years ago in combat still troubles Staff Sgt. Ryan Garrison. It wakes him up at night when his medication wears off. It triggers his depression and anxiety, leading to angry outbursts. Several prescriptions and mental health visits didn’t effectively assist

  • Exercise Tonnerre Lightning exhibits trust, teamwork, training

    Around-the-clock, whether for combat operations or humanitarian aid, Airmen are ready to respond anywhere. Until they get that call, however, Airmen hone their skills through exercises and realistic training.During exercise Tonnerre Lightning, the U.S. Air Force worked with United Kingdom and French

  • AF unveils latest ‘Veterans in Blue’ exhibit

    The seventh volume of “Veterans in Blue” is now available online. The exhibit captures 28 stories of heroism and service by Air Force veterans. Each veteran’s portrait is also displayed at the Pentagon.

  • 305 make next cut for enlisted RPA pilot selection

    Air Force officials have chosen 305 active-duty enlisted Airmen for the next phase of the Enlisted Remotely Piloted Aircraft Pilot Selection Board process as part of a deliberate approach to enhance the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission.

  • Airman beats cancer, completes 22nd marathon

    His cancer diagnosis came as a complete surprise. After all, he had just run his 21st marathon. Other than a recent cold, he was a picture of perfect health. Chief Master Sgt. Todd Kirkwood, the 167th Maintenance Group superintendent, received the news of his diagnosis the day after Thanksgiving in

  • Innovative cyber program protects critical Tyndall AFB assets

    The 325th Communications Squadron became the first Air Combat Command squadron to join a new initiative to ensure Tyndall Air Force Base is able to train and project unrivaled combat airpower.The Cyber Squadron Innovation is a pathfinder program among Air Force communication squadrons, enabling

  • Airman conquers triathlons, strengthens CAF domains

    Daily obstacles in life can take on many forms, and one Airman from the 325th Aerospace Medical Squadron has found overcoming obstacles encountered during triathlons helps strengthen his four domains of Comprehensive Airmen Fitness.

  • STRATCOM welcomes Hyten as new commander

    Gen. John E. Hyten took command of U.S. Strategic Command from Navy Adm. Cecil D. Haney during a change of command ceremony at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, Nov. 3.

  • Edwards AFB squadron tests missile for European ally’s F-35

    From Norway to Australia, members from a number of allied and partner nations have come to Edwards Air Force Base to team with base units to test systems, enhance international cooperation and advance their own air force’s capabilities.

  • Osan’s special handling section has a ‘hand’ in everything

    One small group of Airmen hold the responsibility of accepting, storing and transferring these critical items aiding in the safety and stability of the South Korea. From a small blood sample to aircraft ammunition, the 731st Air Mobility Squadron’s special handling section assists in the

  • FY 2017 NCO retraining program application window now open

    The Air Force has released fiscal year 2017 retraining quotas for eligible NCOs via the NCO Retraining Program.The retraining program is a complimentary tool used to help balance and sustain the enlisted force as the Air Force continues to grow. While the Air Force is still undermanned across the

  • Carrying the load

    With enemy rounds visible within 10 feet of the ramp, the loadmasters took cover and manually cut the release gate. After the drop, the pilot conducted a rapid climb and maneuvered out of the weapon engagement zone. Although the entire encounter lasted approximately 90 seconds and resulted in a

  • Around the Air Force: Nov. 1

    On this look around the Air Force a reduction in ancillary training is announced, cyberattacks are the leading strategic threat and a preview of the latest episode of BLUE features Air Force tankers.

  • Airmen keep F-35s flying

    After a discovery of faulty insulation on coolant lines caused a temporary flight restriction for 10 F-35A Lightning IIs at Hill Air Force Base, the repaired jets are beginning to fly again.

  • RED HORSE elite team compared to real life superheroes

    A 21-member civil engineering team whose main objectives are to air insert themselves to repair battle-damaged airfields and quickly return them to service. The team is composed of electricians, structures, heavy equipment operators, vehicle maintenance and services personnel.

  • Overcoming cancer, embracing life

    She placed a pillow under her right shoulder and put her right arm behind her head on the bed. Using her left hand, she pressed the pads of her fingers around her right breast gently in small circular motions, covering the entire breast area and armpit.

  • AF selects 720 civilians for developmental education

    More than 700 Air Force civilian employees were selected for basic, intermediate and senior developmental education opportunities during the 2016 Civilian Developmental Education Board held at the Air Force Personnel Center in September.

  • Taking the fight to the cyberspace frontier

    In a highly secure, underground facility in Colorado Springs, crews of operators in a room full of computers keep an ever vigilant eye, protecting worldwide U.S. assets around the clock. This facility is not underneath tons of granite in the midst of Cheyenne Mountain, like a more well-known part of

  • QF-4 mission nearly complete

    The QF-4 Aerial Target mission is winding down and two of the aircraft visited here Oct. 25 so that those who have supported F-4 Phantom IIs over the years could see them one last time.

  • Air Force’s first robotic surgery training course established at Keesler

    The Keesler Medical Center recently acquired two da Vinci Xi robotic surgical systems, one for surgeries and the other for training, which is one of the newest systems out there and the first of its kind for the Air Force. Also, Keesler’s Clinical Research Laboratory has set up a training facility,

  • Weapons squadrons integrate combat skillsets

    Two B-52s from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, and two B-1 Lancers from Dyess AFB, Texas, flew together and performed more than 200 simulated missile launches as part of a weapons school integration exercise.

  • Boom operators help develop new KC-46 system

    Earlier this year in Everett, Washington, workers from Detachment 1, 418th Flight Test Squadron, and Boeing teamed up to achieve major test milestones for the KC-46A Pegasus, which resulted in the Defense Department authorizing initial production in August.

  • ‘Not disabilities but different abilities’

    October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and Lt. Col. Brandon Sokora, the 100th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, shared his story during a lunch celebrating the many varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities.

  • AF engineers repair runway in Iraq

    The 1st Expeditionary Civil Engineer Group arrived in northern Iraq to conduct a reconnaissance mission for what would become a historic undertaking. Their mission: mitigate runway damage caused by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

  • Nation’s first special tactics memorial unveiled

    A seven-foot tall bronze statue of a special tactics Airman in operational gear stands atop a black granite base -- a memorial to past, present and future special tactics operators. The Special Tactics Memorial was unveiled at a dedication ceremony with more than 800 people present, Air Force Chief

  • Combat to cowboy boots: Airman uses horses to spread resiliency

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series. These stories focus on individual Airmen, highlighting their Air Force story.)Growing up, she recalled running around the woods of North Carolina trying to catch a wild horse. She had fallen in love with a flea bitten, little and gray

  • Osan fighter wing enhances "fight tonight' readiness at Red Flag-Alaska

    The 25th and 36th Fighter Squadrons have been training during Red Flag-Alaska 17-1 at the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, Eielson Air Force Base and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, from Oct. 6-21.Red Flag-Alaska is a Pacific Air Forces-directed field training exercise that focuses on

  • Air traffic controller began life as Italian Air Force pilot's daughter

    Airman 1st Class Giorgia Repici grew up hearing her father tell stories about his adventures as a C-130J pilot in the Italian Air Force. She dreamed of becoming a pilot until she was told she was one centimeter too short. So she became an air traffic controller in the U.S. Air Force instead.

  • Airmen provide mobility expertise in Alaska

    Over the course of 12 days in October, with temperatures dropping below freezing in the “Last Frontier,” Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing provided rapid global mobility expertise during Red Flag-Alaska 17-1.The 621st CRW Airmen worked three different locations throughout Alaska

  • James hosts spouse, family forum

    Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James hosted a Spouse and Family Forum in the Smart Center Auditorium on Joint Base Andrews Oct. 19.

  • National Guard uniquely positioned to contribute in cyber realm

    The civilian-acquired skills of its members enable the National Guard to make unique contributions in the cyber realm, Gen. Joseph Lengyel, chief of the National Guard Bureau, said Oct. 17. Lengyel told audience members at the North American International Cyber Summit 2016 that Guard members can be

  • Airman LEAPs into translator role

    She grew up in Russia and moved to the United States when she was 16. Her mother was an English teacher; her grandmother was a German teacher and her step-father was an American. She learned English at a young age and could speak it well, but she quickly realized there was a disconnect when talking

  • AFOSI: Play it safe with cyber security

    In this day and age, hackers and scammers are finding new ways to exploit unsuspecting victims using various illegal cyber techniques. Internet crimes like phishing, spamming, cyber terrorism, cyber bullying, online identity theft and cyber stalking have been constant concerns on the Defense

  • Pilot carries on four generations of tradition

    Some people say flying is in their DNA. That couldn’t be truer for Capt. John Lockheed, an Air Force Reserve pilot assigned to the 302nd Airlift Wing at Peterson Air Force Base. He’s a fourth-generation pilot -- continuing a family tradition that encompasses more than a century of flight.

  • CSAF letter to Airmen

    This paper is the second in a series to share my thinking behind three key CSAF focus areas over the next four years. As stated in the first paper, "Revitalizing Squadrons – the Heartbeat of the Air Force", these ideas are neither revolutionary nor a significant vector change. Each align with our