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  • Vandenberg continues 53 year holiday tradition

    While some families were busy with the normal holiday hustle and bustle that can come with the beginning of December, hundreds of Vandenberg Airmen were checking backpacks, schedules and presents to ensure local, underprivileged children were afforded a traditional holiday experience.The 53rd annual

  • Special Ops tryouts to test mettle for 'battlefield airmen' positions

    Since neutralizing Osama Bin Laden, America's special operations forces have remained in the spotlight as high-caliber leaders entrusted with operations vital to national security. As counter-terrorism operations continue throughout the globe, the Pentagon is currently busy defining irregular

  • From NY streets to Afghan skies, FDNY crew saves lives

    Four New York City firefighters, four Airmen, four friends, one team, one HH-60 Pave Hawk -- one crew -- deployed together with the 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron to Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, bringing a unique flavor of New York Fire Departments with them.Capt. Shaun Cullen, Capt. Tripp

  • Deployed father controls airspace over son in Afghanistan

    Maj. Christopher Gering worries like any other parent whose child deploys downrange. It can be gut wrenching knowing his child operates outside the wire, working to clear and dispose of improvised explosive devices.Since August, this proud parent has had an advantage most parents are not afforded

  • SecAF declares 'Modernization can't wait'

    The Air Force's senior civilian addressed the importance of modernization and the challenges ahead for the Air Force at the 2012 Aerospace and Defense Investor Conference here Nov. 29."Among the most difficult challenges facing the Air Force is the need to modernize our aging aircraft inventory as

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: First sergeant flexes natural muscle

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Where are you at 3:40 a.m.? Master Sgt. LaJuan Fuller, 366th Civil Engineering Squadron first sergeant, is at the gym. He's been up for more than an hour

  • AF competes in second 'Cyber Flag'

    24th Air Force, the U.S. Air Force's cyber component to U.S. Cyber Command, took part in the Cyber Flag 13-1 training exercise at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Oct. 29-Nov. 8.USCYBERCOM designed Cyber Flag to bring together Department of Defense cyber and information technology professionals to hone

  • AF doc and 'trauma team' use cutting edge device to save patient

    Doctors from San Antonio Military Medical Center here saved a young mother's life last month using cutting-edge technology historically reserved for infants and young children.The case marked the first time the medical center has treated an adult with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or ECMO, a

  • Language Enabled Airman Program announces selections

    Foreign language experts from around the Air Force recently met at the Air Force Culture and Language Center at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., part of Air University's Spaatz Center for Officer Education, to select the latest participants for the Air Force's Language Enabled Airman Program. More than

  • Deployed structural maintainers 'do it all'

    When a homeowner needs to redo a wall, repair the roof, and re-key a lock, several calls must be made.The Air Force only has to make one.Structural maintainers are "like the carpenters, welders, roofers and handymen, kind of all rolled up into one," said Tech. Sgt. Howard Jones, 380th Expeditionary

  • Keen Sword: One team, one fight

    For four days, the U.S. and Japan Air Self-Defense Force pilots went through countless briefings and motivational speeches. On Nov. 8, 2012, more than 30 pilots sat in their jets, side-by-side, and waited for the crew chiefs to give them the signal to taxi-out. It was time to take to the skies.Keen

  • Airmen provide Sailors real-time video for maritime operations

    Editor's Note: Actual locations and specific details of the types of aircraft and ships involved were withheld for operational security.A Navy information systems technician aboard ship looked down at his laptop on a recent October day and saw something unheard of for Sailors just months before - a

  • Every flight 'ultimate trip' for deployed aircrews

    A small group of people leave their office and pile into a vehicle.Twelve hours later, they've travelled more than 800 miles - roughly the distance from Seattle to San Francisco - stopped several times in the middle of nowhere, picked up a few passengers who speak very little English, overcome

  • CSAF, CMSAF agree with Minot's motto..."Only the Best Come North"

    Warbirds and Rough Riders at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., reaffirmed why "Only the Best Come North," during a visit by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James Roy here Nov. 20 and 21.As part of Welsh's first visit as chief of staff to the Air

  • CSAF, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force visit Warren members

    Members of 20th Air Force and the "Mighty Ninety" 90th Missile Wing welcomed the Air Force chief of staff and chief master sergeant of the Air Force, Nov. 18 and 19, to F. E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., showcasing the nuclear deterrence mission.Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. James Roy

  • SecAF talks Pacific airpower

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley met with Team Andersen Airmen at an Airman's Call here Nov. 20. The secretary discussed several topics of national and international interest, to include the importance of Guam in the Asia-Pacific region, restructuring the size of the Air Force, changes in

  • Nations unite to heighten allied air power

    Pilots from seven nations have been working together since November with a goal to increase effectiveness of allied air forces and strengthen multinational partnerships.This Tactical Leadership Program course, a NATO-based training exercise held Nov. 5 to 30, encourages interoperability by

  • Woof! "Major" relief for PTSD

    Imagine a pet trained to understand the side effects that come with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Imagine a pet trained to understand your symptoms to aid a path to recovery. One such pet resides at Minot Air Force Base and is helping a member of Team Minot every day.Meet Major, an adopted

  • Tyndall resumes F-22 flying operations

    The 325th Fighter Wing resumed normal flight operations as the Wing Commander, Col. David Graff, flew one of the first F-22 Raptor missions Nov. 19 approximately 7:45 a.m. A total of eight F-22 aircraft completed training missions in the morning and six others flew in the afternoon. The wing

  • Academy firefighters claim medals at world championships

    U.S. Air Force Academy firefighters took gold, silver and bronze medals Nov. 17 at the World Firefighter Combat Challenge XXI here.The Air Force Academy teams competed in several categories in the event, which simulates the tasks a firefighter must perform at a working fire in full gear, on a timed

  • Safety paramount as F-22 investigation continues

    The pilot of a F-22 Raptor, assigned to the 43rd Fighter Squadron, safely ejected as the jet crashed Nov. 15 around 3:30 p.m. on Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., one-quarter mile east of the drone runway.Despite initial media speculation, there are no indications that point to the life support system

  • Keesler Air Force Base responds to shooting incident

    One person is dead and one injured after an incident near Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. Today at approximately 8:15 a.m. there were reports of shots fired in the Keesler Family Campground area near Thrower Park that arose out of a domestic disturbance.The scene was secured by first responders

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Brother, sister in arms, blood

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen' s Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Growing up with a brother or sister can be tough if they're bigger than you and they bully, tease or steal the last cupcake. You know, the cupcake with

  • AF names ROTC detachment commander candidates

    More than 80 lieutenant colonels and majors have been selected as Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps detachment commander candidates, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.Special duty command opportunities like this one are highly sought, said Master Sgt. Curtis Reese, AFPC Special

  • AF leaders target sexual assault in latest 'Letter to Airmen'

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley, Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Roy issued a tri-signature "Letter to Airmen" Nov. 16.As part of an effort to increase awareness of sexual assault, the Air Force's top three

  • EOD tech earns Silver Star

    An Air Commando from the 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron received a Silver Star during a ceremony at the Pentagon Nov. 14. Tech. Sgt. Joseph Deslauriers, an explosive ordnance disposal technician, earned the medal for gallantry in action while serving in Afghanistan on Sep. 23, 2011.

  • New spouses, former spouses and children entitled to benefits

    If you're newly married, newly divorced, have dependent children or have a child who was born out of wedlock you may be confused about military benefits. Some family situations are complicated or even awkward, so Airmen may be reluctant to pursue benefits to which their dependents - or former

  • AETC seeks enduring solutions for sexual misconduct

    Air Force officials are undertaking sweeping changes to improve Air Force Basic Military Training safety and security at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland according to a report released today by Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr., Air and Education Training Command commander.The changes are the result of Air

  • AF leaders brief BMT sexual misconduct investigation findings

    Air Force leaders announced Nov. 14 to members of the press here the results of the commander-directed investigation regarding the occurrences of sexual misconduct within basic military training between October 2010 and June 2011.The CDI was commissioned by Gen. Edward Rice, commander of Air

  • Air Force leaders issue statement on BMT investigation

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III issued the following statement today:"Sexual assault is a crime and there is absolutely no place for it in our Air Force. To this end Air Education and Training Command pursued an exhaustive look at the

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Cuban boy fulfills dream of becoming American Airman

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Under a star-studded night in their native Cuba, a young boy and his stepbrother made a promise to each other. If they ever somehow made it to the United

  • Dover Reservist killed in motorcycle accident

    A reservist, assigned to the 712th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here, was killed in a motorcycle accident Monday, Nov. 12, at about 4 p.m. in Rising Sun, Md.Senior Airman Ryan Hartnett, was serving in an active-duty status, undergoing training in aerospace propulsion. "Our wing is deeply saddened

  • Heavy Airlift Wing is fully operational

    Col. Keith P. Boone, Strategic Airlift Capability Heavy Airlift Wing commander, declared the multinational wing has achieved a full operational capability status.In a statement to the SAC steering board and NATO Airlift Management Organization Board of Directors at a semi-annual meeting in Tallinn,

  • Valley resident earns wings as 'Airman for a Day'

    A nine-year-old Spokane Valley, Wash., boy, who has been fighting Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and  has undergone almost two years of chemo therapy, had the opportunity to visit Fairchild Air Force Base Nov. 2,  thanks to a program started by base's company grade officers council.The "Airman for a

  • 19 stories of heroism highlighted in 'Veterans in Blue'

    "Let me not mourn for the men who have died fighting, but rather let me be glad that such heroes have lived," said Gen. George S. Patton. For decades Airmen have answered the call to serve and protect the nation's interests, its people and the cherished freedoms that underpin it all, risking their

  • Original member of the Tuskegee Airmen dies

    Retired Lt. Col. Herbert Carter, 93, one of the original Tuskegee Airmen, died Nov. 8 at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Ala., according to Tuskegee Mayor Johnny Ford.Carter was a member of the original cadre of the 99th Fighter Squadron, the first black aviatiors in the U.S. military.Born

  • Indian airmen receive C-17 maintenance training

    The Indian air force has begun sending about 100 airmen to Joint Base Charleston, S.C.,  to receive instruction from the 373rd Training Squadron Detachment 5, on how to operate the 10 C-17 Globemaster IIIs they recently purchased."The Indian air force purchased the C-17s and they need the training

  • New vehicular device saves money Air Force-wide

    All government-owned and general service administration vehicles at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas,  are scheduled to receive an automotive information module, or AIM2.AIM2 is a device that collects real-time data that will help fleet managers avoid wasting fuels and stop emissions

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Minot missileer fights for more

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)As a previous Global Strike Challenge competitor, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., missileer 1st Lt. Shawn Burnside is no stranger to facing challenges.

  • Hurricane relief mission hits home with N.J. Reservists

    After the historic Hurricane Sandy battered New York and New Jersey, Airmen from across the country answered the call for help, but for the Airmen of one Reserve wing, those calls for help were coming from friends, family and neighbors.Most of the Airmen assigned to the 514th Air Mobility Wing at

  • AF establishes full-time presence in Poland

    U.S. officials praised the long-standing relationship with Poland as they celebrated the first full-time U.S. military presence in that nation yesterday.During a ceremony at Lask Air Base, located about 100 miles southwest of Warsaw, U.S. Air Force personnel flew the American flag, marking the

  • Cody named next Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III has named Chief Master Sgt. James A. Cody to serve as the 17th chief master sergeant of the Air Force.Cody will assume his new position on Feb. 1, following the Jan. 31 retirement of current Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy. Roy's

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Four Airmen bound by blood, oath

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)The sky was glowing on a quiet Sunday morning over Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Crisp air filled the trainee's lungs as he snapped to attention and

  • AF safety chief shares vision

    With two months in the seat as Air Force Chief of Safety, Maj. Gen. Margaret H. Woodward doesn't need a palm reader to glimpse the future."It is absolutely essential that safety is embraced as a core value in preserving combat capability," Woodward said.The Air Force's success in reducing mishaps

  • Air Force selects more than 800 for developmental education

    More than 700 officers and 120 civilians were selected for intermediate and senior developmental education during the 2012 Developmental Education Designation Board held last month at the Air Force Personnel Center, officials announced today.To see the list of civilians selected, go to

  • First AF amputee pilot nominated for DOD disability award

    A Laughlin Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training graduate was one of two Airmen nominated for the 2012 Department of Defense Employee/Service Member with a Disability Award.Capt. Ryan McGuire, with Air Mobility Command, lost his leg in a boating accident on Lake Amistad in 2009 while in pilot

  • Rescue crew members receive Cheney Award

    Two Airmen received the 2011 Cheney Award here Nov. 1 from Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Larry Spencer for their distinguished service during a search and rescue mission on Mount Stuart, Wash. Capt. Kenneth Green, UH-1N Twin Huey pilot, and Master Sgt. Joseph Brownell, field operation section

  • F-35 celebrates 500th sortie as program grows

    The Air Force's premier fighter, the F-35 Lightning II, surpassed its 500th sortie only 16 days after reaching the 400 mark and only 238 days from the beginning of the program.Maj. Matthew Johnston of the 58th Fighter Squadron completed the 500th combined sortie for both the F-35A and F-35B at the

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman puts crosshairs on life goal

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)To the naked eye, she was totally invisible. Even in the middle of an open field, she blended in with the sparse grasses and bushes that made up her

  • 'Spartan' aircrew helps bring power to New York

    A C-27J Spartan aircraft crew from the 175th Wing, Maryland Air National Guard, flew power generators and other equipment to New York in support of Hurricane Sandy relief efforts Saturday, Nov. 3. ANG crews from Ohio, Mississippi and Maryland flew the first-ever C-27J domestic operations missions

  • Rescue Task Force begins mission in New Jersey

    Members of the National Urban Search and Rescue Task Force traveled to Staten Island, N.Y., to conduct house-to-house searches, Nov 3, 2012. The Task Force includes state search and rescue task forces from Maryland, Virginia, and Texas, who specialize in disaster recovery, and emergency triage and

  • Deputy SecDef visits Minot

    The Deputy Secretary of Defense, Dr. Ashton B. Carter, visited Minot Air Force Base here Nov. 2.Carter came to Minot AFB to be briefed on the base's capabilities and to speak to the Airmen on base.During Carter's visit, he received briefings on B-52 and intercontinental ballistic missile readiness

  • Religious respect conference attendees discuss Academy's progress

    Representatives from Air Force major commands, religious endorsing organizations, First Amendment watchdog groups and others gathered Oct. 30-31 at the Air Force Academy to review the religious climate here.Chief among the topics discussed was the religious respect training program, which was

  • Competing for Ms. Veteran America

    At the 322nd Training Squadron, she's a master military training instructor at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Away from the squadron, she's the mother of a 1-year-old little boy.At work, she's disciplined, and tough, and her voice can be heard loud and clear from one end of the drill pad to

  • AF names DOD disability award nominees

    Capt. Ryan P. McGuire, with the Air Mobility Command, and Christopher R. Randall, with the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, are the Air Force nominees for the 2012 Outstanding Department of Defense Employee/Service Member with a Disability Award, Air Force Personnel Center officials

  • AETC sees first pilot production from new Afghanistan schoolhouse

    The new fixed-wing pilot schoolhouse in Afghanistan at Shindand Air Base, Herat Province, graduated its first three fixed-wing pilots this month, the first to be produced in Afghanistan in more than 30 years -- a major milestone for the U.S. and Afghan Air Forces.Three Afghan air force first

  • 'Airman' magazine enters digital era

    A year after publishing the final print edition of Airman magazine, the Air Force is unveiling a new digital version of the service's official magazine specifically geared for tablet devices."Built specifically for Apple and Android tablet users, this new format gives readers all the in-depth

  • SecAF, community honor Keesler AFB

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley praised the robust partnership of the Air Force and its sister services at the Salute to the Military in Biloxi, Miss., Oct. 23.Donley addressed nearly 1,000 military members and community representatives at the 34th annual event sponsored by the Mississippi

  • Reservists can carry leave balance after training tours

    In a "one-step-at-a-time" approach, Air Force officials have a new program for reservists to save and carryover leave time from year to year beginning Nov. 1.Reservists performing duty under the Reserve Personnel Appropriation or RPA orders may now "save" their leave for future use. Prior to this

  • McGuire continues recovery efforts, FEMA base of operations

    Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst personnel are continuing with recovery efforts and expect to resume most operations Wednesday.Impact from the storm includes fallen trees, scattered debris, some property damage, minor flooding and power outages."The entire joint base's preparation efforts went a

  • Sheppard Airmen spring into action; save woman from burning car

    The July 4th holiday had been fun for Senior Airman Gil Campos and Airmen 1st Class Juan Vanegas and Chris Leon. After spending the day in Dallas watching an FC Dallas professional soccer game, they had made the two-hour drive back to Wichita Falls and Sheppard Air Force Base, where the trio are

  • AF officials eliminate civilian skill code requirements

    Air Force officials have rescinded the manual used to define civilian position skill codes in one of several ongoing administrative actions geared toward transforming civilian hiring, determining employee training and development needs, and selecting employees for training under competitive

  • Cadet places 3rd among her age group at Ironman World Championship

    The first cadet to qualify in the Ironman World Championship, Cadet 1st Class Samantha Morrison, placed third in the 18-24 age competition Oct. 13 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.Morrison, a behavioral science major from Fredericksburg, Va., finished a 2.4-mile swim race, 112-mile bike race and 26.2-mile

  • Missing for 46 years, air commando laid to rest

    An air commando who died when his C-123 Provider flare ship was shot down over Ahn Khe, Vietnam, was laid to rest Oct. 26 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Texas.The 310th Air Commando Squadron loadmaster, Airman 1st Class Jerry Mack Wall, 24, was killed when his plane was hit by enemy fire and

  • Air mobility response team readies for 'Sandy'

    A rapid-response team of U.S. Air Force air mobility specialists here are repositioning ahead of the landfall of Hurricane Sandy. Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing moved alert equipment and approximately 65 personnel to MacDill Air Force Base near Tampa, Fla. early Sunday, Oct. 28,  to

  • U.K. F-35 fleet increases capability at Eglin AFB

    A second British F-35B Lightning II arrived here Oct. 19, joining the nine A variants of the joint strike fighter flown by the Air Force and the 11 B variants flown by the Marine Corps to become the largest fleet of F-35s in the world with 22 jets.The first class of United Kingdom Royal Air Force

  • Avon Park Air Force Range receives Interior Secretary award

    An initiative to help restore the Florida Everglades earned Avon Park Air Force Range a share of a conservation partnership award announced Oct. 18 during a ceremony in Washington D.C. The Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge/Conservation Area Partnership, which includes Avon Park, is one

  • Reservist sets latest mark in battle for Schriever track record

    When Seth Cannello, Schriever Sports and Fitness director, and Steve Steinke, fitness cell monitor, first hung the Schriever fitness record board early in 2010, they expected the 1.5-mile-run record to be hotly contested. After all, nearly every active-duty and reservist Airman is required to run

  • CSAF shares perspective during AETC Senior Leader Conference

    The Air Force's top general discussed topics such as telling the Air Force story and innovation during the Air Education and Training Command Senior Leader Conference here Oct. 18."Telling the Air Force story is a big deal to me," Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III during his speech to

  • SecAF visits basic military training

    In the wake of ongoing investigations into professional misconduct that occurred at basic military training, Air Force Secretary Michael Donley met with BMT leaders at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Oct. 23."It was important for me to talk to the commander and military training instructors about

  • 'Green Flag' keeps Airmen, Soldiers mission ready

    "If the band played a piece first with the piccolo, then with the brass horn, then with the clarinet, and then with the trumpet, there would be a lot of noise, but no music," said Gen. George S. Patton during World War II. "To get harmony in the music, each instrument must support the others. To get

  • Contingency Response Airmen battle elements at JRTC

    Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response wing participated in combat exercise "Decisive Action" Oct. 10 through 22 as part of a Joint Task Force here to prepare for future deployments. Approximately 100 Airmen from the 570th Contingency Response Group, based at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., and

  • U.S., ROK showcase skills during 2012 Air Power Day

    Osan Air Base hosted 65,000 visitors to reinforce the enduring partnership between the U.S. and the Republic of Korea during an Air Power Day celebration held Oct. 20 and 21.More than 22 Pacific Air Forces aircraft were on display while the ROK's premiere demonstration team, the Black Eagles, took

  • Air Force releases RFP for next search and rescue helicopter

    The Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition announced today the posting of the Combat Rescue Helicopter (CRH) Request for Proposal (RFP) to the Federal Business Opportunities website, signaling the official launch of this high priority Air Force acquisition program. The

  • Keesler AFB wins AETC-level Installation Excellence Award

    One Air Education and Training Command installation won the highest command-level honor they can possibly receive -- two years in a row.AETC Commander Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr. announced the 81st Training Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., as the AETC winner of the Commander-In-Chief's Annual

  • First sergeant to join stateside walk from deployed location

    Sometimes she walks or runs with a friend, and then she's got someone to talk with and motivate her. But many times she walks with just her music and her thoughts, and it allows her to remember just what she's walking for.Master Sgt. Laurie Cherry, the 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron first

  • CMSAF to Keesler: 'Motivation is contagious'

    Memories burn themselves into the places they were made. For Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., holds several fond memories including the birth of his sons and earning the honor to be called "chief."Roy spent Oct. 16 reacquainting himself with the base at

  • Air Force continues PII protection education

    The Air Force continues to train military members and Department of Defense and contract civilians alike to avoid releasing personally identifiable information about themselves or others.A letter from the secretary of defense defined PII as information that can be used to distinguish or trace an

  • Sexual assault hotline message sent to Airmen from past 10 years

    Airmen, separated and still serving, who graduated from basic military training and technical training during the past 10 years were sent an email message about an activated sexual assault hotline Oct. 15. The message is part of a thorough investigation of the military training instructor sexual

  • Airman's sacrifice remembered around the world

    While deployed to Iraq, Airman 1st Class LeeBernard E. Chavis was killed by sniper fire as he tried to keep civilians away from a suspected bomb in the streets near Baghdad on Oct. 14, 2006.To remember Chavis and the Airman he was, Air Force members here and around the world commemorated the

  • A history of 'there first' For AF special ops

    Although Air Force Special Operations Command was officially established in 1990, its history dates all the way back to World War II. From that time, Air Commandos have been heavily called upon for a wide assortment of missions - missions nobody else could do."Since 1975, at the end of the Vietnam

  • Behind the red line: Vital OR staff supports 12 specialties

    Members working in the operation room at the Mike O' Callaghan Federal Hospital strive to provide the best medical support to military members and their families, and authorized DOD and Veterans Affairs beneficiaries.From preparation to the end of surgery, these Airmen and civilians work around the

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Ultimate wingman helps save friend's life

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)An Airman here who noticed the suicidal signs of a friend reported the problem and helped save his friend's life.Airman 1st Class Albert Chang, 375th

  • Pacific Thunder gets jump start at Osan AB

    For the fifth straight year, 31st and 33rd Rescue Squadron Airmen from Kadena Air Base, Japan, have teamed up with the 25th Fighter Squadron here to kick off Exercise Pacific Thunder 2012.The two-week exercise, focused entirely on combat search and rescue operations, began Oct. 11 and is scheduled

  • AF soccer team wins 2nd straight armed forces championship

    The All-Air Force Men's Soccer Team has done it again.The team triumphed in the 2012 Armed Forces Soccer Championship held at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 23 through Oct. 1. Air Force team members traveled from all over the world to train, compete and bring home the gold with a 2-1 victory over

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman keeps mission on target

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)It was a bright, sunny day recently as Senior Airman Kimara Duncan wheeled her toolbox out to the flightline here. The air was warm and filled with the

  • New York Air National Guard supports Antarctic research

    The New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing kicks off its annual support for the National Science Foundation in Antarctica as ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules aircraft head for Antarctica on Oct. 16 and 17.These aircraft will support the National Science Foundation's research in the Antarctic,

  • AF officials releasing enlisted quarterly assignment listing

    Air Force officials are releasing the enlisted quarterly assignment listing, or EQUAL, on Oct. 22 for the July to September 2013 overseas assignment cycle. Enlisted Airmen must update their assignment preferences by Nov. 1 and they will be notified of their assignment selections by Nov. 16."We are

  • Wounded warrior gets help with canine wingman

    An Air Force wounded warrior has a new wingman helping him cope with his physical and mental pain, thanks to the "Train A Dog - Save A Warrior" program.Staff Sgt. Andrew Goligowski struggles with post-traumatic stress and the pain caused by sarcoidosis, a disease with no cure that causes

  • F-35: Newest fighter much more than just 'stealthy plane'

    The engines roared overhead as an F-35A fell into formation. Although this is a basic maneuver for the test pilots, the possibilities for combat environments created by these elite aircraft working together are anything but mundane.The F-35, which features three variants to be used by the Air Force,

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Hero at 30,000 feet

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)A sergeant  here became an unlikely hero Sept. 9 during a flight from Atlanta to San Antonio. Master Sgt. Shannon McBee, an Air Force Life Cycle

  • Building culture to sustain resilient Airmen

    Resilience: Merriam-Webster defines it as "an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change."Resiliency is a word used a lot throughout the Air Force, but not many take to heart; many see it, specifically Comprehensive Airmen Fitness, as just a program, but it's so much more."It's

  • Silver Star represents 44-year closure for KIA Airman's family

    "Promise me you're going to find out what happened to him."All Lillian Calfee wanted to know was the fate of her only son.On March 11, 1968, Lillian was told by her daughter-in-law, June Calfee, that her son, Master Sgt. James Calfee was missing in action. He was part of a secret mission in

  • 'Today's Air Force' visits AF Honor Guard, Comic-Con

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of "Today's Air Force" on Oct. 12.In the first segment, TAF highlights what the Air Force is doing for Energy Action Month. Later, Staff Sgt. Chris Pyles introduces viewers to an Airman with a secret identity. And finally, Staff Sgt. Zack Lopez gives

  • Predators, Reapers break flying record

    The 29th Attack Squadron, 9th Attack Squadron, and the 6th Reconnaissance Squadron set a non-combat record October 2, by flying six MQ-9 Reapers and four MQ-1 Predators simultaneously during a training mission at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. The 29th ATKS, 9th ATKS and the 6th RS recently increased

  • Sound barrier pioneer celebrates 65 years

    Retired Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager, the first person to fly faster than the speed of sound, celebrated the 65th anniversary of his ground breaking event with a re-enactment here Oct. 14.Yeager was serving as a test pilot and flying the experimental Bell X-1 named the, "Glamorous Glennis," Oct. 14,

  • Army UH-1H finds new home with Air Force

    The Inter-American Air Forces Academy at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland recently landed a new training tool that upgrades the helicopter maintenance courses it offers to students from Latin American partner nations.The arrival of an Army UH-1H helicopter at IAAFA's 318th Training Squadron is

  • AF training instructor responds to traffic accident

    An Air Force Basic Military Training Instructor was late for his morning formation, but it was for the right kind of reason.During his normal early morning commute Oct. 5, Staff Sgt. Stephen Dove was about to get on the 410 access ramp at Marbach Road in northwest San Antonio when he saw a truck