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  • World War II vet awarded Distinguished Flying Cross

    Family, friends, senior leaders and pilots gathered Aug. 24 to honor a World War II B-17 Flying Fortress pilot during an award ceremony at Randolph's famed Taj Mahal where he was award the Distinguished Flying Cross medal.Second Lt. Samuel Smith was assigned to the 360th Bombardment Squadron at RAF

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman receives Bronze Star with Valor

    In August of 2011, exactly two days after celebrating his birthday, Master Sgt. Gene Jameson, III, found his combat communications training put to use inside a compound at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.One year later, he was recognized for his heroism with a Bronze Star Medal with Valor during a

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Captain makes mark in Afghan culture

    (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.)With his rugged beard and long hair, Air Force Capt. Nick Plante is not your typical service member serving overseas in Afghanistan. Dressed like a local

  • AFPC temporarily stops PCS to Keesler

    Air Force Personnel Center officials have temporarily halted permanent change of station moves and most temporary duty assignments to Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., based on the projected arrival of Hurricane Isaac this week.The stop movement order, initiated by the 81st Training Wing commander, is

  • Idea brings $10,000 for McConnell AFB civilian

    A civilian member of the 22nd Operations Group was presented a check for $10,000 from the Air Force at the 22nd Air Refueling Wing staff meeting Aug. 27, here.James Shores, the 22nd OG short range scheduling chief, received the money as part of the Innovative Development through Employee Awareness

  • New BTO to help Airmen make USAFE processes more efficient, effective

    Before becoming the Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Mark A. Welsh challenged the U.S. Air Forces in Europe to find more efficient and effective ways to use its resources."Current fiscal realities require commanders to take a hard look at how to most efficiently support and execute our missions within

  • Days in the dark: Retired AF NCO receives POW Medal

    Returning to work after celebrating his 30th birthday the day before, then-Staff Sgt. James 'O'Neil' Hughes could see a growing group of disorderly demonstrators gather outside the U.S. Embassy. Chanting and singing, the bellicose crowd grew agitated. They held up signs displaying anti-American

  • Redesigned program eases Airmen's transition to civilian life

    A redesigned program will help ease every Airman's transition to civilian life and better apply their military experience, Air Force officials said. The program is the first major overhaul of the transition assistance program for military members in nearly 20 years. The effort began in response to a

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Heavy Metal 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.)A dim room, a single blue light and a heat source hot enough to melt metal may not sound like an ideal work environment for a women, but for one Airman

  • Afghanistan Health Reconstruction Course introduced into PRT training

    Sustainability and self-sufficiency is the goal for the new Afghanistan Health Sector Reconstruction Course being introduced into all provincial reconstruction team training."We have taken what some would have considered a boring lecture series, expanded it and morphed it into a highly dynamic,

  • Air Force's newest air advisor publication leverages 'best practices'

    The Air Force's newest tactics, techniques and procedures publication, AFTTP 3-4.5 Air Advising, became an official document after being signed by Maj. Gen. Brett Williams, Headquarters Air Force director of operations, and Maj. Gen. Bill Bender, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander,

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman steps up, fills AFCENT Band's vacancy

    (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.)When Senior Airman Jamie Horner first stepped off the airplane in Southwest Asia, she had one mission in mind: to prepare the installation for natural

  • B-52s bring persistent airpower to Exercise Pitch Black 12

    The 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., took to the skies of Australia's Northern Territory Aug. 2 to 18 as the lone U.S. Air Force unit flying in Exercise Pitch Black 12.With more than 2,200 personnel and up to 100 participating military aircraft, Exercise Pitch Black 12

  • B-52 takes part in joint training 'down under'

    The Air Force will send a B-52 and KC-135, operating from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin later this week to take part in short term joint training with the RAAF. The B-52 is assigned to Andersen AFB as part of U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Air Force

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Irish Twins reunite while deployed

    (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.)When most people think of military reunions, they may think of service members returning home from an extended deployment to reunite with their loved

  • Air Force Spice testing lab goes full throttle

    The Air Force Spice Testing Lab  located at the Air Force Drug Testing Laboratoy at Joint Base San-Antonio - Lackland, Texas, became fully operational on Aug. 1, in support of the Air Force's focus on quality Airmen. The new lab establishes a robust urinalysis testing program as part of the Air

  • U.S. Paralympic track & field team trains at RAF Lakenheath

    More than 50 U.S. Paralympians and hopefuls are honing their skills and making final preparations at Royal AIr Force Lakenheath for competition in the London 2012 Paralympic Games  Aug. 18 through 25.The installation has teamed with the U.S. Olympic Committee to provide the athletes with all they

  • 'Joining Forces' initiative exceeds hiring goals for vets, spouses

    The White House initiative to hire veterans and military spouses has surpassed its goals, having led to the hiring or training of more than 125,000 veterans and spouses in the past year, First Lady Michelle Obama announced today.Speaking to sailors and their families at Naval Station Mayport in

  • SecAF discusses East Africa mission during Djibouti visit

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley made his first trip here as secretary Aug. 22 to visit service members and civilians, and discuss operations in East Africa with Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa leaders.Donley conducted an all call during his visit here, in which he discussed the

  • Airmen learn hospitality of New Yorkers during AF Week

    Air Force Week in New York City cranked into high gear during its second day as about 50 Airmen from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. toured the 9-11 memorial and the Freedom Tower Aug. 20. "We here today at the tribute center," said Master Sgt. Charles Kramer, first sergeant of the 732nd

  • McChord C-17 crews begin WinFly to Antarctica

    The 62nd Airlift Wing began the winter flying period Aug. 20 as part of its support of the U.S. Antarctic Program and the National Science Foundation.The period, known as WinFly, is scheduled to last until Aug. 28 and will deliver advance teams and cargo for the upcoming main season of Operation

  • Ramstein hosts international jump week

    Six countries provided more than 150 paratroopers to participate in International Jump Week hosted by the 435th Contingency Response Group from Aug. 12 - 17 near Ramstein.The paratroopers came from the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the U.S. Air Force and Army and jumped

  • Drill Team members reflect on where they came from during AF Week

    The Ambassadors in Blue for the Air Force Recruiting Service performed during the Air Force Week events Aug. 19 at Pier 86 in New York CityThe ceremonial unit, otherwise known as the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team, tours worldwide to demonstrate the commitment to service and excellence every

  • Opening ceremonies kick off Air Force Week activities

    The Air Force kicked off one of its biggest outreach programs in America's largest city Aug. 19 with a combination of opening day remarks, flyovers, interactive displays and performances by Air Force bands.The opening ceremony at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum on Pier 86 marked the start of

  • Nuclear enterprise experts train and attend symposium

    Approximately 16 general and flag officers, led by the commander of U.S. Strategic Command, took part in an airborne emergency action officers exercise and Strategic Deterrence Conference at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., Aug. 6-9.Gen. C. Robert Kehler, commander of U.S. Strategic Command, is

  • Photos: Rescue Airmen train in the open seas

    A team of pararescuemen with the 38th Rescue Squadron at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., conducted a water rescue exercise in the Gulf of Mexico on Aug. 14. During the exercise, pararescuemen had to locate downed victims several miles apart and provide self-aid and buddy care as needed. The

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Maxwell officer builds historical database

    (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.)What started as a solution to an information collection problem six years ago has grown into a substantial database that documents air power through

  • Behind-the-scenes look at saving lives

    It was his first deployment to Afghanistan, and to make matters worse, he was assigned to one of the busiest trauma centers in the region. Staff Sgt. Caleb Gibson felt a sense of shock, pride and satisfaction as he watched U.S. military medical personnel treat injured troops. "It was shocking to see

  • USAF Honor Guard, Band represent Airmen at Air Force Week

    The premier U.S. Air Force ceremonial units, the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and U.S. Air Force Band, are returning to New York City as part of Air Force Week 2012 with several performances and concerts scheduled for August 18-22.Two of the USAF Band's ensembles - the rock band, Max Impact, and The

  • Alaska Reserve unit rebuilds tornado-ravaged school

    An Alaska Reserve unit has just returned from Tennessee where the task at hand was rebuilding a school that was destroyed by a tornado in 2011. Members of the 477th Civil Engineer Squadron installed lighting units, rewired the facility to meet code, hung sheet rock, and painted the interior of the

  • Hotel tax exemptions could help AF save millions of dollars

    During a time of increasing Department of Defense budget constraints, the Air Force continuously looks for innovative solutions that save money and positively impacts the mission. Air Education and Training Command's Financial Management office said Air Force travelers could help save millions of

  • Welsh talks 'leadership' with NCOs

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III shared his perspective on leadership during the 2012 Air Force Sergeants Association Convention and Professional Airmen's Conference here Aug. 15.Welsh spoke about what it takes to be a great leader and NCO, sharing insight and personal stories from

  • Total force seminar builds 'bold leadership'

    Nearly 200 Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine service members took part in a full-day leadership seminar hosted by the Kaiserslautern Military Community Top III Total Force Development Council here Aug. 3.From junior enlisted to senior officers, all members who attended the seminar learned about the

  • Donley praises Airmen, emphasizes standards at AFSA conference

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley addressed Airmen here Aug. 15 at the 2012 Air Force Sergeants Association Convention and Professional Airmen's Conference.During the honors banquet that concluded the conference, Donley said the Air Force would be able to meet the challenges of a dynamic

  • Air National Guard helicopter crews join California wildfire fight

    Air National Guard members from the 129th Rescue Wing have demonstrated their dynamic life-saving capabilities by fighting fires in California since Aug. 12.Two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and aircrews are battling the Jawbone Complex Fire in Kern County, Calif., outside Bakersfield. The aircrews

  • USFJ commander focuses on bilateral operations

    With the Department of Defense's rebalance of military forces to the Asia Pacific region, the focus on bilateral operations is more critical now than ever, said the new U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander."We plan to increase our bilateral and multilateral cooperation throughout the

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman's quick reaction saves girl's life

    An Airman doesn't have to be on the battlefield to risk his life for others, to react within a moment's notice to a crisis and to be a hero.It started out as a beautiful weekend summer day at Sullivan's Island, S.C.Desperate pleas for help were echoing faintly over the rolling ocean waves. The pleas

  • Air Force looks to put wings on enlisted retrainees

    Enlisted Airmen have the opportunity to earn a pair of wings and go fly, fight and win America's wars.Air Force officials are looking for retrainees to become career enlisted aviators as flight engineers, aircraft loadmasters, flight attendants, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance

  • Combat training supports 21st century strategy

    As the nation winds down from a decade of combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Department of Defense is shifting its focus to the future and recently introduced new strategic guidance describing the projected security environment and key military missions for which the department will

  • ISR Agency GPC program tops in AF

    A government purchase card is a valuable tool to an organization's operation. The effective management of the card's paperwork is the key to that value.The Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency GPC Program is thriving thanks to its ability to balance its books better than

  • EOD tech school puts 'battlefield' into PT

    Physical fitness workouts for Air Force explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) candidates now have a battlefield twist at Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (NAVSCOLEOD), as the 366th Training Squadron Field Training Detachment 3 here has revamped their fitness program to turn Airmen into

  • McChord Airmen tackle Mt. Rainier summit

    Getting a view of a clear blue sky can be a pretty rare event in the Pacific Northwest. The grey cloud cover that often hovers over McChord Field and the surrounding area can sometimes feel a bit gloomy.To fight off the gloom, many people turn to a rigorous exercise regimen, with the idea that a

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Eglin couples make NCO rank together

    (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.)When Air Force officials announced who'd made staff sergeant Aug. 3, two Team Eglin families received twice the good news.Senior Airmen Joseph and Nicole

  • Program to improve IT core services achieves key milestone

    An Air Force program that will save money, save energy and improve core information technology services, such as email, has recently met a significant milestone.Hardware to consolidate four regional data processing centers into one area processing center has been delivered, installed and tested at

  • Food service teams heat up the dining experience

    Good food is big business and nobody knows that better than Bill Spencer, Air Force Personnel Center appropriated funds food operations section chief, who last year faced the daunting task of introducing epicurean variety to a culture rooted in traditional fare.According to Spencer, Air Force dining

  • North Carolina ANG, Botswana defense force find common ground

    The C-130 Hercules is a versatile aircraft that serves several different roles depending on the need and location.In addition to missions like transport, airdrop, airlift support, resupply and natural disaster relief, the C-130 can also be configured for aeromedical evacuation missions.As part of

  • Welsh 'humbled' to serve as Air Force chief of staff

    The Air Force chief of staff flag passed to the service's 20th chief in a ceremony here Aug. 10.Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, a 36-year Airman, stepped into the position, taking over for Gen. Norton Schwartz, who also retired from the Air Force during the ceremony."Mark is respected throughout the Air

  • Air Force names 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

    Air Force officials selected the service's top enlisted members, naming the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2012, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.An Air Force selection board at the Air Force Personnel Center considered 35 nominees who represented major commands; direct

  • Pilot becomes Guard's first F-35 instructor pilot

    An Airman became the Guard's first F-35 Lightning II instructor pilot recently at Eglin's multi-service, multi-national F-35 Integrated Training Center.Maj. Jay Spohn, assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing here as the assistant director of operations for the 58th Fighter Squadron and the chief of

  • EOD prelim helps tech school attrition rate

    It's amazing what a difference a year can make in the technical training world.The 366th Training Squadron Field Training Detachment 3 here is reaping the benefits of better-prepared Airmen attending Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal, with the overall Air Force attrition rate down 16 percent

  • US, Botswana provide humanitarian civilian assistance in Malwelwe

    Family and community members from the Malwelwe village gathered to receive medical treatment during a humanitarian civilian assistance event Aug. 7.The humanitarian civilian assistance event was conducted as part of the MEDLITE/SOUTHERN ACCORD 12 exercise, a key element in a broader series of

  • CMSAF Roy: 'Future is now'

    During recent visits to Air Force bases across the nation, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy discussed issues ranging from AEF Next to resiliency to developing 21st century Airmen. Air Force leaders must ensure future enlisted leaders are skilled in things like leadership and

  • AF teens participate in Joint Services Teen Council

    Air Force Teen Council representatives attended the first Joint Services Teen Council meeting July 13 to network and discuss common issues affecting military youth and teens worldwide here.From July 9-13, members of the Air Force Teen Council, Army Teen Panel and Navy Teen Council participated in

  • AF officer turned athlete shows Olympic mettle

    Capt. Seth Kelsey stared in disbelief with his facemask in his hands as his South Korean opponent celebrated a last-touch victory in their bronze medal épée fencing match at the 2012 Summer Olympics. But while Kelsey's third Olympics competition ended in disappointment, he still left London with

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: AF sets Airman 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.) The archer stands still with his sight adjusted, eyes on target and breath held as he pulls back his trigger. After taking a final aim, Tech. Sgt. Kevin

  • AF officials award food transformation contract

    Air Force officials announced Aug. 7 the competitive award of a contract to conduct the second phase of food operations at seven Air Force installations as part of the Food Transformation Initiative.The new contractor, Sodexo, will begin FTI operations Oct. 1 at Beale Air Force Base, Calif.;

  • Service leaders weigh in on BRAC, renewable energy

    Air Force, Army and Navy officials discussed renewable energy milestones, force structure changes, and the impact on military and surrounding communities affected by base realignment and closure here Aug. 6.Terry A. Yonkers, assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and

  • Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. announce Military Awards winners

    Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., announced the winners of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. Military Awards at the organization's 41st annual convention here Aug. 1. The annual TAI Military Awards recognizes four service members who have logged continuous achievements that parallel the spirit, goals and ideas of the

  • Airmen teach aeromedical evacuation principles during MEDLITE 12

    Airmen from the Air National Guard along with members of the Botswana defense force (BDF) worked together to kick-start MEDLITE 12 here Aug. 6.MEDLITE 12 is a joint exercise between U.S. and Botswana aimed to establish and develop military interoperability, regional partnership and to synchronize

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman takes wingman concept to new level

    (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 typical night for Senior Airman Dara Alexander; working as a receptionist at the Langley Inns, Langley Air Force Base, Va., ... until the phone

  • Rescue Airmen partner with Canadians for search-and-rescue training

    Approximately 30 Airmen from the 920th Rescue Wing at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., traveled to Canada July 15-22 to train alongside and strengthen partnerships with Royal Canadian Air Force search-and-rescue technicians, known as SAR techs, and their support personnel. The SAR techs from our

  • B-52s provide RIMPAC 2012 air capability

    Members from the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., participated in nine sorties in support of this year's Rim of the Pacific exercise July 11-31 in and around training areas surrounding the Hawaiian islands. Six B-52 Stratofortresses from the 69th EBS, accompanied by more

  • U.S., Botswana open MEDLITE 12

    Airmen from units across the U.S. and members of the Botswana defense forces kicked off MEDLITE 12, a two-week aeromedical evacuation exercise, here today.The goal of MEDLITE 12 is to enhance U.S. and Botswana capabilities to work together by introducing the U.S. aeromedical evacuation system of

  • AF CSA travel card transitions to GTC

    The terms and conditions for the Air Force's travel charge card are changing, but Airmen can hang on to their blue cards. From Aug. 7 through the end of September, the Air Force Banking Office will e-mail some 300,000 Airmen, informing them that their controlled spend account card will convert back

  • Former MTI sentenced

    A sentence has been returned today in the special court-martial of former Air Force military training instructor (MTI) Tech. Sgt. Christopher Smith. The seven-member officer panel sentenced him to be confined for 30 days and to be reduced to the grade of E-3 (airman first class).Tech Sgt. Smith had

  • Maxwell medics return from Peru

    Nine members of the 42nd Medical Group recently returned from New Horizons, an ongoing joint humanitarian training exercise in Peru. An annual series of free medical clinics and infrastructure development projects, New Horizons is a U.S. Southern Command-led exercise conducted with Latin American

  • Airmen train with Polish counterparts

    Ramstein Airmen from the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing and 86th Airlift Wing continue to train together along with Polish military members in exercise Screaming Eagle IV, here July 24th through August 3rd."Poland is one of our strongest and closest allies in the world and is a leader in Europe,"

  • Leading by example: Academy cadets develop leadership skills at BMT

    U.S. Air Force Academy cadets learned first-hand over the past seven weeks how military training instructors develop the Air Force's newest warrior Airmen in basic military training.The 27 cadets in the Summer Leadership Program developed leadership skills by shadowing MTIs in seven BMT squadrons at

  • Academy grad, Eagles WR gets close shave at training camp

    The best, most memorable play of wide receiver Chad Hall's three-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles occurred after Wednesday's training camp practice at Lehigh UniversityHall, a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and a former second lieutenant stationed at Hill Air Force Base in Salt Lake

  • President announces nomination for AF under secretary

    President Barack Obama announced Aug. 1 that he intends to nominate Eric Fanning to be the next Under Secretary of the Air Force.Fanning is the Deputy Under Secretary and Deputy Chief Management Officer of the Department of the Navy, previously holding positions with the House Armed Services

  • Mobility 'ballet' key to rescue of F-16 pilot

    Shortly after an Air Force pilot ejected from his F-16 Fighting Falcon into the North Pacific July 22, he found himself under the watchful eyes of mobility Airmen. These Airmen worked as part of a coordinated behind-the-scenes "ballet" to ensure his dramatic recovery less than six hours later. A

  • AF Reservist finishes 4th in Olympic epee fencing

    Air Force Reserve Capt. Seth Kelsey finished one touch away from a medal Wednesday in Olympic épeé individual fencing at ExCel Centre.Kelsey lost his semifinal bout in sudden-death overtime, 6-5, to the fencer who went on to win the gold medal, Venezuela's Ruben Limardo Gascon. Then he dropped

  • Through Airmen's eyes: Samoa native puts bombs 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.)His father always told him, "Whatever job you are doing, always do your best." This is something the 6-foot Samoan took to heart and lives by to this

  • Former MTI Smith found guilty

    A guilty verdict has been returned in the special court-martial of former Air Force military training instructor (MTI) Tech. Sgt. Christopher Smith. The trial will now enter the sentencing phase, which will begin tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. Tech. Sgt. Smith was found guilty of two specifications of

  • Luke AFB selected for F-35 pilot training

    It's official, the F-35 is coming to Luke. Air Force Secretary Michael Donley announced today that Luke AFB has been chosen as the location of the Air Force's F-35A Lightning II pilot training center. The base will receive 72 aircraft for a total of three fighter squadrons."This is a great day for

  • Acting Under Secretary of the Air Force visits basic military training

    Acting Under Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Jamie Morin visited with Air Force basic military training officials and trainees here July 30.During a trip to San Antonio, Morin met with the 37th Training Wing leadership and toured the BMT campus. In June, Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr., Air Education and

  • US, Poland develop partnership through Screaming Eagle

    Airmen from the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing and 86th Airlift Wing continue to train with Polish military members in Exercise Screaming Eagle IV here July 24 through Aug. 3."Poland is one of our strongest and closest allies in the world and is a leader in Europe," said President Barack Obama.

  • AF medical team integral part of mass casualty exercise

    The "walking wounded," arrived first to the field hospital set up by the 779th Medical Group. The warbling siren from an ambulance heralded the arrival of patients on litters. The doctors, nurses and medical technicians greeted them with the initial care that could save their lives or at a minimum

  • Pacom weighs pre-prepositioning logistics for disaster response

    Along with more rotational deployments, U.S. Pacific Command is eyeing opportunities to pre-position some of the logistics assets being drawn down in Afghanistan to support a future disaster response or other contingency in the Asia-Pacific region.U.S. Marines began serving six-month rotational

  • Service members successfully work themselves out of job

    Most people wouldn't define success as working themselves out of a job, but for the Joint Medical Operations Cell located in western Afghanistan, that was exactly their goal.What began as a 20-person-strong medical team in 2006 has now dwindled down to six people as medical advisors and mentors

  • Innovative simulator solution enhances training, saves millions of dollars

    A significant milestone for remotely piloted aircraft was ushered in July 10, with the first student sortie in an innovative T-6 Texan II simulator.The new setup has dramatically increased the ability to train remotely piloted aircraft pilots, and the ingenuity behind the new simulator saves the Air

  • Profile: AETC's 2011 NCO Instructor of the Year

    For Tech. Sgt. Ryan Tennyson, Air Education and Training Command's Non-Commissioned Officer Instructor of the Year for 2011, life as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal instructor couldn't get much better. Whether it be teaching students at Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal at Eglin Air Force

  • F-22 Raptors deploy to Kadena

    F-22A Raptors from the 1st Fighter Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., deployed to Kadena Air Base, Japan, and arrived July 28 local time. Pacific Air Forces Theater Security Package deployments to the Asia-Pacific region signify a continued commitment to regional stability and security, while

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: A pilot who can do it all

    (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.)Just three short years ago, Lt. Aaron Berry was maintaining A-10 Thunderbolt IIs. Today, he's flying them.In April 2009, then-Tech. Sgt. Aaron Berry was

  • Training exercises enhance international relations

    Central Colombia and southern Nevada are vastly different locations. The terrain, weather and operational environments between each location vary to the extremes. So what drives an air force to briefly trade the jungles of South America for the desert of the American southwest? The answer is

  • AF names intelligence squadron command candidates

    Six dozen officers have been selected as intelligence squadron command candidates, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced here.The intelligence career field development team met at AFPC in June to select the squadron command candidates, said Maj. Nicole Francis, intelligence officer

  • F-35 maintenance training spawns USMC's first air FTD

    It's no surprise that the military operates in an increasingly joint environment today. With the introduction of the Department of Defense's newest fifth-generation fighter jet, the F-35 Lightening Bolt Joint Strike Fighter, the joint effort is at the forefront of the aircraft's maintenance training

  • Reserve A-10 pilots debut new technology at RIMPAC

    In its first operational test with maritime operations, nine 47th Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots are debuting new helmet and survival radio technologies during the Rim of the Pacific exercise here June 29 through Aug. 3.One of the new technologies is the Scorpion system, which is

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman returns to Afghanistan as mentor

    (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.)Assigned to the Pentagon after a successful tour in Afghanistan, he soon volunteered to return. Too much work was left to do."My first tour involved

  • End of an era for Academy's gliders

    The TG-10C gliders that have been the Academy's sailplane of choice for basic and aerobatic training for the last decade ascended for its final flight here Monday. The TG-10 trainer, which has been replaced by the new German TG-16A model, was flown for the last time on Academy grounds by Cadet 2nd

  • Deployed first responders test reaction skills

    An explosion rocks the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing's aerospace ground equipment hangar. Minutes later, the sound of anguished voices calling for help can be heard as firefighters enter the dark, smoke-filled building.The scene then becomes mass chaos as medical personnel scramble to assist the

  • Through Airmen's eyes: Combat medic shares story about 'just doing his job'

    (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.)Even though it was only one of more than 300 combat missions he was a part of while deployed last year, it was a day he will never forget. On that day,

  • Building international partners through music

    This week, the U.S. Air Force Band welcomed international guest conductor Capt. Abiodoun Patrick Odjo from the Republic of Benin. Captain Odjo is the commander of the Music Squadron and Mobile Squadron for the National Gendarmerie in Benin. Prior to this position, he served as the commander of the

  • Vigilant Eagle board selects 82 command candidates

    The Space and Missile Vigilant Eagle Operations Squadron Commander Selection Board has selected 82 lieutenant colonels and lieutenant colonel-selects as command candidates for projected 2013 vacancies, Air Force Personnel Center officials said. Candidates will be matched to command vacancies at Air

  • DoD approves plan to lift F-22 restrictions

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz said here July 24 the Air Force has data indicating the cause of the F-22 Raptor's hypoxia-related incidents stem from the quantity, not the quality, of oxygen available in the cockpit."Given tests in the altitude chamber and the centrifuge, we have

  • Schwartz: Air Force will thrive despite fiscal challenges

    The Air Force has reinvigorated the service's nuclear mission, incorporated unmanned aerial capabilities and made progress in acquisition, the service's chief of staff told reporters here July 24.Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, who finishes a four-year term in office shortly, said he believes the Air Force

  • N.C. governor signs bill to help military, vets, families work in state

    Col. Jeannie Leavitt, 4th Fighter Wing commander, spoke at a ceremony here July 24, where North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue signed legislation making it easier for military members, spouses and veterans to obtain the necessary occupational licenses required to work in the state. North Carolina

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: From maintenance to medicine

    (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.)Twenty-one Airmen from across the Air Force were selected for the 2013 Interservice Physician Assistant Program, with training scheduled to begin

  • DOD to improve voluntary education safeguards

    The Defense Department is nearing completion of an agreement with post-secondary schools to ensure service members have the best possible experience in continuing their education, a senior Pentagon official said today.The department will release later this summer a memorandum of understanding to be