HomeNews

NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • F-35 training center begins formal training

    While celebrating each F-35 Lightning II arrival, the integrated joint strike fighter training team also recently opened the doors for the first Air Force certification courses on the logistical support behind the nation's newest weapons platform.The 33rd Fighter Wing has eight basic familiarization

  • 4th FW Airmen to launch aircraft to honor WWII history

    Members of the 4th Fighter Wing will pay homage to World War II history here April 16 by launching 70 F-15E Strike Eagles in a training mission to destroy more than 1,000 targets on bombing ranges across North Carolina.During World War II on April 16, 1945, the 4th Fighter Group destroyed

  • Chief's perspective: Now is the time for bold leadership

    Enlisted Airmen,A week ago I sent an email message titled Leadership vs. Policy to Command Chiefs and Career Field Managers. You may have seen that message, or parts of it, but I'd like to take the opportunity to address it with you directly.The theme of the message was that too much arbitrary

  • 100 miles: One day, one cause

    How long does it take you to drive 100 miles in a day, or pedal a bike that distance? Would you even consider walking or running 100 miles in a day? What if it was to help a friend and his family?For Tech. Sgt. Wayne Jenderny, the 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron assistant chief of fire

  • AFA officials announce team of the year

    The Airborne Operations career field is the Air Force Association 2012 Team of the Year, Air Force officials announced April 13.Annually, AFA recognizes a specific enlisted career field (as well as Airmen in that specialty) that personifies professionalism, technical expertise and leadership.The

  • Overcoming sexual assault: A victim's candid story

    Living has always been a challenge for Senior Airman Jane Smith. Seemingly born into an uphill world, physically and emotionally tested at every step, spirituality had continually strengthened her and still propels her forward in life, she said.Smith was nearly driven to suicide after being sexually

  • Air Force officials release draft EIS for F-35 operational basing

    The Air Force has filed a draft environmental impact statement for the proposed operational basing of the F-35 Lightning II within the continental United States.The current active Air Force and Air National Guard alternatives under consideration are: Burlington Air Guard Station, Vt.; Hill Air Force

  • Minot AFB officials work to improve Airmen resiliency

    Officials at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., will admit the northern-tier base poses several inherent challenges for the Airmen stationed there. Its high-tempo nuclear mission coupled with the base's isolated location and large population of young Airmen can test the resiliency of every member. Base

  • 'Battle of survival:' Special tactics officer awarded Air Force Cross

    In a harrowing 10-hour battle amidst more than 100 insurgents, a special tactics officer kept the enemy at bay with a little help from above. Capt. Barry F. Crawford Jr. was awarded the Air Force Cross during a Pentagon ceremony April 12 for his heroic actions controlling the air space and calling

  • Mass casualty exercise tests deployed first responders

    After the loud explosion, smoke quickly billowed from the front of the auditorium. Several service members were slowly being engulfed in a thick white cloud which limited visibility to little more than three feet.The room went quiet.Those not hurt by the simulated explosion cautiously rose from the

  • 2012 Hennessy Trophy winners announced

    Air Force officials announced the winners of the 2012 Hennessy Trophy awards on April 6.The Hennessy Trophy is an annual award presented to Air Force installations with the best food-service programs. This year marks the 56th anniversary of the single- and multiple-facility category

  • Sexual assault hurts one, affects all

    April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing Sexual Assault Response Coordinator hopes to use this time to educate the Airmen of the wing on preventing sexual assault. The Defense Department theme for this month's awareness campaign is "Hurts one. Affects all." This

  • Major continues family's service tradition

    People join the military for any number of reasons. For Maj. Mark Melin, the son of a soldier, grandson of a World War II sailor and the third of three military brothers, commissioning in the Air Force was like joining the family business."It was definitely my father's example of service as a

  • Readiness Center named best in Air Force

    One word summed up the reaction at the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Airman and Family Readiness Center about being named the 2011 Air Force AFRC Program of the Year - elation. "They were elated," said Sharon Witter, AFRC chief, when the staff was informed about the recent award. "There was a

  • U.S., Malaysian Airmen team up to build brighter future for orphans

    More than 50 U.S. Air Force and Royal Malaysian Air Force members teamed up for a humanitarian construction project at a Malaysian orphanage here as part of exercise Cope Taufan 2012 on April 8.The combined team spent nearly five hours mixing and pouring concrete for a multi-use sports court at

  • CMSAF Roy visits JB Charleston

    The 16th chief master sergeant of the Air Force spoke with Charleston Airmen about current and future Air Force operations April 9 during a brief visit here.During his visit, which included an "All Call" held at the base theater, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy touched on topics such as

  • FLETA grants accreditation to AF security forces officer, enlisted courses

    The Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation Board granted initial program accreditation status to the 343rd Training Squadron's Security Forces Basic Officer and Apprentice Courses at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland recently.Air Force Director of Security Forces Brig. Gen. James McMillian

  • Air National Guard medical team sets bar during disaster response test

    It took only 36 minutes for the 139th Airlift Wing's medics here to make their presence known as medical performers during a recent homeland response evaluation. Fifty Air Force doctors, nurses, emergency medical technicians and support staff began their test in haste, pulling equipment from their

  • CMSAF discusses resiliency with civic leaders

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy addressed a crowd of civic leaders and Department of Defense personnel on the necessity of promoting a total force culture of resiliency on Capitol Hill April 5. During the presentation, the Air Force's top enlisted leader discussed many issues

  • Four Airmen honored with 2011 Sijan award

    For demonstrating outstanding leadership, four Airmen received the 2011 Lance P. Sijan USAF Leadership Award during a ceremony April 6 in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes.Named in honor of the first U.S. Air Force Academy graduate to receive the Medal of Honor, the award annually recognizes officer and

  • Reserve, active duty F-22 pilots fly long-range strike exercise

    A mix of personnel from the 477th Fighter Group, 3rd Wing, and 673rd Air Base Wing left Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, to participate in a long range strike exercise on April 4.F-22 Raptors and E-3's assigned to the 3rd Wing along with F-16s from Misawa Air Base, Japan, B-1's from

  • AF accepting test pilot school applications

    Eligible pilots, combat systems officers and engineers have an opportunity to join the ranks of airpower pioneers like Jimmy Doolittle and Chuck Yeager, but they have to apply for U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School to do so.The 2012 U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School selection board will convene in July

  • General Flowers presented with Order of the Sword

    The enlisted men and women of Air Education and Training Command presented retired Maj. Gen. Alfred K. Flowers with the Order of the Sword during a ceremony April 6 here.Before his retirement in November, Flowers served as the deputy assistant for Budget at the Office of the Assistant Secretary of

  • Official Provides Tax Tips for Troops

    As service members begin preparing for the annual tax season, they may want to consider a new savings plan designed for young people, a Defense Department tax official said today.Service members and their dependents who earn less income today than they expect to earn in the future, such as those in

  • AF participates in Exercise Kiwi Flag

    Two C-17 Globemaster IIIs and 70 Airmen from the U.S. Air Force participated in the Royal New Zealand Air Force's Exercise Kiwi Flag from March 26 through April 4 at RNZAF Base Whenuapa, New Zealand. Exercise Kiwi Flag is a multilateral, tactical air mobility exercise that aims to improve the

  • Deployed doc has Airmen on pins and needles

    How do you wake up Lady Gaga in the morning? Poke her face. How does Lt. Col. (Dr.) Darlene Smallman treat patients in pain? Same way. Smallman is a flight surgeon deployed to the 380th Expeditionary Medical Group from the Pentagon. She's also one of about a hundred medical professionals in the Air

  • Air Force staff sergeant creates tracking program

    There's a new computer-based program designed to track the training status for pilots. It's called "iFly," invented by Air Force Staff Sgt. Jose Castillo, 3rd Wing aviation resource management. It may become the new standard for the Pacific Air Forces.The path that led to this program shines with

  • Laughlin fitness center goes green

    The Losano Fitness Center here recently began harnessing power by using elliptical machines and a new state-of-the-art technology called ReRev.After the 47th Civil Engineer Squadron converted five of the machines, each creates electricity while people use them during a workout.During a 30-minute

  • Fairchild AFB Airman remains missing

    Airman 1st Class James Adam Lassiter, a student assigned to the 336th Training Group, remains missing since March 31 after departing for a canoe trip on the Spokane River.The 36th Rescue Flight here aided local authorities with helicopter support in the search for the missing Airman."Our thoughts

  • Air Force boxer one of best in U.S.

    Senior Airman Adam Hassan, 375th Communications Squadron, fought through two weeks of try-outs and three months of intense training to be announced the best boxer in the Air Force and one of the top 10 boxers in the U.S.He had to compete against everyone who submitted a package to even get into the

  • First lady unveils new military spouse hiring effort

    First lady Michelle Obama today announced a new hiring effort intended to deliver thousands of portable, flexible job opportunities to military spouses and veterans in the coming years.Eleven companies have pledged more than 15,000 jobs for military spouses and veterans, the first lady said, noting

  • Mission to McMurdo: Helping science in Antarctica

    A recent mission for U.S. Transportation Command proves its service members can get just about anything, anywhere.Members of the command stepped to the fore by building a pier in the southernmost harbor in the world: McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. This enabled the National Science Foundation staff to

  • Virtual wingman makes smart choices easy

    Air Education and Training Command unveiled a new website accessible by smart phones and tablets that is designed to provide resiliency and safety information to Airmen. The website was shown at the Air Force Community Action Information Board meeting March 29.Among the highlights of the website are

  • SecAF visits F-35 test program at Edwards AFB

    "You continue to make history - literally every day - with the work you do here." These words of affirmation were given by Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley during his visit to the Edwards F-35 Integrated Test Force March 28 at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Donley, who was at Edwards March

  • New talent and old friend part of April AIRMAN

    One of the hottest new singers on the reality TV circuit shares the stage with an old friend turning 50 in the April issue of AIRMAN magazine.Following her appearance on the popular NBC reality talent show, the "Voice," singer Angie Johnson is the subject of a feature by writer Randy Roughton and

  • DOD implements new changes to sexual assault response

    The Defense Department has refined new methods to aid sexual assault victims whether reporting a crime or seeking assistance as they transition from service, the director of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office said here March 30."We have several new options for victims of sexual

  • Transit Center moves nearly 20K people--in one week

    Service members at the Transit Center at Manas work side-by-side with Kyrgyz partners every day to support international efforts in Afghanistan by moving fuel, cargo and people. Last week, the team moved a record 19,827 coalition troops--the most since the installation opened 10 years ago.Between

  • Warrior Games selection camp concludes for AF

    More than 25 active-duty, retired and separated Airmen competed for a spot on the Air Force team in the 2012 Warrior Games during a selection camp March 25-30 here.The Warrior Games, now in its third year, was designed to introduce disabled veterans to Paralympic sports. The Airmen selected for the

  • C-27 program cut explained, budget aligned with strategy

    The Air Force deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and programs discussed the reasoning behind the C-27J Spartan program cut from the fiscal 2013 budget request during the Air Force Association's monthly breakfast seminar here March 27."It's not because it isn't a good aircraft, and it's not

  • Tips, guide to maneuver PCS peak season

    Each year, about 225,000 Department of Defense and U.S. Coast Guard household good shipments are slated for movement during the summer months. These shipments compete with private sector moves creating a phenomenon in the transportation industry called the "peak moving season."Peak moving season

  • U.S., Thai airmen and soldiers partner, jump for freedom

    More than 240 Thai and U.S. airmen and soldiers took part in a personnel drop over Lop Buri, Thailand to close out this year's Cope Tiger 2012 multilateral air exercise between the U.S., Thailand and Singapore which was held here March 12 through 23.Coined by combined exercise leadership as the

  • U.S., Thai service members conclude Cope Tiger

    More than 240 Thai and U.S. airmen and soldiers took part in a personnel drop over Lop Buri, Thailand, to close out this year's Cope Tiger 2012 multilateral air exercise, which was held here March 12-23.The mission between the U.S., Thailand and Singapore aimed to improve U.S. and Royal Thai Air

  • Combat controller recognized for leadership on, off battlefield

    A combat controller with the 24th Special Tactics Squadron recently received Air Force recognition for his leadership in his personal and professional life. Technical Sgt. Nathaniel Hoag was awarded the Lance P. Sijan Junior Enlisted of the Year Award for 2011. "I was honored to be nominated," Hoag

  • Top five things Airmen should know about energy

    In a soon-to-be released video, an Air Force senior leader shared key elements of the service's efforts to change the culture of energy and give Airmen a more personal stake in energy conservation as it relates to national security.In the video, entitled "The Five Things Every Airman Should Know

  • Olmsted scholars named

    Six Air Force captains will spend their next tour of duty in Russia, the Ukraine, Brazil, China or India pursuing an academic mission as Olmsted Foundation Scholarship winners, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.The Olmsted Scholar Program, sponsored by the George and Carol Olmsted

  • New radar helps Airmen defend Arabian Gulf

    Airmen defending the Arabian Gulf have another arrow in their quiver thanks to a new radar system installed at the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing here March 18.The TPS-75, or "Tipsy-75" as the 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron calls it, is a powerful air surveillance radar capable of providing

  • Exceptional performer promotion nominations due by April 6

    Stripes for Exceptional Performers nomination packages meeting the Central STEP Board and the Combatant Command Board are due to the Air Force Personnel Center enlisted promotions section by April 6, AFPC officials said.The fiscal 2012 central and COCOM boards will meet April 23-24, according to

  • Air Force officials expand electronic ADSC notifications

    Air Force Personnel Center officials are expanding automated notifications to Airmen of personnel actions requiring them to sign active duty service commitment acknowledgement statements.The automated ADSC notifications were successfully tested in November 2011 for more than 800 Airmen selected for

  • AF announces 2012 aviator continuation pay program

    Air Force officials released the details of fiscal 2012 Aviator Continuation Pay program this week, with continuing focus on retaining highly-qualified manned and remotely piloted aircraft rated crew members. The ACP program gives some pilots and combat systems officers the opportunity for a

  • Davis-Monthan AFB wins installation excellence award

    Air Force leaders announced the winners of the 2012 Commander-In-Chief's Annual Awards for Installation Excellence and Special Recognition program March 26.Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., won this year's award and will receive $1 million for quality-of-life improvements. Four personnel and 8

  • SecAF: Cyberspace is an Air Force priority

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley highlighted cyberspace as an important Air Force priority and joint force enabler during remarks to Airmen, industry officials and Air Force Association members March 23 at the Air Force Association's 2012 CyberFutures Conference and Technology Exposition

  • Grand Forks EO director named top in AF

    The U.S. Air Force named Tech. Sgt. Tomeka Parker of the 319th Air Base Wing as the Solomon Starks Jr. Equal Opportunity Director of the Year for 2011.Parker arrived in Grand Forks in November 2010 and single-handedly filled a two-person EO office assignment responsible for more than 1,300 Airmen

  • White House official honors ANG unit with rare award

    One of President Barack Obama's top advisors praised the Kentucky Air National Guard for superior achievement March 18, calling the organization "second to none" during a ceremony honoring the 123rd Airlift Wing for winning a nearly unprecedented 15th Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.Also recognized

  • AAF achieves first fixed-wing UPT flights in 30 years

    Afghan maintenance crews marshaled a team of three U.S. instructors paired with three Afghan students as they took to the morning skies in three separate Cessna 182 aircraft, marking the first undergraduate pilot training sorties in over 30 years in Afghanistan, March 24, 2012Advisors with the 838th

  • Mountain Home AFB Airmen save DOD more than 800K

    Members of the 266th Range Squadron here saved the Defense Department approximately $872,000 by assisting Sailors from Naval Air Station Whidbey, Wash., a with two-week joint service exercise.Airmen assigned to the 266th RANS here have the unique and challenging mission of operating and maintaining

  • 'Joy is in the doing' for AF women trailblazers

    Editor's Note: This is the third of a three part series highlighting the major accomplishments of women in the Air Force. This piece focuses on women who went on to become the best at what they do, all trailblazers within the Air Force. "Things done are won; joy's soul is in the doing." This quote

  • Florida high school student named Military Child of the Year for AF

    Operation Homefront's 2012 Military Child of the Year for the Air Force was recently awarded to Chelsea Rutherford, daughter of Technical Sgt. Kelly Herndon, 325th Medical Group education and training manager, and Technical Sgt. Charles Herndon, 43rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit F-22 avionics

  • Pilot safe in Kunsan AB F-16 crash

    An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed near Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, during a routine training mission March 21. The aircraft, assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron here, was flying a mission as part of the 51st Fighter Wing's ongoing exercise. The pilot safely ejected from the single seat

  • U.S. Airman increases Afghan AF capability

    Aircraft are useless without proper maintenance, pilots and the fuel needed to feed the beast.One senior NCO is working to improve the capabilities of the Afghan air force one fuel sample at a time.U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jeremiah Fentress, a fuels flight advisor with the 439th Air Expeditionary

  • AFMC commander to receive highest enlisted honor

    Gen. Donald Hoffman, the commander of Air Force Materiel Command, will be inducted into AFMC's Order of the Sword in a ceremony March 30 at the National Museum of the United States Air Force."Induction into the order is the highest honor that enlisted Airmen can place on a leader," said Chief Master

  • CMSAF visits Incirlik AB, talks Air Force changes

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy visited here March 15-16 to meet Airmen performing 39th Air Base Wing missions and discuss current and future Air Force changes. Roy spoke to Airmen about topics such as education and training, Air Force budget cuts and resiliency.At one point he

  • CMSAF Roy visits Ramstein

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy visited team Ramstein March 14, touring various units here. Roy spoke with Airmen, keying in on resiliency, hazing, restructuring, training and the effectiveness of professional Airmen. Resiliency is not only about taking care of yourself, he said, it's

  • CMSAF visits 501st Airmen

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy spoke to Airmen of the 501st Combat Support Wing and observed how the wing supports its mission partners during a site visit to RAF Croughton March 12. This visit was the first opportunity for Chief Roy and his wife Paula to see some of the capabilities

  • CMSAF visits UK, paves way forward

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force visited RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath March 13, to discuss important Air Force topics with Airmen.CMSAF James Roy visited several locations on both bases and said he was impressed by the professionalism of Airmen."When you enter the gate at both bases,

  • Air Force officials: Check Professional Development Guide for errors

    Air Force officials announced today that some copies of the printed versions of the 2011 Professional Development Guide will need to be returned to unit Weighted Airman Promotion System monitors, as the documents may have a number of errors."Airmen and supervisors of Airmen using this version of the

  • Loadmaster soars on American Idol

    For one aspiring singer at Westover, 15 minutes of fame stretched out over weeks as a contestant on American Idol.The television show broadcast to millions gave Tech. Sgt. Blaire Sieber an opportunity to stand in front of the world and live out her dream."It's really hard to describe the

  • Exchange program enriches safety of aviation community

    Two international officers assigned to the Air Force Safety Center's Aviation Safety Division have bolstered their countries' aviation safety program by working side-by-side with their U.S. Air Force partners.German Air Force Lt. Col. Rudi Stein and Royal Canadian Air Force Maj. Peter Laurin agree

  • U.S.-Thailand-Singapore Airmen strengthen ties during Cope Tiger 12

    Airmen from the U.S., Thailand, and Singapore are stepping away from flight operations to strengthen relationships here with local Thai communities this week.The combined Airmen from the U.S. Air Force, Royal Thai Air Force and Republic of Singapore Air Force are participating in exercise Cope

  • NATO allies synch communication

    The Turkish and U.S. air forces successfully synched a communication system together during the bilateral training exercise Anatolian Falcon 2012 here March 13.Link 16 is a communication network developed to integrate signal detection into a data transfer shared among all members of the

  • U.S., Turkish air forces complete Anatolian Falcon 2012

    Anatolian Falcon 2012, a bilateral training exercise between the Turkish and U.S. air forces, ended here March 16.The exercise was designed to strengthen military interoperability between the two nations and test the air forces' abilities to conduct a variety of air missions to include interdiction,

  • One year later: Response by Airmen for Operation Tomodachi 'unprecedented'

    When the island nation of Japan was struck with an 8.9-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami on March 11, 2011, the world answered the call with an unprecedented response -- and so did mobility and contingency Airmen. Among those leading the worldwide effort that delivered aid and support to

  • SecAF statement on whistleblower reprisal investigation

    "We have reviewed the Office of Special Counsel's report of investigation of allegations of reprisals taken against whistleblowers at Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operation (AFMAO) Center, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. As a result, disciplinary proceedings have been initiated and we expect to have

  • EOD Airman nominated for Bronze Star

    There is a bloodstain on his boot. He says it's a reminder of a day he probably couldn't forget, even if he tried. Staff Sgt. Kenneth Guinn, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician deployed here from the 354th Civil Engineer Squadron at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, has been nominated for a

  • Wingmen key to reducing sexual violence

    The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Wing Commanders' Guide was sent out to wing commanders recently and contains statistics, facts and talking points to help leaders encourage healthy conversations among their Airmen, which senior leaders say is paramount to eliminating sexual crimes in the

  • Total force tanker team sharpens skills at Red Flag

    Aerial refuelers sharpen their skills through joint, allied and total force integration during Red Flag 12-3."The teamwork of active duty, Air National Guard and Reserve units has been outstanding," said Master Sgt. Randy Bishop, 91st Air Refueling Squadron chief boom operator out of MacDill AFB,

  • Deployed officer comes to aid of coalition partner

    An Air Force officer came to the aid of a Coalition partner who suffered a seizure after falling at Kabul International Airport, Feb. 18.Air Force Capt. William Boland, force support adviser with the 439th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron, said he was on his lunch break when he noticed a runner

  • Langley Airmen test new fuel delivery system

    Airmen at Langley Air Force Base, Va., are testing a new fuel delivery system that could revolutionize flightline operations and save the Air Force millions of dollars.Senior Master Sgt. Patrick Smith, 633rd Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels management superintendent, said the new Hydrant Mobile

  • Inaugural African Partnership Flight takes off

    U.S. Air Forces Africa Airmen participated in the opening ceremony of the inaugural African Partnership Flight event March 12 at Air Force Base Accra, Ghana.The event, hosted by the Ghanaian air force, is a two-week, military-to-military multilateral and regional engagement designed to improve

  • Cope Tiger trilateral exercise in full swing

    Readiness and continued development of multilateral interoperability remains a key priority for allies and partners participating in Cope Tiger 12, a field training and large force air employment exercise that began here Mar. 12.During the two-week exercise, more than 1,600 combined service members

  • JTF-Bravo medics see 1,000 patients

    Members from Joint Task Force-Bravo, Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, saw more than 1,000 villagers during the four-day medical readiness and training exercise in the Montana de la Flor region March 7-10. "It was a very successful MEDRETE," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. William Fecke, deputy commander

  • Global Eagle combines AF, British forces

    The historical partnership between U.S. and British forces was evident yet again through a combined exercise between U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force Regiment Feb. 26 through March 2. Defenders from the 820th Base Defense Group and tactical air control parties from the 3rd and 18th Air Support

  • Iraqi air chief sees son graduate U.S. Air Force pilot training

    The top generals from the U.S. Air Force and Iraq Air Force united here March 9 to award silver wings to 23 of the countries' newest pilots. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Iraqi Air Force Commander Staff Lt. Gen. Anwer Hamad Amin Ahmad were the keynote speakers at the graduation

  • U.S. pilots plant SEAD with Turkish counterparts

    The Turkish and U.S. air forces continue to combine their air assets and share tactics in large-force employments during Exercise Anatolian Falcon 2012 here March 5-16.During LFE exercises, units oftentimes take advantage of the high number of aircraft participating to test mass communication

  • Langley tests new fuel delivery system

    Airmen here are testing a new fuel delivery system that officials say could revolutionize flightline operations and save the Air Force millions of dollars.The new Hydrant Mobile Refueler has been in development for roughly a year and a half, and it could be implemented throughout the Air Force in

  • Eglin AFB conducts first F-35 launch

    No matter what uniform they wear, service members of the 33rd Fighter Wing know the launch of the first F-35 Lightning II flight here March 6 is a small step into the next half century of air dominance.Morale was high even though the sortie was abbreviated by the pilot's determination of "in flight

  • Anatolian Falcon 2012 builds strength, sharpens skills

    The Turkish and U.S. air forces continue to successfully integrate their capabilities during Anatolian Falcon 2012 here March 6.The first four missions of the two-week exercise are through, and the two NATO allies are learning to better communicate with each other and combine their strengths."I

  • AF officials announce manpower force structure changes

    Air Force officials released force structure changes and resulting manpower impacts from the new DoD strategic guidance and fiscal 2013 President's Budget Mar. 6.The fiscal 2013 President's Budget adjusts Air Force military end strength to 501,000, with net reductions of 3,900 Active Duty, 5,100 Air

  • Turkey, U.S. kick off international weapons training exercise

    An international weapons-training deployment involving Turkish and U.S. air forces began here March 5 and lasts until March 15.The 480th Fighter Squadron from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, and the Turkish air force's 3rd Main Jet Base combined their efforts during Anatolian Falcon 2012, an exercise

  • VCSAF discusses benefits, uniforms, F-35 while at Luke

    The Air Force's vice chief of staff addressed a packed house during an Airmen's Call here March 2.Gen. Phil Breedlove, who visited Luke AFB for two days, covered a variety of issues during the all-call, to include military benefits, the F-35 Lightning II, and uniform policy.Breedlove began by

  • Deployed Airmen earn cavalry gold spurs

    Three Airmen from the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron displayed the true spirit of joint service partnership when they completed an Army tradition called a Spur Ride and successfully joined the Order of the Spur at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, February 21, 2012.The Order of the Spur is

  • ANG combat comm squadron redesignated civil engineering unit

    A combat communications squadron that began the Air National Guard's presence in the U.S. Virgin Islands more than 32 years ago has transformed itself once again during a ceremony March 3.The 285th Combat Communications Squadron, activated in 1980 to provide communications support to the U.S. Virgin

  • Joint medical team provides care in Belize

    A 46-member team from Joint Task Force-Bravo, Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, provided medical care to approximately 620 community members here Feb. 28 during a joint medical readiness training exercise. Members of the Joint MEDRETE included the Belizean Ministry of Health, Belizean military and

  • AF rock band's new video focuses on special tactics Airmen

    Max Impact, the premier rock band of the United States Air Force, is thrilled to release a new video featuring their original song "Send Me." Produced with the assistance from Air Force Television, the video integrates footage of the amazing Airmen from Air Force Special Operations Command. A

  • Critical care transport team continues to save lives

    Since mid-January, the newly formed all-Air Force Critical Care Air Transport Team with the 651st Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron or EAES at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan has been saving lives, whether they're U.S. troops, local nationals, or coalition partners."A life is a life," said

  • Global Strike commander: Nuclear deterrence fundamental to national security

    The commander of Air Force Global Strike Command visited here recently to discuss the command's mission and its significance to Air Force operations. Lt. Gen. Jim Kowalski spoke to students from the Air War College, School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, and Air Command and Staff College.AFGSC's

  • Airmen plan peer-to-peer engagements to prevent mishaps

    Members of the 2012 Airman-to-Airman Safety Advisory Council convened Feb. 14-16 at the Air Force Safety Center to plan communication strategies to share the consequences of their experiences and help others avoid repeating the same mistakes. A2A began in 2010 and gives young Airmen the opportunity

  • Andersen AFB concludes Asia-Pacific SMEE

    As part of U.S. Pacific Command's Theater Security Cooperation Program, a multilateral subject-matter expert exchange co-hosted by senior civil engineer and security forces personnel from Headquarters 13th Air Force concluded here Feb. 23.The exchange, called Pacific Unity and Pacific Defender,

  • White House honors Iraq veterans during dinner

    President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama hosted a White House tribute to Iraq War veterans and their families last night to honor them for their service, sacrifice and commitment to the nation.Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, and Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta,

  • AFPC automates civilian education application submission process

    Civilians who apply for developmental education programs will do so through the Air Force Personnel Services website this year, rather than via email or fax, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.Individuals interested in applying during the academic year 2013 civilian developmental