News

NATO Air Policing operations — U.S. Air Force News

March 19, 2023
ACC announces 2023 demonstration team pilots

Air Combat Command recently announced the 2023 ACC demonstration team pilots.
March 17, 2023
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Feb. 24, 2023
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Feb. 21, 2023
US military showcases airpower at Aero India 23

The weeklong biennial exhibition is Asia’s largest aviation event and hosts government delegations and corporate executives from 26 countries.
Feb. 8, 2023
Readout of Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall’s bilateral meeting with UK Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey

The leaders discussed strengthening U.S.-U.K. cooperation on a range of shared air and space priorities.
Jan. 20, 2023
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Dec. 1, 2022
US, Israeli air forces execute fighter escort, refueling exercise

Ninth Air Force (U.S. Air Forces Central) F-15E Strike Eagles, F-16 Fighting Falcons, and KC-10 Extenders participated in a bilateral exercise with Israeli air force F-35 Lightning IIs and F-16s over the Eastern Mediterranean Sea Nov. 29 and 30.
Nov. 11, 2022
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Oct. 28, 2022
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Oct. 7, 2022
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Sept. 16, 2022
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Sept. 9, 2022
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Aug. 9, 2022
Readout of US Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.'s visit to Singapore

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. traveled to Singapore Aug. 7-10 to reaffirm the U.S. Air Force's commitment to the bilateral defense relationship and discuss efforts to enhance cooperation.
Aug. 4, 2022
SecAF receives F-35 engine update at Tinker AFB

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall visited Tinker Air Force Base July 28 for an update on the base’s support to the F-35 Lightning engine program.
July 18, 2022
US airpower, integration on display at Royal International Air Tattoo

The event allowed the Air Force and U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa to integrate and engage with hundreds of Airmen from 31 nations, and approximately 200,000 visitors during the three-day military air show.
July 15, 2022
The ‘Future Fight’ is here: Red Flag-Nellis 22-3

More than 20 units and approximately 2,300 participants arrived at Nellis Air Force Base to take part in the final Red Flag of 2022. Greeting them were the pilots of the newly re-activated 65th Aggressor Squadron, and the 57th Operations Group’s dedicated multi-domain aggressor force.
July 12, 2022
Readout of US Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.’s travel to Germany

Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. traveled to Germany to deepen the U.S. Air Force partnership with the German Air Force.
June 27, 2022
Kendall outlines progress on ‘transformation’ tempered by continuing threats, need for ‘urgency’

Offering a report card on the state of transformation across the Air and Space Forces, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall said June 24 that progress has been made but more is needed, and the pace of change must quicken to reshape and refocus the services to meet fast evolving global threats.
June 23, 2022
AESA radar launches F-16 into next generation of airpower

The AESA reinforces the viability of the F-16 to execute its homeland defense mission while remaining ahead of near-peer threats.
June 10, 2022
Readout of US Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.’s travel to Canada

During the visit, Brown engaged in staff talks with Royal Canadian Air Force senior leaders, and participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial.
June 10, 2022
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
March 11, 2022
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
March 4, 2022
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Feb. 25, 2022
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Jan. 24, 2022
Air Force Heritage Flight flyover scheduled to support Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles

Five aircraft representing the Air Force’s 75 years as a service will conduct a first-of-its-kind flyover during the national anthem performance at Super Bowl LVI, Feb. 13, over SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Dec. 16, 2021
New F-35 Lightning IIs join USAFE, RAF Lakenheath fleet for first time

RAF Lakenheath was selected in 2015 to host the first U.S. F-35A squadrons in Europe based on very close ties with the RAF, existing infrastructure and combined training opportunities.
Nov. 19, 2021
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Nov. 12, 2021
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Oct. 29, 2021
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Oct. 25, 2021
F-15EX undergoes first operational test mission at Nellis AFB

The F-15EX Eagle ll is undergoing its first-ever operational test mission paired with F-15Cs and F-15Es at Nellis Air Force Base Oct. 18-25.
Oct. 15, 2021
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Sept. 3, 2021
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Aug. 27, 2021
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Aug. 6, 2021
Brown says China’s challenge must be met with speed, focus and commitment

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. told an influential audience Aug. 6 at the National Press Club that the Air Force and the nation must respond with speed, focus and commitment to China’s emergence and other global security threats just as it did 20 years ago following the 9/11 attack.
Aug. 5, 2021
An inside look at F-35 pilot helmet fittings

Reservists in the 419th Operations Support Squadron play a crucial role to ensure the safety of pilots assigned to the 419th Fighter Wing, the Air Force Reserve’s only combat-capable F-35 Lightning II unit.
Aug. 4, 2021
Nellis AFB aggressors, F-35 pilots ‘punish’ blue air to develop unstoppable force

During Red Flag-Nellis 21-3, blue air participants will for the first time go head-to-head with F-35 Lightning II aggressor pilots, making already daunting training scenarios all that more difficult to successfully overcome.
June 30, 2021
Nellis AFB to become 5th generation Center of Excellence

The Department of the Air Force announced plans today to make space for a larger fighter presence at Nellis Air Force Base by realigning the base’s close air support and rescue missions to Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, starting in fiscal year 2022.
June 29, 2021
UOTT pushes boundaries of F-35 operational testing

A team of engineers, analysts, and pilots are pushing the boundaries of F-35 combat aircraft operational testing. The United States Operational Test Team is partnered with Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center Detachment 6.
June 25, 2021
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
June 4, 2021
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
June 3, 2021
Ebbing ANGB selected to host F-35 training center for FMS participants, RSAF F-16 training

The F-35 provides next-generation stealth capabilities to the U.S. and many U.S. ally and partner nations with its aerodynamic performance, advanced integrated avionics, enhanced situational awareness and increased survivability.
May 20, 2021
Northern Edge 21 achieves operational test advances for Airmen, weapons systems

Aircraft from the 53rd Wing returned home from exercise Northern Edge 21, where they achieved test objectives for their software, hardware, and combat tactics, May 3-14.
April 19, 2021
Reserve Airman makes history with innovative Project FoX/F-35 development

The event was a milestone for the Fighter Optimization eXperiment, or FoX, a project that seeks to rapidly integrate advanced software and hardware technologies to maximize the F-35’s lethality and survivability, while creating an agile development test tool and fielded combat multiplier for all
April 14, 2021
Roth escapes Pentagon “bubble” to learn directly from Airmen and Guardians

Acting Secretary of the Air Force John P. Roth travelled recently to bases in Ohio, Utah, Nevada and California to review programs, meet Airmen and Guardians, receive updates from assorted commanders and senior officials, and engage with three members of Congress on their own turf.
Feb. 22, 2021
31st FW, Italian air force complete Agile Combat Employment exercise

The 555th and 510th Fighter Squadrons executed counter air training with the Italian air force 32 Stormo, Rome Air Squad Command. The 32 Stormo is the first European unit to acquire F-35A Lightning II aircraft. 
Feb. 19, 2021
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Feb. 9, 2021
Flightline of the Future Summit explores Tyndall AFB flightline options

With a mostly virtual attendance of approximately 60 subject matter experts, the PMO invited key stakeholders to compare strategic plans and share lessons learned — information that is valuable to the program during the initial stages of the project.
Feb. 5, 2021
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Jan. 26, 2021
Red Flag 21-1 kicks off at Nellis AFB

Southern Nevada residents may notice an increase in military aircraft activity from Jan. 25 through Feb. 12 as Nellis Air Force Base begins exercise Red Flag 21-1, one of the U.S. Air Force’s largest combat training exercises.
Jan. 15, 2021
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Jan. 8, 2021
AF Year in Photos

This year's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This annual feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Dec. 14, 2020
gatewayONE and attritableONE test moves joint force one step closer to “IoT.mil,” demonstrates F-22, F-35 first secure bi-directional data sharing

This test was the latest demonstration of the transformative warfighting impact of the open architecture underpinning the Advanced Battle Management System.
Oct. 17, 2020
Joint training makes Australia’s F-35 mission fully operational

The Royal Australian Air Force returned a majority of its F-35A Lightning II pilots, maintainers and aircraft to RAAF Base Williamtown, Australia, in December 2019, but still maintains a joint pilot-training and maintenance presence here.
Oct. 16, 2020
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Oct. 14, 2020
Enduring Lightning III exercise brings together US, Israeli air forces

U.S. Air Forces Central and the Israeli Air Force conducted exercise Enduring Lightning III Oct. 12, in the skies over Israel. It was the third joint exercise between the two countries involving the F-35 Lightning II.
Sept. 11, 2020
Bombers, Marine F-35s join Point Blank 20-4 exercise

More than 50 aircraft from the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Marine Corps, the Royal Air Force and the Royal Netherlands Air Force participated in exercise Point Blank 20-04 over the North Sea, Sep. 10.
Aug. 21, 2020
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Aug. 14, 2020
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Aug. 12, 2020
F-35A joins Red Flag-Alaska, soars to new heights

The 356th Fighter Squadron and 388th Fighter Wing’s F-35A Lightning IIs are the first F-35s to participate in the U.S. Pacific Air Forces-sponsored exercise.
June 19, 2020
SecAF visits Arnold AFB to view developmental test capabilities

The visit highlighted the contribution of the Arnold Engineering Development Complex team to a variety of national priority test missions such as nuclear modernization, flight vehicle aerodynamics, aero propulsion, hypersonic and space systems.
May 29, 2020
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
May 22, 2020
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
April 22, 2020
F-35 Joint Program Office honored with 2020 SecDef Environmental Award

The Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health team received the honor for its actions to eliminate hazards associated with the production, operation and maintenance of the F-35 Lightning II.
March 11, 2020
Kessel Run brings new software to Vermont ANG aircraft maintainers

In the course of two weeks, Kessel Run personnel started with zero Mad Hatter users from the Vermont ANG and grew to 78 user accounts at the 158th Maintenance Group. Airmen were able to recover, service and launch aircraft entirely using Mad Hatter applications, resulting in 10 successful sorties
Feb. 27, 2020
Barrett highlights space, modernization, alliances, people as pressing priorities

Secretary of the Air Force Barbara M. Barrett said Feb. 27 that successfully launching the Space Force while also modernizing the Air Force, strengthening ties with allies and partners and ensuring a culture of trust for Airmen and their families are the priorities that will drive the service into a
Jan. 31, 2020
USAFE welcomes Poland to European F-35 User's Group

Poland is the ninth member of the European F-35 User’s Group, and the first country in Eastern Europe to transition to the F-35 Lightning II.
Jan. 27, 2020
Tyndall AFB leadership share "Installation of the Future" vision

Airmen were offered two sessions Jan. 22 to hear directly from base leadership as to what has been done so far and what is to come as the rebuild at Tyndall Air Force Base continues.
Jan. 17, 2020
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Dec. 23, 2019
Air Force, Navy, Army conduct first ‘real world’ test of Advanced Battle Management System

In the first field test of a novel approach to warfighting, communicating and decision-making, the Air Force, Navy and Army used new methods and technology Dec. 16-18 for collecting, analyzing and sharing information in real time to identify and defeat a simulated cruise missile threat to the United
Nov. 4, 2019
AFRL experts collect aircraft shelters' acoustics data to ensure aircraft, personnel safety

Hardened aircraft shelters provide protection for personnel inside to perform necessary maintenance on aircraft, but the fifth-generation fighters, like the F-35, have very different sound profiles. This creates the need for acoustics testing to ensure the safety of the aircraft and crew.
Oct. 25, 2019
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Oct. 16, 2019
Senate confirms Barrett to be Air Force secretary

The 85 to 7 vote makes Barbara Barrett the third consecutive woman confirmed to lead the Air Force and its 685,000 total force Airmen. Barrett replaces Heather Wilson who resigned in May. Undersecretary Matthew Donovan served as acting secretary in the interim.
Oct. 16, 2019
Eielson AFB reactivates 356th Fighter Squadron

Eielson Air Force Base reactivated the 356th Fighter Squadron and named a new commander on Oct. 10, in preparation for the arrival of the Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs to interior Alaska. Air Force Lt. Col. James Christensen will lead the 356th FS, which is the first of two combat fighter squadrons
Oct. 10, 2019
Tyndall AFB continues rebuild effort one year after Hurricane Michael

Hurricane Michael hit the coastline and surrounding areas of Tyndall Air Force Base, Mexico Beach and Panama City Oct. 10, 2018, a year later the base is rebuilding and preparing to take on a new mission consistent with the long-range goals of the Air Force.
Sept. 26, 2019
DLA national account managers adapt to Air Force goals

DLA’s seven-member Air Force National Account Manager team works with logisticians and planners at Air Force headquarters to increase service readiness.
Sept. 13, 2019
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
July 28, 2019
Operation Rapid Forge concludes

The 10-day operation helped ensure U.S. forces’ ability to fulfill the European Deterrence Initiative, a policy to assure and defend NATO allies, while promoting deterrence in an increasingly complex security environment.
July 24, 2019
Vt. ANG prepares for F-35 arrival

The partnership between the 158th FW consists of the visiting staff from BAE Systems, Inc., Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney aerospace company who are assisting members through the technical phases of induction.
July 19, 2019
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
June 26, 2019
Three-nation F-35 exercise demonstrates air power interoperability

Exercise Tri-Lightning was a one-day defensive counter air exercise involving friendly and adversary aircraft from the three participating countries and consisted of active and passive air defense operations.
June 14, 2019
Around the Air Force: Flight Equipment / F-35A Integration / GI Bill Transferability

On today's look around the Air Force, Air Force flight equipment is being redesigned for female aviators, and for the first time, U.S. Air Force F-35As integrated operationally with Italian Air Force F-35As, making use of one of its main technological design features of interoperability. Also,
June 7, 2019
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
May 31, 2019
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
May 30, 2019
Air Force confirms Wright-Patterson AFB to host F-35 support organization

The decision confirms completion of the strategic basing process which in December 2018 identified Wright-Patterson AFB as the preferred location and an environmental assessment which found no significant impact.
May 28, 2019
AFMC team receives prestigious award for life-saving aircraft technology

The Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System, or Auto-GCAS, team won the 2018 Robert J. Collier Trophy, an award bestowed annually by the National Aeronautic Association that recognizes “the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America, with respect to improving the performance,
May 24, 2019
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
May 9, 2019
Next F-35 training squadron to be located at Eglin AFB

The Air Force announced May 9, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the preferred alternative to receive an additional F-35A Lighting II training squadron.
May 9, 2019
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
May 8, 2019
Munitions complex coming to Eglin AFB

The Air Force Research Laboratory facility, officially designated as the Advanced Munitions Technology Complex, will provide increased munitions research and test capabilities for the warfighter.
May 3, 2019
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
May 3, 2019
Around the Air Force: F-35 First Combat Strike/Tyndall Update/Privatized Housing

On this look around the Air Force, U.S. F-35A Lightning II aircraft conduct their first combat strike, rebuilding at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, stops from lack of funding, and the Air Force creates a 24/7 helpline to address housing concerns.
April 19, 2019
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
April 16, 2019
Hill AFB Airmen deploy F-35A to support coalition forces

Airmen from the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings at Hill Air Force Base deployed to Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, to support the Air Force Central Command mission in the Middle East. The aircraft arrived in country on April 15.
April 2, 2019
Wilson, Goldfein outline Air Force progress, need for larger force

Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein told the House Armed Services Committee Tuesday that the Air Force must get bigger and funding must be predictable to meet – and defeat – security threats at home, globally and in space in an era of great
March 22, 2019
Fighter pilot embodies ‘Captain Marvel’ spirit

In early February, roughly 80 female pilots gathered together on Edwards Air Force Base, California, to take part in the video filming of an Air Force Recruiting Service commercial. The commercial was made to coincide with the release of the new film “Captain Marvel,” which also involved filming at
March 18, 2019
F-35 multilateral conference sets stage for operational integration in Indo-Pacific

F-35 Lightning II subject matter experts from the United States, Australia, Japan and South Korea met to improve 4th and 5th generation aircraft theater interoperability during the second Pacific F-35 User Group Conference at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, March 12 -14.
March 8, 2019
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
March 1, 2019
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Feb. 28, 2019
Around the Air Force: Non-deployable Airmen / Venezuela aid / Red Flag

On this look Around the Air Force, the Air Force formalizes policy on retention of non-deployable Airmen, three C-17 Globemaster IIIs deliver humanitarian aid for Venezuela and Airmen wrap up F-35 Lightning II flying operations for Exercise Red Flag.
Feb. 8, 2019
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.

U.S. Air Force News