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

Jan. 11, 2024
CSAF presents Mackay Trophy to 53rd Wing pilot for most meritorious flight of 2022

Awarded for the “most meritorious flight of the year” by an Air Force individual, group, or organization, the Mackay Trophy is one of the longest-standing aviation awards in the nation having first been given to 2nd Lt. Henry H. ‘Hap’ Arnold in 1912.
April 28, 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. 9, 2023
23 Department of the Air Force members selected for BEYA STEM awards

Both uniformed and civilian members of the Air Force and Space Force will be recognized during the 18th Annual Stars and Stripes Awards Dinner for their accomplishments and contributions in STEM-related fields over the past year.
Dec. 7, 2022
DAF announces 2022 Air Force Design Award winners

The Air Force Civil Engineer Center recently announced the winners of the 2022 Air Force Design Awards, recognizing four facilities that demonstrate excellence in design, sustainability and energy efficiency.
Dec. 6, 2022
CSAF promotes retired WWII triple ace fighter pilot to brigadier general

The ceremony was an opportunity to honor the 100-year-old World War II triple ace during the 75th anniversary year of the U.S. Air Force’s establishment as a military service.
Oct. 6, 2022
12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year recognized during Air Force’s season of celebrations

The 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2022 were recognized and honored during the Air Force’s 75th Anniversary week and the Air and Space Force Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Maryland, Sept. 15-21.
June 6, 2022
Land at your own risk: Air Guardsmen honored for valor during Operation Allies Refuge

The crew of seven Airmen from the 105th Airlift Wing, New York National Guard, earned the Meritorious Service Medal for a successful completion of their military transport airlift mission at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, when Taliban forces took over the capital city.
May 17, 2022
Bunch inducted into Order of the Sword

Gen. Arnold W. Bunch, Jr., was inducted into the Air Force Materiel Command Order of the Sword, which is the highest honor the enlisted force can bestow upon a military officer.
May 2, 2022
FY21 DAF Safety Awards announced

The FY21 Department of the Air Force Safety Awards Program provides organizations, teams, and individuals the opportunity to be recognized for their hard work, enhanced performance, accomplishments, and feats in safety.
April 19, 2022
AETC enlisted Airmen present former AU president, commander Order of the Sword

Gen. Anthony Cotton received the Order of the Sword for his significant contributions to the development of the Air Force enlisted force during an official ceremony at Gunter Annex’s Flag Park April 1, 2022.
March 24, 2022
Brigadier General Adams receives the President’s Volunteer Lifetime Award

Brig. Gen. Adams earned the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to those who have completed more than 4,000 hours of community service, for his work championing STEM and cybersecurity in the youth community.
Jan. 6, 2022
AFSOC History Office wins 2021 Air Force Excellence in Command History Program Award

The award recognizes the best primary or field command history office for outstanding history and heritage programs leadership that provided exemplary historical services to improve organizational effectiveness, esprit de corps, and combat capability.
Dec. 7, 2021
Department of the Air Force announces 2021 Presidential Rank Award recipients

Selected by the President of the United States, Presidential Rank Awards are presented to a small cadre of civilian senior executives in recognition for their long-term accomplishments in providing exceptional service to the American people.
Dec. 1, 2021
AFRL’s drone killer THOR wins Popular Science ‘Best of’ award

Each year, Popular Science reviews thousands of new products and innovations, to choose the top 100 winners across 10 categories. To win, the technology must represent a significant advancement in its category.
Sept. 6, 2021
Air Force names 2020 Athletes of the Year

Every year, the Air Force recognizes one male and female military member for their athletic accomplishments. Each installation nominates candidates by submitting packages that highlight their top athlete’s sports-related achievements, military awards and civic recognition from the past calendar
May 19, 2021
2020 nuclear deterrence, missile operations awards announced

These awards recognize the accomplishments of Airmen contributing to nuclear deterrence operations across the Department of the Air Force and the achievements of officers within the nuclear and missile operations career field.
May 12, 2021
Air Force announces Diversity and Inclusion Award winners

The awards recognize Airmen, Guardians and organizations that go above and beyond in operational, innovational and inclusive leadership achievements in three categories: command team, team and individual.
March 20, 2021
Recruiting squadron commander wins Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award

Lt. Col. Steven Cooper earned the award while assigned as the commander of the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Florida. Cooper was deployed last year and much of his award package is based on his time downrange.
Nov. 16, 2020
SecAF lauds 50 years of federal service

Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett called to congratulate Laura Gourgas, a longtime federal civilian employee, at Hanscom Air Force Base Nov. 9 for her five decades of service to the Air Force.
Nov. 12, 2020
Michigan Air Guard pilot awarded Distinguished Flying Cross

The training flight narrowly avoided catastrophe on July 20, 2017, when DeVries successfully landed his A-10 Thunderbolt II with neither a canopy nor fully engaged landing gear.
Oct. 9, 2020
Department of the Air Force family suicide prevention training now available

The new online training video, Equipping Family Members to Help Airmen in Distress, aims to build and strengthen relationships and connectedness among family members and loved ones.
Aug. 20, 2020
ANG members recognized for heroic efforts

Six members of the Air National Guard were presented Meritorious Service Medals during a ceremony at the Pentagon Aug. 19, for their heroic efforts that saved a person’s life at the Lincoln Memorial June 4.
July 30, 2020
ACC commander accepts Order of the Sword recognition

The invitation came as a surprise to Holmes, who was delivering remarks and answering questions during a virtual noncommissioned officer development course. A participant of the course asked Holmes if he would accept the invitation, which then prompted a group of enlisted Airmen to rush into Holmes’
July 29, 2020
Department of the Air Force honors former SecAF Heather Wilson

During the ceremony, Barrett recognized Wilson for her service and achievements as the Air Force’s highest-ranking civilian leader.
July 20, 2020
Air Force announces 12 Outstanding Airmen of 2020

An Air Force selection board at the Air Force’s Personnel Center considered 36 nominees who represented major commands, direct reporting units, field operating agencies and Headquarters Air Force.
April 28, 2020
Best in Air Force: Columbus AFB Airfield Ops hard work recognized

The 14th Operations Support Squadron’s Airfield Operations Flight is responsible for the daily care and feeding of both Columbus AFB owned airfields as well as the control of all 234 14th Flying Training Wing aircraft and civilian aircraft utilizing the surrounding airspace.
March 20, 2020
509th MDG earns Air Force Clinic of the Year

This prominent award is based on accomplishments submitted to each major command. Once selected at the MAJCOM level, award packages are then sent up to compete at the Air Force level.
Feb. 19, 2020
Air Force commander awarded Military Service Award at BEYA 2020

Founded in 2006, the Stars and Stripes dinner is a key event during the three-day Black Engineer of the Year Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Global, Competitiveness conference. As one of the nation’s largest gatherings of top military and civilian federal government leaders,
Feb. 5, 2020
Tuskegee Airman receives promotion to brigadier general

On Feb. 4, retired Col. Charles E. McGee found himself in the Oval Office at the White House being promoted to brigadier general by President Donald Trump.
Jan. 13, 2020
Tyndall AFB comptrollers support base rebuild, win Air Force award

A team of comptrollers from the 325th Comptroller Squadron, Tyndall Air Force Base, received the Gen. Larry O. Spencer Special Acts and Services award for assisting in more than 11,000 people from the 325th Fighter Wing with their finances before, during and after Hurricane Michael made landfall in
Dec. 18, 2019
Wilson honors 2018 O’Malley Award recipients

Brig. Gen. Julian Cheater and his wife, Camila Cheater, stood out among the 147 highly-selective wing command teams across the operational Air Force in their selection for the 2018 O'Malley Award.
Dec. 11, 2019
Oklahoma Air National Guard member receives Airman’s Medal

Whittle's actions in stopping an active shooter at Louie's Grill and Bar in Oklahoma City on May 24, 2018, were read aloud by a member of Whittle's squadron at a ceremony Dec. 8.
Oct. 31, 2019
Vandenberg AFB awarded best DoD fire department for 7th time

As a space wing, Vandenberg Air Force Base lacks the aircraft and heavy use of its runway that would reflect greatly on a fire department during award season. Even in the lack of these two arenas, the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department has been awarded not only the “Best Fire Department in
Oct. 25, 2019
117th ARW receives Omaha Trophy

The 117th Air Refueling Wing won the award in the strategic aircraft category in recognition of the outstanding mission performance with the U.S. Strategic Command.
Sept. 10, 2019
Safety professionals recognized at 2019 NSC Congress and Expo

The National Safety Council developed the Rising Stars of Safety to help highlight up-and-coming safety professionals. Winners show leadership in safety and bring new ideas to existing problems at their organizations. The Air Force is the only organization, federal or industry, which has had a
Aug. 6, 2019
DoD CI, HUMINT awards showcase OSI excellence

The competitions were judged by selection panels consisting of senior subject matter experts from across the DoD and National CI, HUMINT and security communities respectively, representing decades of experience.
July 4, 2019
IG office earns Air Force award

This Air Force-level award recognizes an outstanding Commander’s Inspection Program that goes above and beyond the day-to-day mission requirements. NASIC’s CCIP was chosen as the best of any direct reporting unit or field operating agency.
July 2, 2019
Airman owns mistake, recovers from Article 15, becomes shining example

Airman 1st Class Mary Kapuscinski, 7th Operations Support Squadron meteorologist, was recently recognized for an act that could have saved thousands of lives. She has won awards for her weather forecasting expertise. But it hasn’t always been positive times for her at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas.
June 28, 2019
CSAF presents Kolligian Trophy to T-38 pilot

During the ceremony, Goldfein stated that Heath's superb analysis and outstanding skill in response to this life-threatening emergency resulted in the safe recovery of two Airmen and an $8.2 million aircraft.
May 17, 2019
Misawa AB recognized by DoD for Suicide Prevention for the second year in a row

Misawa Air Base, Japan was recognized for a second year in a row as the top Air Force installation during Suicide Prevention Month, at a ceremony in the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon, in Arlington, Virginia, May 15.
May 13, 2019
Air Force’s top recruiter climbs even higher

Master Sgt. Gervacio Maldonado, a former Health Professions recruiter and now flight chief with the 318th Recruiting Squadron, was surprised and ecstatic when he learned winning the 2018 Maj. Gen. A.J. Stewart Top AFRS Recruiter award would take him even higher.
May 9, 2019
Pentagon hosts display unveiling ceremony honoring Operation Allied Force 20th anniversary

The display was created to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the successful Operation Allied Force and those involved.
March 27, 2019
Virginia ANG Airmen recognized for saving lives

March is Women’s History Month, a time when many aim to highlight and recognize women who have made significant contributions at various points in time. The 192nd Wing, Virginia Air National Guard, is not an exception when it comes to service and excellence among female leaders and service members.
Aug. 31, 2018
Seven units approved for AF Organizational Excellence Award

The Secretary of the Air Force Personnel Council recently approved seven organizations for the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award.
Aug. 29, 2018
AF officials launch 2018 Total Force Climate Survey

Air Force leaders at all levels want to know, “How is my organization doing?” The 2018 Total Force Climate Survey, which runs from Aug. 27 to Oct. 30, helps answer that question and more with the help of Air Force active duty, Reserve, Guard and civilian personnel (appropriated and non-appropriated
July 18, 2018
Air Force seeks Sijan award nominations

Air Force officials are accepting nominations for the 2018 Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award through Aug. 31.
June 21, 2018
Air Force announces 2017 Sijan award winners

The U.S. Air Force has announced the winners of the 2017 Lance P. Sijan U.S. Air Force Leadership Award.
May 22, 2018
AFPC launches database for special trophies, awards information

As the Air Force continues to streamline guidance and target improvements that impact Total Force Airmen in the squadrons, the Air Force’s Personnel Center has implemented an initiative placing all special trophies and award descriptions and eligibility information into a single location for maximum
May 14, 2018
2018 JINSA Grateful Nation Award nominees sought

The Air Force is seeking nominations for the 2018 Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs Grateful Nation Award.
Feb. 28, 2018
Air Force seeks 2018 Gen. Mark A. Welsh III One Air Force Award submissions

Air Force officials are seeking nominations for the 2018 Gen. Mark A. Welsh III One Air Force Award.
Jan. 30, 2018
2018 AFSA Pitsenbarger Award nominations sought

Officials are currently accepting nominations for the 2018 Air Force Sergeants Association Pitsenbarger Award.
Jan. 24, 2018
Nominations for 2018 NAACP Roy Wilkins Renown Service Award sought

Nominations for the 2018 NAACP Roy Wilkins Renown Service Award are due to the Air Force Personnel Center by March 21, 2018.
Dec. 20, 2017
AF accepting nominations for employees, Airmen with disabilities DoD award

Air Force civilian employees and Airmen with disabilities have until Spring 2018 to submit nomination packages for the 2018 Outstanding Department of Defense Employee or Service Member with a Disability Award.
Dec. 6, 2017
Nomination window open for 2018 AF innovation award

Application packages for the 2018 General Larry O. Spencer Innovation Award, based on contributions occurring between April 1, 2017 and March 31, 2018, are due to the Air Force’s Personnel Center by April 20, 2018.
Sept. 26, 2017
Officials announce 2017 AFA Aerospace Award winners

The Air Force Association awards committee announced the final recipients of the 2017 National Aerospace and Specialty Awards.
Sept. 19, 2017
AETC Airmen honored at AFA

Five Air Education and Training Command Airmen, and one AETC unit, were honored for their outstanding achievement at the opening ceremonies of the 2017 Air Force Association Air Space and Cyber Conference Sept. 18, 2017. Lt. Gen. Steven Kwast, Maj. Matthew Brock, 1st Lt. Owen Caron, Cadet Alexander
July 5, 2017
AF announces 2017 BIG Meritorious Service Award recipients

Air Force officials recently named the winners for the 2017 Blacks in Government Meritorious Service Award. The award honors military members and Defense Department civilian employees who have supported military missions or overseas contingency operations, or whose attributes best epitomize the
July 5, 2017
2016 Nuclear Deterrence Operations, Nuclear & Missile Operations awards winners announced

Air Force officials recently named the winners of the 2016 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Award and the Nuclear & Missile Operations Award.
Feb. 9, 2015
Key defense suppliers recognized for stellar delivery to warfighters

Getting top-notch materiel to the warfighters in the most cost-effective and efficient manner is what the American public expects of defense contractors. One of the things the military services are now doing to incentivize industry to improve is by recognizing their top performers. This is
Nov. 25, 2014
AFA Outstanding AF Civilian Employee of the Year nominations due

Air Force officials are accepting nominations for the Air Force Association (AFA) Outstanding Air Force Civilian Employee of the Year.
Oct. 28, 2014
Nominations open for 2015 Fisher humanitarian award

Air Force officials are accepting nominees for the 2015 Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award. Completed nomination packages are due to the Air Force Personnel Center by March 19.
Sept. 19, 2014
POW/MIA: Daughter of missing Vietnam-era pilot shares story of loss

The name, rank and service of Col. Kelly Cook are imprinted on prisoner-of-war/missing-in-action bracelets to this day -- he is still missing.

U.S. Air Force News