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U.S. Air Force News

  • Around the Air Force: June 12

    On this look around the Air Force, Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson, and Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. David Goldfein, testify before the Senate Armed Services Committee. Hosted by Airman 1st Class Cory Kuttler.

  • Air Force announces significant changes to Aviation Bonus Program

    As part of its retention efforts, the Air Force released details on the fiscal year 2017 Aviation Bonus Program (AvB) June 5, 2017. This year’s program implements an increase in maximum bonus amounts authorized in the fiscal 2017 National Defense Authorization Act in addition to more flexibility in

  • Around the Air Force: May 24

    On this look around the Air Force, Air Force senior leaders testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee Strategic Forces Subcommittee on space capabilities, and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force met with airline execs to discuss the pilot shortage. Hosted by Staff Sgt. Traci Keller.

  • Mattis welcomes new SecAF home

    Defense Secretary Jim Mattis ceremoniously swore in Heather Wilson as the 24th Secretary of the Air Force at the Pentagon May 16, 2017.

  • Around the Air Force: May 12

    On this look around the Air Force, the Senate confirms Dr. Heather Wilson to be the next secretary of the Air Force, the Air Force is accepting test pilot applications, and the Air Force Research Lab has developed sensory technology inspired by the fine hairs of crickets and bats. Hosted by Staff

  • Around the Air Force: March 31

    On this look around the Air Force, Dr. Heather Wilson, the secretary of the Air Force nominee, answers questions from the Senate Armed Services Committee and Lt. Gen. Gina Grosso, the Air Force deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services, answers questions from a House Armed Services

  • SecAF nominee testifies before Congress

    Heather Wilson testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee during her confirmation hearing for secretary of the Air Force in Washington, D.C., March 30, 2017.

  • Everything is listening in the digital age

    Today’s environment is filled with examples of technology designed to connect Airmen to the internet: smart phones, smart watches, and other common personal technology that is always capable of connection. While Airmen grow more connected to the digital world, the connections open the door to

  • Around the Air Force: March 7

    On this look around the Air Force, acting Air Force Secretary Lisa S. Disbrow talks about the Air Force review and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright answers a question about the possibility of enlisted Airmen flyingMQ-9 Reapers.

  • Disbrow delivers State of the AF

    Acting Secretary of the Air Force Lisa S. Disbrow addressed current and future issues, and talked about some of the occasions the Air Force has to look forward to in 2017 during the Air Force Association Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Florida, March 3.

  • Disbrow to serve as acting AF secretary

    Under secretary of the Air Force Lisa S. Disbrow will serve as the acting secretary of the Air Force as of Jan. 20, until the President nominates and the Senate confirms a permanent replacement.

  • James awards Maxwell Airman two Silver Stars

    Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James spent her final day in office honoring an Airman here Jan. 19, 2017.Before a packed auditorium of base leadership, River Region community leaders and Air University students, James presented two Silver Star medals to Col. Christopher Barnett for his actions in

  • Around the Air Force: Jan. 13

    On this look around the Air Force, Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James bids farewell as the SecAF, and major changes are coming to the Air Force’s tattoo policy.

  • James bids farewell as SecAF

    The men and women of the Air Force bid farewell to the 23rd Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James during a ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, Jan. 11.

  • Around the Air Force: Jan. 10

    On this look around the Air Force Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James talks about her priorities during her tenure.

  • James visits Malmstrom AFB for final time

    Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James visited Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, Jan. 5 to discuss morale, innovation and modernization of the nuclear enterprise with Airmen.

  • SecAF highlights progress at AFA breakfast

    Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James addressed the Air Force Association’s Air Force Breakfast Series Jan. 6, at the Key Bridge Marriot in Arlington, Virginia.

  • Around the Air Force: Dec. 23

    On this look around the Air Force the first Japanese F-35 arrives at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona; Edwards AFB in California is testing ways to save fueling cost for the C-17 Globemaster III; and the Air Force band performs at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.

  • The long journey home

    Long rows of white marble headstones line the landscape of Arlington National Cemetery, each memorializing a fallen U.S. military member with a unique story of service to the nation. Nestled within Section 60 of the sprawling cemetery lies a marker for Air Force Maj. Troy Gilbert, an American

  • Around the Air Force: Dec. 16

    On this look around the Air Force, Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James held a Facebook town hall to address concerns from Airmen and their family members, and President Barack Obama spoke with Airmen at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.

  • Around the Air Force: Dec. 13

    On this look around the Air Force, Airmen deliver the first F-35s to Israel, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James visits Airmen at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, and Airmen attend the Enhancing Human Capital course.

  • James visits F.E. Warren, discusses force improvement efforts

    Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James and Lt. Gen. Jack Weinstein, the deputy chief of staff for strategic deterrence and nuclear integration, visited F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, to speak directly with Airmen about ongoing improvement efforts throughout the nuclear enterprise, Dec. 7-8.

  • Around the Air Force: Dec. 9

    On this look around the Air Force, Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James speaks at the Reagan National Defense Forum, the Air Force releases F-35A Lightning II candidate bases, and Operation Christmas Drop is underway.

  • SECAF’s top 10 themes discussed at spouse, family forum

    During a spouse and family forum hosted by Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James in October, participants submitted more than 170 threads on the forum’s event page. The topics included spouse employment and child care access; Air Force programs for families with special needs; and schools,

  • AF hosts Warrior Care Sitting Volleyball Tournament

    The volleyball courts were clear as athletes made their way into the Pentagon Athletic Center. Some arrived in wheelchairs. Some were missing limbs. Many had wounds which couldn’t be seen. As they sat down on the court for warm-ups, they all had something in common…they were all wounded warriors.

  • James reiterates focus on modernization, efficiency

    Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James took the stage Oct. 28, at the 48th annual Airlift Tanker Association Convention to address the Air Force’s priority to maintain mission readiness and promote modernization in the coming years.

  • Around the Air Force: Oct. 25

    On this look around the Air Force special tactics Airmen are honored with a memorial and Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James visits the first enlisted RQ-4 Global Hawk pilot class.

  • Past, present, future: AF Memorial 10th anniversary

    For the last decade, the Air Force Memorial stood boldly in the skyline of the nation’s capital, inciting pride and honor, and recognizing the dedication and sacrifices of Airmen who have served. Members of industry, Airmen and media attended a ceremony in celebration of the monument’s 10th

  • James named honorary Tuskegee Airman

    Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James was named an honorary Tuskegee Airman and was presented the Tuskegee Airman red jacket during the Air Force Memorial’s 10th anniversary ceremony in Arlington, Va., Oct. 14.

  • AF issues implementation guidance for transgender Airmen

    Air Force officials released transgender implementation guidance Oct. 7 addressing specific procedures for transitioning and requesting an official change in gender as well as associated guidance in areas ranging from medical and privacy issues to deployments, fitness standards, and dress and

  • James to host spouse, family forum

    Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James will host a spouse and family forum from 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Oct. 19 in the Smart Center Auditorium on Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.

  • E-4Bs realign under 8th Air Force, 595th CACG stands up

    The 8th Air Force has another aircraft in its inventory, and it’s not a bomber. The E-4B, which serves as the National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC) and is a key component of the National Military Command System for the president, the secretary of defense, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, recently

  • Around the Air Force: Oct. 4

    On this look around the Air Force, senior leaders release a memorandum for diversity initiatives, assignments to Turkey become unaccompanied tours and the Air Force raises awareness for cybersecurity.

  • 4-star returns to 1st assignment for WiSE keynote address

    The Air Force’s third-ever female four-star general returned to her first assignment to deliver keynote remarks at the Air Force Technical Applications Center’s (AFTAC) Women in Science and Engineering Symposium (WiSE) Sept. 7.Gen. Ellen M. Pawlikowski, commander of Air Force Materiel Command,

  • Around the Air Force: Sept. 23

    On this look around the Air Force, Secretary of Air Force Deborah Lee James shares news about expanding the force and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Dave Goldfein delivers his first Air Force Update.

  • Around the Air Force: Sept. 20

    On this look around the Air Force, Staff Sgt. Traci Keller takes us to the Air Force Association’s Air, Cyber and Space Conference where the name of the Air Force’s latest stealth bomber, the B-21, was announced.

  • Air Force leaders, spouses focus on family readiness

    During a panel session at the Air Force Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference Sept. 19, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James, Air Force Chief of Staff Dave Goldfein, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody and their spouses focused on how the Air Force is supporting its members and

  • Airmen receive Spencer innovation award

    When innovative ideas save the Air Force hundreds of thousands of dollars, leadership takes notice. Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James presented the Gen. Larry O. Spencer Innovation Award to Master Sgt. Matthew Galinsky, who, in 2015, served as the Air Force fuels equipment manager at Fort

  • Air Force leaders release birthday message

    Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Dave Goldfein, and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody released the following message in honor of the Air Force’s 69th birthday.

  • AF opens enlisted RPA pilot program to all AFSCs

    Using a phased-application approach, Air Force senior leaders are casting a wider net to ensure more active-duty enlisted Airmen are eligible to apply for the service’s RQ-4 Global Hawk remotely piloted aircraft program, a Pentagon official said Aug. 29.

  • Air Force aims to hasten foreign military sales process

    In remarks at the State Department’s Foreign Press Center in New York Aug. 17, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James outlined the Air Force’s multifaceted approach to expedite the service’s portion of the foreign military sales process.

  • KC-46A approved for production

    The KC-46A Pegasus program received Milestone C approval from Frank Kendall, the under secretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, signaling the aircraft is ready to enter into production.

  • Around the Air Force: Aug. 12

    On this look around the Air Force, the secretary of the Air Force and chief of staff of the Air Force discuss the budget and operations during the State of the Air Force; the B-1B Lancer, B-2 Spirit and B-52 Straotofortress make history in Guam; and U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa

  • RPA pilots set to receive $35,000 annual bonus

    Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James announced an increase to the service’s remotely piloted aircraft pilot bonus Aug. 10 in a multi-pronged approach to increase RPA manning and incentivize RPA pilots within a community that has operated at surge capacity for more than 10 years.

  • Around the Air Force: July 29

    In this look around the Air Force, an amputee Air Force pilot gets back into the cockpit, Airmen are given the opportunity to retrain into special operations without risking their current Air Force specialty code, and the Air Force secretary honors the Air Force's longest serving civilian.

  • Goldfein swears in as 21st CSAF

    Gen. David L. Goldfein was sworn in as the Air Force’s 21st chief of staff by Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James during a ceremony at the Pentagon on July 1.

  • Combined JTF-Operation Inherent Resolve releases strike video

    Coalition strikes on Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant fighters fleeing in a convoy near Habbaniyah, Iraq, were recently conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria and the wider international

  • Around the Air Force: June 27

    In this look around the Air Force, the Osan Air Base, Japan, community remembers a hero; the Air Force secretary talks about space as a potential battlefield; and survivors of the Khobar Towers bombing recall the 1996 terrorist attack.

  • Yesterday’s Air Force: AF museum opens new building

    The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, is showing off its brand new hangar full of historical aircraft and tons of Air Force history. It features four sections: presidential, research and development, space, and global reach.

  • AF announces total force award

    Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James announced the annual General Mark A. Welsh III One Air Force Award during a retirement dinner held in honor of the award’s namesake in Washington, D.C., June 23, 2016.This new Air Force-level award will be presented to the service’s top total force team that

  • Around the Air Force: June 10

    On this look around the Air Force the secretary of the Air Force shares a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month message and B-52 Stratofortresses from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, kick things off at Baltic Operations 16.

  • Airmen Powered by Innovation projected to save over $120M

    The Air Force secretary, while championing change across the service, has made the Make Every Dollar Count campaign one of her top three priorities. At the heart of the campaign is the Airmen Powered by Innovation program. Since 2014, API has received 6,791 ideas from Airmen. Of those submissions,

  • James gains special ops insight at Cannon

    The 27th Special Operations Wing hosted Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James on May 17 and provided her with a deeper understanding of the Air Force Special Operations Command mission, and Cannon’s role in providing special operations forces to the warfighter.

  • AF hosts Magazine Day at Pentagon

    Roughly 15 representatives from a variety of magazines ranging from Popular Mechanics and Runner’s World to People and Buzzfeed attended the Air Force’s second annual Magazine Day event at the Pentagon May 13.

  • James gets welding lesson during Fairchild visit

    Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James visited Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, on April 27 to better understand the daily operations of the 92nd and 141st Air Refueling Wings and 336th Training Group.

  • Air Force ROTC returns to Harvard

    Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James helped return the Air Force's tie to one of the country's most prestigious institutions April 22. The secretary signed an agreement at Harvard University, Massachusetts, re-establishing the Air Force ROTC detachment there.

  • James visits Airmen supporting Honduras mission

    The men and women of Joint Task Force-Bravo hosted Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James April 8 at Soto Cano Air Base, as she wrapped up her visit to various units in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.

  • Airmen discuss one of the little-known best jobs in Air Force

    If you’re an Airman with technical skills, an outstanding performer who always meets physical training standards and has completed all military and other education requirements, the 844th Communications Squadron may have a job for you. The jobs themselves vary, but all involve working as part of the

  • James announces Office of Energy Assurance

    Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James announced the establishment of the Air Force Office of Energy Assurance and conducted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland March 22.

  • Around the Air Force: March 23

    This look around the Air Force features the first female combatant commander and the Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III testified on Capitol Hill.

  • SecAF, deputy energy secretary visit Davis-Monthan

    Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James and Deputy Energy Secretary Dr. Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall visited Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, for the first time March 9 to gain firsthand knowledge about the various operations, priorities and capabilities.

  • Around the Air Force: March 18

    This look around the Air Force features the Solid State Phased Array Radar System, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James discusses offset strategies, and exercise Cope Tiger.

  • Air Force leaders present FY 2017 budget request

    The military services’ secretaries and chiefs presented their respective branch’s fiscal year 2017 budget plan March 16 on Capitol Hill.Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III testified on the Air Force’s fiscal 2017 national defense authorization

  • James visits Luke AFB for more insight on F-35 ops

    Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James met with Airmen to gain a better understanding of Luke Air Force Base’s mission with a focus on F-35 Lightning II operations, and its maintenance and training facilities March 9-10. During her first visit to the base, James held an all call where she took time

  • AF senior leaders brief State of the Air Force

    Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III discussed the State of the Air Force during a press conference at the Pentagon March 7.

  • Air Force next-generation bomber naming contest begins

    At the Air Force Association’s Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Florida, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James announced the newest bomber addition to the Air Force’s long history of aircraft, the B-21. Now it’s up to you to name it.

  • James, Welsh testify before Congress

    The Air Force’s top two senior leaders testified before the House Appropriations Committee on Defense March 2 and the Senate Armed Services Committee March 3. They attested to the critical need of readiness. With less than half of the Air Force’s combat forces prepared for a high-end fight, the

  • State of AF: Modernizing for next offset strategy

    Budget plans are poised to keep the Air Force atop of its game, with a new bomber and advanced technology to help Airmen execute a future offset strategy, the head of the service announced at the Air Force Association’s Air Warfare Symposium Feb. 26.

  • Air Force reveals B-21 Long Range Strike Bomber

    Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James revealed the first rendering of the Long Range Strike Bomber, designated the B-21, at the Air Force Association’s Air Warfare Symposium Feb. 26 in Orlando, Fla., and announced the Air Force will be taking suggestions from Airmen to help decide the name of the