News

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

June 4, 2024
Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey empowers employees, inspires change 

The 2024 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey is available now for eligible Department of the Air Force employees and is open for submissions through June 28.
June 3, 2024
AFSFC reaches final phase of fielding Model Defender gear

A four-year initiative to modernize the day-to-day equipment of active-duty Air Force security forces defenders reached its fifth and final phase recently with the award of a $39 million contract for state-of-the-art defender gear.
May 31, 2024
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, 2024
Around the Air Force: New Under Secretary of the Air Force, Retention Bonuses, and B-21 Flight Testing

In this week's look around the Air Force, Melissa Dalton is confirmed by the Senate to be the new USECAF, the FY24 SRB list is out, and the B-21 Raider is on track to become the backbone of the bomber fleet. (Hosted by Staff Sgt. Milton Hamilton)
May 30, 2024
Air Force releases latest field grade officer promotions

The Air Force selected 1,366 active-duty majors for promotion to lieutenant colonel during recent CY24A central selection boards (LAF-A/C/F/I/N/X, NC and MSC).
May 30, 2024
CMSAF visits JB McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst

During the visit, total force Airmen briefed Flosi and explained how the joint base is preparing Airmen for Great Power Competition, from mission generation to mission completion.
May 30, 2024
AFMC empowers small businesses for Air Force reoptimization

AFMC is collaborating with small businesses nationwide, informing them of the Air Force's strategic reoptimization efforts.
May 29, 2024
79th ‘Tigers’ take on Checkered Flag 24-2, WSEP

The 79th Fighter and Fighter Generation Squadron ‘Tigers’ took part in Checkered Flag 24-2 and the Weapons System Evaluation Program at Tyndall Air Force Base from May 9-22.
May 28, 2024
United States Air Force Weapons School celebrates 75 years of advanced training

The 75th anniversary weekend facilitated discussions about the school's ongoing commitment to preparing Airmen for the challenges of Great Power Competition between hundreds of alumni and former military officials.
May 24, 2024
Around the Air Force: PCS Allowances, Air Task Forces, All-Volunteer Force

In this week's look around the Air Force, a policy update provides better financial security during school and training moves, Air Task Forces test new ways to generate deployable Units of Action under the AFFORGEN model, and senior leaders meet to discuss the state of the force and explore
May 23, 2024
Senate confirms Melissa Dalton as next Under Secretary of the Air Force

The United States Senate confirmed Melissa G. Dalton to be Under Secretary of the Air Force May 23, clearing the way for her to become the Department’s second highest-ranking civilian leader.
May 23, 2024
Air Force releases master sergeant promotion cycle statistics

Air Force officials have selected 5,500 technical sergeants for promotion to master sergeant out of 29,497 eligible for a selection rate of 18.65 percent in the 24E7 promotion cycle, which includes supplemental promotion opportunities.
May 23, 2024
Air Force releases FY24 Selective Retention Bonus list, updates to reenlistment policy

The SRB program serves as a retention tool, targeting experienced enlisted personnel in critical career fields, particularly those with lower manning or retention rates.
May 22, 2024
B-21 Raider continues flight test, production

Following its formal unveiling, Dec. 2, 2022, the B-21 Raider began flight testing here where it continues to make progress toward becoming the backbone of the U.S. Air Force bomber fleet.
May 20, 2024
CMSAF visits Las Vegas-area Air Force bases

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi and the Honorable Alex Wagner, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, toured both Nellis and Creech Air Forces Bases.
May 17, 2024
ACC Commander: Dominance in electromagnetic spectrum is not optional

The 350th SWW welcomed the ACC leadership team and their spouses to Eglin AFB, recently, where they saw firsthand the wing’s role in providing joint and coalition partners with electromagnetic warfare capabilities needed to dominate the spectrum.
May 17, 2024
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 17, 2024
Around the Air Force: SECAF Flight Test, Rapid Autonomous Aircraft, JROTC Instructor Expansion

In this week’s look around the Air Force, the SecAF experiences autonomous flight in a VISTA, researchers create and deploy sUAS in a few hours, and JROTC instructor positions are open to veterans and Guard and Reserve Airmen.
May 16, 2024
Air Force Chaplain Corps celebrates 75 years of service

Members of the Chaplain Corps visited Chaplains Hill to lay flowers at the graves of former Air Force chaplains.
May 16, 2024
DAF e-Learning adds Microsoft Teams app

The effort is part of the command’s deliberate development and installation of IT systems that support learning, advanced learning applications and data analytics so Airmen can obtain and exchange information.
May 15, 2024
USAF Units of Action: Air Task Forces defined, first locations announced

The Department of the Air Force identified six locations May 15 to host experimental Air Task Forces that will test new methods to generate more efficient, integrated deployable Units of Action.
May 15, 2024
DAF announces changes to allowances for Airmen, Guardians with dependents attending training

Airmen and Guardians with dependents executing a permanent change of station to a professional military education or training location are now authorized to collect per diem in the amount of the basic allowance for housing without-dependent rate.
May 15, 2024
Swedish, USAF EOD forces strengthen NATO ties in combined exercise at Tyndall AFB

The exercise aimed to test and improve the readiness and interoperability between the two countries by establishing camaraderie and providing a platform to exchange techniques, tactics and procedures.
May 14, 2024
Acquisition Instructor Course Class 25A open for nominations

AQIC is a five-and-one-half month course operating under a strategic partnership with the U.S. Air Force Weapons School to develop operationally informed acquisition professionals as skilled tacticians, leaders and unit instructors.
May 13, 2024
US humanitarian aid for Honduras tops 6 million pounds with Denton Program

A KC-46A Pegasus from the 931st Air Refueling Wing, McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, delivered 12 pallets of cargo for the Denton Program at Soto Cano Air Base, May 8.
May 13, 2024
Modeling, Simulation Summit: Following through with training transformation

The third annual 2024 Department of the Air Force Modeling and Simulation Summit was held at the Grand Hyatt River Walk in San Antonio, Texas, May 7-9.
May 10, 2024
DAF leaders discuss future of all-volunteer force

DAF senior leaders emphasized the importance of the all-volunteer force and helping the military meet national defense needs during RAND Corporation’s America’s All-Volunteer Force symposium in Arlington, Virginia, May 3.
May 10, 2024
CSAF brings ‘Case for Change’ message to Hanscom AFB

As part of his visit, Allvin met with Hanscom AFB program executive officers for an overview briefing highlighting their successes, challenges and how they are adapting to support GPC.
May 10, 2024
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 10, 2024
DAF names 2023 General Larry O. Spencer Award winners

The Department of the Air Force announced the recipients of the 2023 Gen. Larry O. Spencer Innovation Award during a ceremony at the Pentagon, May 8.
May 10, 2024
Around the Air Force: Key to Reoptimizing, Mental Health Care Updates, C-130J Endurance Fight

In this week’s look around the Air Force, CSAF discusses the Air Force’s approach to reoptimizing for GPC, a policy change makes it easier for Airmen to return to duty after seeking mental health services, and a C-130J completes its first max endurance operation with external fuel tanks.
May 9, 2024
920th RQW successfully conducts civilian medical airlift 350 miles off coast of US

The 920th Rescue Wing successfully conducted a civilian medical airlift operation of a critical patient aboard a cruise ship.
May 9, 2024
AFIMSC focuses I-WEPTAC topics on GPC solutions

The I-WEPTAC 2024.1 Mission Area Working Groups briefed ideas for integrating combat support and combat service support capabilities to reshape, refocus and reoptimize the Department of the Air Force.
May 9, 2024
2023 Nuclear Deterrence Operations, Missile Operations awards announced

These awards recognize the outstanding accomplishments of Airmen, Guardians, and civilians contributing to nuclear deterrence operations and the missile operations career field.
May 9, 2024
Optimizing AI, Air University hosts Artificial Intelligence Symposium

The symposium focused primarily on the potential benefits of AI and how it will shape the information advantage in future conflicts.
May 8, 2024
350th SWW reactivates two historic EW squadrons

To meet the Air Force’s growing demand for electromagnetic spectrum effects, the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing recently reactivated two squadrons at Eglin Air Force Base.
May 8, 2024
‘One Team, One Fight’: SecAF visits Keesler AFB

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall visited Second Air Force, the 81st Training Wing and the 403rd Wing at Keesler, May 3.
May 7, 2024
AFIMSC tools deliver data-driven solutions across DAF

The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center’s Innovation and Improvement Division is transforming the way Airmen do business by integrating cutting-edge data-prep and data-visualization tools across the Department of the Air Force.
May 6, 2024
DAF leadership honors EOD memorial in 55th year

CSAF Allvin and CMSAF Flosi attended the annual Explosive Ordnance Disposal Memorial at the Kauffman EOD Training Complex on Eglin Air Force Base.
May 3, 2024
SecAF Kendall experiences VISTA of future flight test at Edwards AFB

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall flew in the front seat of the X-62A VISTA, May 2, to experience firsthand the unique aircraft, which incorporates machine learning and highly specialized software.
May 3, 2024
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, 2024
Around the Air Force: Warrant Officers Needed, Collaborative Combat Aircraft, Five & Thrive Expands

In this week’s look around the Air Force, Airmen can now submit applications to become warrant officers, two industry partners are awarded contracts under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, and the Five and Thrive initiatives expand.
May 3, 2024
Allvin: Aligning Air Force’s approach is key to reoptimizing for Great Power Competition

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin discusses the need to solidify the Air Force’s currently splintered approach and unify the fragmented nature of planning and operations.
May 2, 2024
Air Force researchers design, build, fly autonomous aircraft in 24 hours

Three-person team took on task of evaluating how to rapidly adapt small UASs, their technology and payloads based on the need and environment.
May 1, 2024
Air Force updates mental healthcare waiver timeline for aviators, lowers barriers

The Air Force’s mental health waiver policy in both the Air Force’s Medical Standards Directory and Aerospace Medicine Waiver Guide has been updated to allow for Airmen to receive 60 days of treatment for mental health concerns before a return to duty waiver to fly is required.
April 30, 2024
CSAF’s Case for Change at Columbus AFB

CSAF and CMSAF visit Columbus Air Force Base to engage with Airmen and give their vision for the future of the force.
April 30, 2024
Air Guard leaders host 2024 Wing Leader Conference

Wing Leader Conference is an annual event bringing together leaders assigned to each of the 90 wings across 50 states, three territories and the District of Columbia to collaborate ideas and provide input on critical matters affecting the future of the ANG amidst an era of Great Power Competition.
April 30, 2024
317th AW completes first C-130J Max Endurance Operation with external fuel tanks

The 317th Airlift Wing achieved a significant milestone on April 20, 2024, by becoming the first unit in Air Mobility Command's history to complete a C-130J Super Hercules Max Endurance Operation equipped with external fuel tanks.
April 29, 2024
Top Air Force leaders visit JB Charleston, highlight urgency of reoptimization in ‘time of consequence’

Joint Base Charleston welcomed Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin, his wife Mrs. Gina Allvin, and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi April 26.
April 29, 2024
Airlift invention by Airmen saves Air Force time, money

The “K-Wedge” device was developed to prevent cargo pallet damage during airlift missions. Its success showcases the effectiveness of partnerships in fostering innovative solutions for Air Fore operations.
April 29, 2024
Commander, test pilots evaluate new electric aircraft

Test pilots flew the twin-seat Electro with an instructor for approximately 45 minutes each consisting of pattern work, area maneuvering, and stalls.
April 26, 2024
Tyndall AFB answers CSAF’s Call for Change amidst Great Power Competition

While visiting, Allvin and Flosi voiced a deep appreciation for the hard work and resilience of the Airmen, families and local civic leaders of Team Tyndall, who have truly embraced the “Installation of the Future” performance expectations.
April 26, 2024
Around the Air Force: CSAF Letter to Airmen, Lodging Improvements, Commercial Space Strategy

In this week’s look around the Air Force, CSAF pens a letter to Airmen detailing how the service is following through on planned efforts, service-wide lodging updates are under way, and the USSF unveils a new Commercial Space Strategy. (Hosted by Senior Airman Saomy Sabournin)
April 25, 2024
Air Force to begin accepting warrant officer applications

The Air Force is now accepting applications for Airmen aspiring to become the inaugural cohort of warrant officers in the information technology and cyber career fields.
April 25, 2024
Referral bonuses aim to help fill mission-critical vacancies

The goal of the program is to incentivize current employees who recruit individuals that are subsequently appointed to eligible positions.
April 24, 2024
Air Force exercises two Collaborative Combat Aircraft option awards

The CCA program is part of the Next Generation Air Dominance Family of Systems, which is a DAF effort to equip the force with crewed and uncrewed platforms that can meet the pacing challenge.
April 24, 2024
Project Arc: Delivering tailored innovations to 435th AGOW warfighters

A Project Arc team integrated with 435th AGOW units and conducted a broad range of technological support and advancements to improve mission accomplishment and solve problems encountered by warfighters in the field.
April 23, 2024
DAF releases FY23 safety awards

The FY23 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 23, 2024
Air Force honors Airmen with 2024 Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award

The Pentagon's Hall of Heroes echoed with applause April 8, as four Airmen received the Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award.
April 23, 2024
DAF members recognized in DoD culinary competition

Department of the Air Force service members were recognized for their achievements during the 48th Joint Culinary Training Exercise held at Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia.
April 22, 2024
Department of Defense announces winners of the 2024 Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards

The awards recognize installations, teams and individuals for their exceptional achievements in effective environmental management strategies that enhance installation resilience and mission readiness.
April 22, 2024
Whiteman AFB demonstrates readiness during Spirit Vigilance

Spirit Vigilance is one of a series of routine exercises held by Air Force global strike bases across the enterprise that focus on the training and readiness of Airmen. These exercises are conducted to continuously evaluate and enhance U.S. deterrence capabilities.
April 22, 2024
Around the Air Force: Budget 2025 Testimony, Mental Health Resources

In this week’s look around the Air Force, senior leaders testify to a Senate subcommittee about the fiscal year 2025 budget, and a new Mental Health Overview outlines resources for Airmen and Guardians.
April 19, 2024
Pacific Air Forces weather branch hosts multilateral weather talks

The U.S. Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force signed a Terms of Reference agreement, solidifying weather interoperability relationships between allied nations. The TOR agreement showcases the collaboration of multidomain weather forecasting between partner nations while directly impacting the
April 17, 2024
Kendall, Allvin, Saltzman continue modernization drumbeat, need for Congress to approve budgets on time

Department of the Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall and the top-ranking military leaders from the Air Force and Space Force told a House committee April 17 that adequately defending the nation against modern-day adversaries demands the services modernize quickly.
April 17, 2024
Modernized aviation curriculum takes off at Defense Language Institute English Language Center

DLIELC performs a unique mission teaching English to international partners, U.S. service members and civilian personnel. This is the catalyst for continued improvement and modernization of the Specialized English Training aviation curricula.
April 16, 2024
Michigan National Guard enhances capabilities through alliance with Swedish air force

Members of Headquarters Air Force and the swedish air force visited joint facilities for all-weather training to discuss new opportunities for multilateral training.
April 15, 2024
CSAF 23 Letter to Airmen – Following Through

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin released his latest letter to Airmen, following up on his previous letter.
April 15, 2024
Political activity Dos and Don’ts for Airmen, Guardians, DoD employees

We can expect many opportunities for citizens to participate in the democratic process but with this in mind, it is important to be aware of specific guidelines that apply to service members and federal employees on acceptable behavior.
April 15, 2024
Florida Air Force Reserve group returns to the Tyndall AFB skies

The 44th Fighter Group, Air Force Reserve, conducted its first flying unit training assembly at Tyndall Air Force Base, April 6, since returning to Tyndall.
April 12, 2024
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe who are involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
April 12, 2024
Around the Air Force: Cold Weather Incentive Pay, Autonomous F-16s, 5th-Gen Aircraft Join Cope Tiger

In this week’s look around the Air Force, a new incentive pay is approved for cold weather assignments, F-16 Fighting Falcons become the next testbed platform for autonomous capabilities, and 5th-generation aircraft join Cope Tiger 2024 for the first time.
April 11, 2024
Air Force releases latest field grade officer promotions

The Air Force selected 2,053 active-duty officers for promotion to lieutenant colonel and major during recent CY23D and CY23E central selection boards.
April 11, 2024
New DAF Mental Health Overview clarifies mental health resources for Airmen, Guardians

The overview guide contains seven brief chapters that debunk common mental health assumptions, differentiate clinical and non-clinical treatments, and provide guidance on the spectrum of mental health care available for different symptoms and levels of mental distress.
April 9, 2024
Kendall, Allvin, Saltzman urge modernization while warning Senate of delayed budgets

Kendall, Allvin and Saltzman’s official purpose during the hearing was to explain the department’s $217.5 billion budget request for the 2025 fiscal year which begins Oct. 1.
April 9, 2024
Readout of Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall’s travel to the Philippines

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David W. Allvin, and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi traveled to the Philippines on April 5 for a series of bilateral engagements to reaffirm the strong and steadfast U.S.-Philippines alliance.
April 9, 2024
Cope Tiger concludes in Thailand

This year marked the first time 5th generation aircraft participated in the exercise—F-35A Lightning IIs from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, joined F-16C Fighting Falcons from Kunsan Air Base, South Korea.
April 9, 2024
DAF announces 2023 athletes of the year

Congratulations to Capt. Andrew Donlin, SSC’s Resilient Global Capabilities Branch deputy chief in El Segundo, California, and 1st Lt. Rose Smith, the 436th Healthcare Operations Squadron’s Resource Management Flight commander at Dover AFB, Delaware.
April 8, 2024
Air Force senior leaders visit Eielson AFB

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi visited Eielson Air Force Base April 6.
April 8, 2024
Air Force leaders focus on ACE during Kadena AB visit

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin, and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi visited Kadena Air Base April 6, to observe Kadena AB’s unique capabilities and ongoing efforts to reoptimize for great power competition.
April 8, 2024
DAF calls for AFMC changes to support service’s readiness, agility against great power adversaries

As part of the Department of the Air Force’s sweeping efforts to deter and, if needed, prevail in an era of Great Power Competition, DAF senior leaders announced four organizational changes to Air Force Materiel Command.
April 5, 2024
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 5, 2024
Around the Air Force: Wearable Cooling System, WAGGI Survey, Specialized Drones Tested at Travis AFB

In this week’s look around the Air Force, a cooling system combats heat stress for warfighters, a WAGGI survey goes out to thousands of DAF employees, and an autonomous response system is tested for command and control of unmanned vehicles.
April 5, 2024
USAF senior leaders visit Mariana Islands on ACE trip

While in the Mariana Islands, the senior leaders met with elected officials, as well as Airmen who are expanding Agile Combat Employment capabilities in the area.
April 4, 2024
Women, Peace, Security panel marks anniversary of Department of the Air Force Strategic Action Plan

The DAF WPS Strategic Action Plan serves as a comprehensive framework outlining the critical role women play in international peace and security efforts while advocating for their meaningful participation in all levels of decision-making.
April 3, 2024
SecAF, CSAF, CMSAF begin Indo-Pacific trip focused on ACE

The senior leaders are travelling across the Indo-Pacific region to witness firsthand the progress the service has achieved in establishing Agile Combat Employment, an operational scheme of maneuver to increase survivability and available combat power.
April 3, 2024
F-16s arrive to be modified for autonomous testing

VENOM-AFT is designed and funded to accelerate testing of autonomy software on crewed and uncrewed aircraft. It complements the autonomy data and AI experimentation proving ground at Eglin AFB and informs the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program and other autonomy developers.
April 2, 2024
Assignment Incentive Pay to be authorized for Airmen, Guardians stationed at extremely cold locations

The Department of the Air Force approved a new incentive pay for Airmen and Guardians assigned to qualifying bases in the U.S. where the temperature is expected to drop below minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
April 2, 2024
Safety enterprise announces new mission, vision, goals in 2024 strategic plan

The Air Force Safety Center released a new strategic plan outlining new goals and focus areas to align with Department of the Air Force priorities.
April 1, 2024
CSAF Leadership Library: April 2024

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin presents five new additions to the CSAF Leadership Library.
March 29, 2024
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 29, 2024
Around the Air Force: Caring for Families, Lifestyle Medicine, Workspace Anywhere

In this week’s look around the Air Force, SELs from the Air Force and Space Force testify to Congress on the importance of quality-of-life initiatives, medical experts discuss role of lifestyle medicine on Great Power Competition, and IT to enable government applications from any device.
March 27, 2024
Red Flag-Nellis 24-2 shapes the future of air combat

Red Flag 24-2 presented a prime opportunity to forge pathways for collaboration with joint services and NATO countries. It showcased the cutting-edge capabilities of fifth-generation F-35 Lightning IIs and sophisticated threat replication techniques.
March 26, 2024
Inside a Civil Air Patrol SAR mission

The search efforts included members of Civil Air Patrol, who operated along with firefighters and other state, federal and local agencies.
March 25, 2024
Aircrew Engagement Survey for officer, enlisted aircrew closing soon

A survey designed for total force aircrew to deliver feedback will close March 28.
March 25, 2024
Airmen, Guardians can influence how leaders share information through latest WAGGI survey

The Department of the Air Force will release the latest iteration of the “Where Airmen and Guardians Get Information” (WAGGI) survey to thousands of Airmen and Guardians in the coming week.
March 22, 2024
Around the Air Force: Commander's Key Support Program, Space Force PT Gear, Astronaut Applications

In this week’s look around the Air Force, the rebranded Commander’s Key Support Program expands opportunities for service members and their families, the Space Force rolls out their new Physical Training Uniform, and NASA opens applications for its Astronaut Selection Program.
March 21, 2024
Emerald Warrior tests air commandos' mettle

This U.S. Special Operations Command-supported exercise aligned with the Special Operations Command-Europe exercise Trojan Footprint under the large-scale global exercise construct.
March 21, 2024
95th FS, FGS complete first TDY

The TDY marks the first off-station flying training event for Tyndall AFB’s F-35A Lightning II mission after jets started arriving there in 2023.
March 20, 2024
DAF SELs testify on importance of caring for service members, families

Leaders spoke on the link between Airmen and families' quality of life and military readiness and retention.

U.S. Air Force News