NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Be the change: The power of representation

    Comic book illustrator Shawn Martinbrough met with Pentagon Airmen to speak about the power of representation Feb. 20, 2018. A native New Yorker, he has illustrated Black Panther, Batman, Luke Cage Noir, Captain America, and Hellboy characters for Marvel and Detective Comics.

  • 21st OWS: Writers of the storm

    Planning for operations in the military takes information from multiple sources. Weather is one of the most important factors determining mission safety. Airmen assigned to the 21st Operational Weather Squadron began tracking winter storm Friederike from infancy to a record storm persisting three

  • Former slave, two-time Olympian becomes an Airman

    After enduring countless hardships and overcoming unimaginable obstacles, Airman 1st Class Guor Maker, a dental assistant currently in technical training, found his way out of war-torn South Sudan, Africa and into the U.S. nearly 20 years ago.

  • ACC commander discusses the warfighter's edge

    The commander of Air Combat Command, Gen. Mike Holmes, discussed the importance of taking the lead in warfighting through innovation at the 2018 Air Force Association Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Florida, Feb. 23, 2018.

  • K9 handler learns from her canine student

    Senior Airman Nicole Meyer, 386th Expeditionary Security Force Squadron military working dog handler, deployed from Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, waits patiently and reassures him the training will begin soon.

  • Sunsetting the MQ-1 Predator: A history of innovation

    The MQ-1 Predator is a remotely piloted aircraft flown by aircrew assigned to the 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Creech Air Force Base and units around the world. It has contributed to the U.S. warfighting efforts in unprecedented ways and is scheduled to sunset on March 9, 2018, as the

  • Communication on demand

    The 386th Expeditionary Communications Squadron trains with a communication fly-away kit for these what-if scenarios.

  • Ramstein AB welcomes new Ravens

    Security forces Airmen from across the Kaiserslautern military community graduated from a Phoenix Raven Qualification Course at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Feb. 12, 2018.

  • Warrior Games make triumphant return to Colorado Springs

    Community and business leaders joined representatives of the military at the Air Force Academy last night to mark the 100-day countdown until athletes arrive in Colorado for the 2018 Department of Defense Warrior Games. Now in their ninth year, the Warrior Games are returning to Colorado Springs,

  • AFRL provides support to robot competition

    Approximately 14 teams from the Miami Valley joined 46 other teams from across Ohio at the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) LEGO League Ohio Championship, held Feb. 4, 2018 at the Nutter Center at Wright State University.

  • Air Force members win Black Engineer of the Year Awards

    Senior leader officials recognized two Air Force members at the 32nd Black Engineer of the Year Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Global Competitiveness Conference, Feb. 9, 2018, in Washington, D.C., for exceptional achievements in STEM career fields.

  • AFCEC project hopes to land Airmen in 'hot water'

    The Air Force Civil Engineer Center is embracing innovation and a partnership with the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in an effort to bring off-the-grid electricity and hot water to Airmen in difficult deployments around the world.

  • Air Force to institute new method to protect PII

    Air Force officials announced Feb. 6, 2018, emails containing personally identifiable information, and similar numeric constructs, will be blocked from transmission unless the email is encrypted. For members unable to send or receive encrypted emails, members will be directed to utilize the AMRDEC

  • FYI: Blended Retirement System

    One of the most wide-reaching and significant changes to military pay and benefits over the last 70 years took effect Jan. 1, 2018, with the implementation of the Uniformed Services Blended Retirement System, known as BRS. Nearly 1.6 million current service members have the option to remain in the

  • Chapel group fully embraces 2nd core value: Service before self

    When Hurricane Harvey bore down on the Houston area as a Category 4 hurricane and stalled for several days in late August 2017, it dropped records amount of rain. It was the second most costly storm in U.S. history, only behind Hurricane Katrina in 2005, according to a recently released report by

  • AFSVA announces art contest winners

    When 2017 Air Force Art Contest results were announced recently, two artists from the same installation celebrated repeat victories. Josh Pugeau, 709th Maintenance Support Squadron civilian missile inspector at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, won the adult accomplished division with his charcoal “Bearded

  • Air Force selects 875 in CY17C captains quarterly selection process

    The Air Force selected 875 first lieutenants for promotion to captain during the 2017C Captain Line of the Air Force, chaplain, Line of the Air Force – judge advocate, nurse corps, medical service corps and biomedical sciences corps quarterly selection process.

  • Air Force announces next steps in light attack experimentation

    Following the Light Attack Experiment conducted in August 2017, the Air Force announced its intention to continue experimenting with two non-developmental aircraft, the Textron Aviation AT-6 Wolverine and the Sierra Nevada/Embraer A-29 Super Tucano, from May to July 2018 at Davis-Monthan Air Force

  • 387th AEG develops Cargo City to maintain operations

    Construction is currently underway to provide a work environment for U.S. coalition forces to continue aerial port operations in Kuwait City. The aerial port is a strategic logistics point to deliver passengers and cargo throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility and its future was

  • National Space Defense Center transitions to 24/7 operations

    Less than a year after changing the name of the Joint Interagency Combined Space Operations Center to the National Space Defense Center, the NSDC transitioned to 24/7 operations on Jan. 8, 2018, marking a significant step for the expanding, interagency team focused on protecting and defending the

  • Air Force announces Spark Tank finalists

    The Air Force announced the six Spark Tank finalists who will showcase their innovative ideas to Air Force senior leaders Feb. 23, 2018, in Orlando, Florida, at the Air Force Association Air Warfare Symposium.

  • Second annual enlisted RPA pilot selection board convenes at AFPC

    The second annual enlisted remotely piloted aircraft pilot selection board meets at the Air Force Personnel Center this week to identify the next enlisted group to attend RPA pilot training as part of the deliberate approach to enhance the Air Force’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance

  • CMSAF focuses on resiliency in 2018

    Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright said he feels the Air Force is headed in the right direction concerning education and enlisted-force structure, but Airman resilience is an area that needs more attention.

  • First AFWERX storefront opens in Las Vegas

    Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson, along with guest of honor Vice President Mike Pence as well as the Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David L. Goldfein, opened the AFWERX-Vegas storefront Jan. 11 at the Howard Hughes Center in Las Vegas.

  • Flying ambulances: Aeromedical evacuation

    The morning starts early with an alert about four hours before takeoff. Members of the 379th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron begin several mandatory tasks before boarding the aircraft. Nurses go over mission details, as medical technicians pack more than a thousand pounds of equipment

  • Air Force saves Airmen time, no longer requires first year evaluations

    Air Force officials announced Jan. 4, 2018, Enlisted Performance Reports are no longer required for regular Air Force Airmen in the grade of airman first class and below with less than 36 months’ Time-In-Service or Air Reserve Component Airmen below the grade of senior airman.

  • Air Force dual-military retention improves thanks to Airman’s idea

    The day comes when that final project is due for class. The project is ready and prepped for presentation or thrown together within twenty-four hours. Either way it has to be ready without delay. Despite being an academic project, sometimes there are cases where it could be implemented in real life.

  • Government charge card required for Air Force travel

    A recent change to a Defense Department travel instruction strengthens enforcement of an Air Force policy that requires travelers to use a Government Travel Charge Card, also known as an Individual Billing Account.

  • Around the Air Force: Dec. 20

    On this look Around the Air Force, the Silver Star Medal is awarded to a special tactics chief master sergeant, the Pacific Air Forces commander visits the Philippines and MQ-9 Reapers are used to track wildfires in southern California.

  • Happy Holidays from Air Force senior leaders and spouses

    Secretary of the Air Force Heather A. Wilson and her husband, along with Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright and their spouses, wish all Airmen and families season’s greetings.

  • Blended Military Retirement System to take effect Jan. 1

    One of the most wide-reaching and significant changes to military pay and benefits over the last 70 years goes into effect Jan. 1 with the implementation of the Uniformed Services Blended Retirement System, known as BRS.

  • Airman wins on and off the court

    The Airman’s Creed is a promise to the United States and a rallying cry for Airmen to remain the world’s greatest Air Force. The words, “My mission is to fly, fight and win,” hold true for 20th Air Force’s Tech. Sgt. Corey Rucker, a world champion who embodies the creed both professionally and

  • Finding the way: Special tactics chief awarded Silver Star

    Chief Master Sgt. Michael West, 24th Special Operations Wing special tactics operator, utilized 58 coalition aircraft delivering 24,000 pounds of munitions, turning the tide of battle, and now he’s receiving the Silver Star Medal.

  • Airmen encouraged to update their vRED, SOES information

    Airmen should review and update their virtual Record of Emergency Data and their Servicemembers’ Online Election System information annually, before deploying and each time they experience a major life change, such as marriage or divorce, permanent change of station or birth of a child.

  • Columbus AFB AFE keeps pilot production going

    The Air Force is known for its air supremacy around the globe, and pilots are recognized for their ability to keep the skies safe from America’s enemies. But who keeps the pilots safe?

  • Innovative PT program increases readiness downrange

    With the help of a colleague, Capt. Eric Walter, 386th Expeditionary Medical Group physical therapy element chief, has developed a proactive approach to physical therapy at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.

  • Double take: Brothers’ bond extends far beyond twin upbringing

    It is well known that twins share a unique bond that transcends other sibling relationships. It’s common for twins to live, work and recreate within close proximity to each other throughout their lives.But for one pair of Air Force twins, they’ve taken that commonality several steps further.

  • 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.

  • Around the Air Force: Dec. 5

    On this look around the Air Force, we take a look at the Hurricane Hunters’ mission and this month marks the 66th anniversaryof Operation Christmas Drop. Hosted by Airman 1st Class Cory Kuttler.

  • Airman lunges for knockout debut

    A Florida native, Tech. Sgt. Andre Penn, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron unaccompanied housing manager at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, has been preparing for more than a decade to achieve his dream of becoming a professional boxer.

  • 386th AEW celebrates 75 years of history

    On Dec. 1, 2017, the 386th BG, now the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, celebrates its 75th birthday; a journey that started at MacDill Air Field, Tampa, Florida, in 1942 and continues to this day at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.

  • Airman brings Reaper, ISR capabilities closer together

    Among the exceptional Airmen of the 25th Air Force are many inspirational leaders, motivators and innovators. Staff Sgt. Nick, 526th Intelligence Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of Distributed Mission Site Flight Operations, is one of those unique Airmen.

  • AFRL-Carroll High School iGEM team earns Gold in Boston

    A Carroll High School academic team, mentored by CHS teachers and Air Force Research Laboratory scientists, earned a gold medal at the 2017 International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition in Boston, Nov. 9-13, 2017.

  • AFPAAS teams poised to help Air Force families in need

    When a natural disaster or real-world event impacts the Total Force, two branches at the Air Force’s Personnel Center come together to provide comprehensive support: the Airman and Family Support Branch and the Personnel Readiness Branch.

  • Air Force recognizes veterans in blue

    Veterans in Blue 2017 is now available online. First launched in 2010, Veterans in Blue is a portrait collection showcasing men and women who have contributed to the security of our nation and the legacy of the Air Force.

  • Brother’s in life, brother’s in-arms reunite downrange

    Saying goodbye to family members before a deployment can be stressful. But rarely does a service member cross paths with a sibling while deployed downrange; this recent uplifting experience was the case for two brothers, both serving in the military on separate paths.

  • Pediatric nurse speaks up, exemplifies Trusted Care

    Trusted Care is a core component of Air Force medicine. There are nine principles, one of which is speaking up.This is a critical principle, as exemplified by attending pediatric nurse practitioner, Capt. Kelsey Pilcher, in the case of two newborns recently brought into her care.

  • ACC commander engages Airmen, discusses priorities

    Gen. Mike Holmes, Air Combat Command commander, visited the men and women of Moody Air Force Base, Oct. 17-18, 2017.While gaining an in-depth exposure of the installation’s unique assets, Holmes used this visit as an opportunity to explain to Airmen their role in the fight and how it contributes to

  • 71st Rescue Squadron brings home a win

    The 71st Rescue Squadron was presented the That Others May Live Foundation’s 2017 Rescue Squadron of the Year Award, Oct. 21, 2017, in Melbourne, Florida.

  • F-35A scheduled for first operational deployment to Indo-Asia-Pacific

    Approximately 300 Airmen and 12 F-35A Lightning IIs from Hill Air Force Base, Utah’s 34th Fighter Squadron are set to deploy to Kadena Air Base, Japan for a six month rotation. The aircraft and supporting personnel are scheduled to arrive at Kadena AB in early November 2017.

  • B-1Bs conduct flyover during Seoul ADEX 17

    Two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers conducted a flyover during the 2017 Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition, also known as Seoul ADEX 17, at Seoul Airport, South Korea, Oct. 21, 2017.

  • EMEDS team deploys to support hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico

    As Puerto Rico continues to reel from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Maria, Air Combat Command deployed medical assets Oct. 18, 2017, to provide relief to the community and supplement teams that have already begun relief efforts.

  • SECAF talks space during POC conference

    Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson addressed the importance of the Air Force’s space mission during the 2017 Potomac Officers Club Space Innovations, Programs and Policies Summit in Washington, D.C., Oct. 18, 2017.

  • Lt. Gen. Bunch gives acquisition update at AFA breakfast

    Lt. Gen. Arnie Bunch, military deputy for the office of the assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, spoke about the state of the acquisition enterprise during an Air Force Association breakfast in Washington D.C., Oct. 17, 2017.

  • Nordic Air Chiefs sign letter, develop Arctic Challenge

    Defense officials from four Nordic countries signed a letter of intent alongside Gen. Tod D. Wolters, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Air Forces Africa commander, Oct. 16, 2017, in a formal acknowledgment that opens doors to the development of a European flag-level exercise.

  • Air Force Tech Report: Thor Weather System

    FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS) – The latest step in a long-running weather prediction arms race is a supercomputer created by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, and used by the 557th Weather Wing to get critical information to warfighters. The Thor Weather System provides accurate

  • Airman counters life's jabs

    God. Family. Boxing. That’s all that matters to Airman 1st Class Isaiah Randall, 23rd Equipment Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance apprentice.Life’s unpredictable ups and downs often test people in ways that shake the foundations that give them peace though.

  • US forces to participate in Seoul ADEX 2017

    The U.S. military will be represented at the 2017 Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition, or Seoul ADEX 17, at Seoul Airport, South Korea, Oct. 17-22, 2017.