April 25, 2025 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 28, 2025 Around the Air Force: Money-Saving Microvane Tech, Total Force Pilot Retention, SPAFORGEN In this week’s look Around the Air Force, C-17 microvane technology saves money and fuel for aircraft, Total Force Shared Service offers flexibility to active-duty pilots interested in the Reserve or Guard and SPAFORGEN ensures Guardians are ready for the high-end fight.
March 27, 2025 Luke AFB concludes final US F-16 divestment The 56th Fighter Wing flew the final F-16 Fighting Falcon flight out of Luke Air Force Base delivering it to the 16th Weapons Squadron at Nellis AFB.
June 5, 2023 Air Force announces FY23 Legacy Aviation Bonus Program The Legacy AvB Program builds upon the previous years' offers to decisively shape and retain experienced rated officers to meet Air Force retention, training and mission-readiness requirements to maintain lethality of the force.
April 20, 2023 Rated Preparatory Program: Master sergeant gains experience for rated career opportunities The RPP is an opportunity for active-duty Air Force officers and enlisted members interested in becoming rated officers to develop basic aviation skills, enhance their aviation knowledge through developmental modules and acquire flying experience at no cost.
Jan. 8, 2023 436th OG adopts Instructor Enrichment Program for aircrew The 436th Operations Group employed an Instructor Enrichment Program, or IEP, at Dover Air Force Base, Jan. 6.
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. 30, 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.
May 1, 2022 The new future for Air Mobility Liaison Officer training With constant, real-world demands on an aging fleet of aircraft, out of the box thinking is the linchpin for big changes in the way the U.S. Air Force trains its specialized air mobility officers.
April 6, 2022 Shaw AFB hosts Air and Space Expo, connects with community The show provided an up close and personal look at the military, from the celebrating significant milestones from the U.S. Air Force’s 75 years of service and Shaw’s 80 years in Sumter.
Nov. 23, 2021 Update: Airmen interested in learning aviation fundamentals, becoming rated officer can apply for Rated Prep Program until Dec. 31 Active duty Air Force officers and enlisted personnel interested in becoming rated officers have until Dec. 31 to apply for the Spring 2022 Air Force Rated Preparatory Program, scheduled for March 20-25, 2022, and March 27-April 1, 2022, in Denton, Texas.
April 24, 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.
March 12, 2020 Liquid life Members of the 375th Logistics Readiness Squadron manage the supplemental liquid oxygen, or LOX, systems at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, and stand ready to support those who require LOX to accomplish their missions.
Feb. 14, 2020 Around the Air Force: Air Force Flu Fighters, MTIs Return to Academy, Pilot Qualification Today’s look Around the Air Force features how the Air Force is aiding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with fighting the flu, the Air Force Academy’s move to bring back Military Training Instructors, and the Air Force’s efforts to identify the best potential pilots for training.
Feb. 12, 2020 Instructor pilots: Creating world-class aviators At Columbus Air Force Base, more than 300 instructor pilots are responsible for graduating close to 350 student pilots a year from programs such as Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training, Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals and the Aviation Leadership Program.
Dec. 26, 2019 Air Force studies fatigue, sleep to enhance readiness Researchers with the Air Force Research Laboratory 711th Human Performance Wing, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, are looking for ways to better equip Airmen and their leadership with crucial data to ensure that Airmen are getting the necessary rest to maximize mission execution.A team of
Aug. 15, 2019 International military student officers help build worldwide partnerships The journey of an international student in U.S. pilot training can be challenging whether it be language barriers, different perspectives or comprehension. The international military student officer provides support and assistance to these students during training.
July 12, 2019 Rescue helicopter pilots showcase VR capability to ACC leadership The trainer allows four people to don VR headgear and simultaneously enter a server to fly a virtual HH-60G Pave Hawk combat search and rescue helicopter in simulated training missions. The controls are the same equipment the helicopter uses to add further realism to the VR environment.
June 25, 2019 Red Flag-Alaska 19-2: Indo-Pacific ‘one team’ mentality Pilots, maintainers, joint terminal attack controllers and support personnel from the South Korea Air Force, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and the Royal Thai Air Force train alongside their U.S. and British counterparts during Red Flag-Alaska 19-2 at Eielson Air Force Base and Joint Base
June 7, 2019 Around the Air Force: FAA Partnership / New Commander for AFMC / Exercise Delivers Humanitarian Aid In today's Around the Air Force, the Air Force and the Federal Aviation Administration collaborate to plus up the number of pilots in the industry, Gen. Arnold W. Bunch assumes command of Air Force Materiel Command, and Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, plays a huge part in a training exercise
June 6, 2019 40th HS, local forces rescue man The 40th Helicopter Squadron received the request June 3 around 10 p.m. to assist the Cascade County Sheriff’s Department in rescuing the man after he fell from a steep cliff and was holding on to a tree root approximately 250 feet from the ground.
April 23, 2019 Military working dog hunts down aircrew Staff Sgt. Antonio Padilla, 336th Security Forces Squadron military working dog trainer, and Alf, 366th SFS military working dog, acting as opposition forces, hunt down pilots to enhance the combat readiness of both parties during a search and rescue operation as part of a Gunfighter Flag exercise
March 19, 2019 IFF: Where fighter pilots begin their careers Before pilots step into fighter aircraft, they must go through Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals.IFF is an eight-week course designed to transform newly graduated pilots selected to fly fighters into fighter wingmen. The 49th Fighter Training Squadron teaches pilots the discipline, attitude and
Jan. 25, 2019 Iraq Defense Attaché visits Columbus AFB, helps strengthen international relations Iraqi Staff Brig. Gen. Mustafa Al Bayati, Iraq Defense Attaché, spoke with instructor pilots, Airmen and senior leaders at Columbus Air Force Base, Jan. 18.
Jan. 3, 2019 Innovation in tight spaces As Hurricane Michael churned toward the Emerald Coast of Florida, F-35A Lightning IIs from the 33rd Fighter Wing evacuated to Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, to avoid the storm’s path and potential catastrophic damage. As Michael passed, narrowly missing Eglin AFB, a different type of storm
Dec. 21, 2018 Hacking road map to physiological episodes mitigation in Air Force The Air Force Physiological Episodes Action Team, or AF PEAT, recently held a “hackathon” to update the service-wide road map to mitigate physiological episodes. Hackathons are sprint-like events where subject matter experts collaborate intensively to solve problems or establish a course of action.
Dec. 14, 2018 Around the Air Force: B-21 Weapon Systems Review / F-35 Ops Test & Eval On this look Around the Air Force, Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson is happy with the progress of the B-21 Raider program and F-35 Lightning II pilots conduct initial operational tests and evaluations. Hosted by Senior Airman Jasmine Vanderheyden.
Nov. 29, 2018 Swedish pilots presented with US Air Medal Four Swedish air force pilots received U.S. Air Medals during a ceremony in Stockholm Nov. 28, recognizing their actions that took place over 31 years ago. Until last year the details of their mission remained classified.
Nov. 21, 2018 Air Force’s focus on readiness yields results, highlights innovation, problem solving From a distance, the idea – and operational meaning – of “readiness” for the U.S. Air Force seems straightforward. Be prepared. Have all the equipment, training and personnel necessary to accomplish any mission quickly, efficiently and decisively. It means being primed, prepared and available for
Oct. 1, 2018 A Matter of FACT: Growing the U-2 pilot selection process with first-ever program For the first time, the 9th Reconnaissance Wing will open its aperture for recruiting Air Force pilots into the U-2 Dragon Lady through an experimental program beginning in the fall of 2018. Through the newly established U-2 First Assignment Companion Trainer, or FACT, program, the 9th RW’s 1st
Aug. 21, 2018 Global Hawk makes historic first landing at Red Flag-Alaska An RQ-4 Global Hawk, assigned to Beale Air Force Base, California, landed at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, for Red Flag-Alaska 18-3, Aug. 16.
Aug. 7, 2018 KC-46 pilot selection board calls for nominations Pilots interested in becoming KC-46 tanker pilots to fill positions in the Air Force’s first two operational KC-46 squadrons at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, have until Sept. 7, 2018, to submit their application packages. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Kat Bailey)
July 23, 2018 F-22 pilots fire live missiles at Combat Archer More than 200 pilots, maintainers and operations support staff from the 1st Fighter Wing are gaining firsthand experience in loading and firing live missiles at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, from July 6-20, 2018.
May 30, 2018 74th FS pilots receive DFC Two Airmen received the Distinguished Flying Cross May 23, 2018, in recognition of their actions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.Maj. Matthew “Chowder” Cichowski and Capt. William “Archer” Dana both, 74th Fighter Squadron A-10C Thunderbolt II pilots, risked life and limb while deployed to
May 23, 2018 Retired Air Force rated officers welcomed back on active duty Retired Air Force rated officers with Air Force Specialty Codes 11X-pilot, 12X-combat systems officer or 13B-air battle manager are encouraged to apply for the Voluntary Retired Return to Active Duty Program to help alleviate manning shortages within the Air Force rated community.
March 27, 2018 2018 U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School applications due May 27 Test pilots aren’t born; they're trained to be the best of the best by the USAF Test Pilot School. The TPS selection board is accepting applications until May 27, 2018 from eligible Total Force officers and current Air Force civilians
March 20, 2018 19th Air Force experts transform flying training syllabi Maj. Gen. Patrick Doherty, 19th Air Force commander, asked his team to deliver a redesigned Undergraduate Pilot Training syllabi “that embraced common sense and held ideas from the leaders and instructor corps to produce more pilots, higher quality pilots with agility and speed.” The homework
Jan. 22, 2018 Air Force general officer-led team to investigate physiologic events A general officer-led team will integrate and coordinate efforts to address aircrew Unexplained Physiologic Events, the Air Force announced Jan. 22, 2018.
Oct. 11, 2017 ACS Internal Medicine keeping pilots flying, improves research The Aeromedical Consultation Service here at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base reviews more than 2,000 waiver recommendation requests for Air Force pilots, navigators and other air crew annually. A staff of approximately 80 Airmen at the ACS ensures aviators get back in the sky as soon as possible.
Oct. 2, 2017 Retired AF pilots welcomed back on active duty Retired Air Force pilots holding Air Force Specialty Code 11X are encouraged to apply for the Voluntary Retired Return to Active Duty Program in order to fill rated staff positions to help alleviate the existing manning shortages within the Air Force rated pilot community.
Sept. 11, 2017 Ops Airmen, key to mission success Before an F-22 Raptor takes off for training or a combat mission, maintainers and weapons Airmen are seen on the flight line preparing, servicing and readying the jet to contest any airspace. However, it takes more than fifth generation machinery and flight line crews to accomplish the mission. A
Aug. 30, 2017 Around the Air Force: Aug 29 On this look Around the Air Force, Air National Guard Airmen support Hurricane Harvey relief efforts and the Air Force has three new initiatives to retain pilots.
Aug. 26, 2017 Two-week summit takes aim at aircrew retention The Aircrew Crisis Task Force hosted a two-week aircrew retention summit here as part of a holistic approach to improve readiness and capacity by increasing retention of experienced aviators Aug. 14-25, 2017.
Aug. 25, 2017 Air Force announces initiatives to lessen pilot shortage Air Force officials announced three additional initiatives designed to enhance mission readiness by keeping pilots in the service and bringing retired pilots back to fill critical-rated positions.
Aug. 17, 2017 New equipment gives Airmen time to breathe After a pilot completes their Initial Aerospace Physiology Training they occasionally go through a refresher course to maintain their flying status. In order to complete the course aircrew work with the 9th Physiological Support Squadron for a variety of reasons, including a hypoxia demonstration.
Aug. 7, 2017 Luke graduates first F-35A initial qualification course The 61st Fighter Squadron made history graduating the first F-35A Lightning II initial qualification course Aug. 5, 2017. After eight months of tremendous teamwork from across the 56th Fighter Wing, Luke Air Force Base produced six F-35A fighter pilots ready for the combat Air Force.
June 9, 2017 Luke AFB temporarily cancels F-35A local flying ops The 56th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, cancelled local flying operations today for F-35A Lightning II aircraft due to a series of five incidents in which pilots have experienced hypoxia-like symptoms.
June 5, 2017 Wilson sets sights on readiness, modernization at Air Force Association breakfast Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson addressed the Air Force Association’s Air Force Breakfast Series June 5, 2017, at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington, D.C.During her remarks Wilson spoke about the proposed Air Force budget for the fiscal year that starts October 1.
June 5, 2017 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
May 17, 2017 C-130 pilot receives 60th Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Stephen Wilson presented the 2016 Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy to Maj. John Hourigan, a 123rd Operations Support Squadron C-130 Hercules pilot, at the Pentagon, May 17, 2017, for not only saving the lives of five crewmembers, but also identifying a worldwide C-130
March 24, 2017 Lebanese student conducts first ‘in seat’ A-29 flight A Lebanese A-29 Super Tucano pilot trainee, from the 81st Fighter Squadron, conducted the first ‘in seat’ training sortie March 22, 2017, here. The program, which began earlier this month, is designed to ensure the Lebanon air force receives the support and training needed to safely and effectively
March 8, 2017 Enlisted RPA pilot board selects 30 Airmen for pilot training The inaugural Enlisted Remotely Piloted Aircraft Pilot Selection Board has chosen 30 enlisted Airmen to fill fiscal year 2017/2018 training slots as a part of the deliberate approach to enhance the Air Force’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance mission.
Jan. 23, 2017 1,000th RPA student graduates Lt. Col. Jason Thompson, the 558th Flying Training Squadron commander, presented 2nd Lt. Kevin a certificate commemorating the 1,000th graduate of the Undergraduate Remotely Piloted Aircraft training program at Joint Base San Antonio–Randolph, Jan. 20, 2017.
Dec. 8, 2016 Luke creates first F-35 undergraduate pilot curriculum The first class of undergraduate pilots began training through the newly written F-35 Lightning II curriculum Dec. 5 in the F-35 Academic Training Center at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.
Aug. 31, 2016 Colorado stands in for Afghanistan during pilot training The 81st Fighter Squadron from Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, spent two weeks at Peterson AFB training six Afghan Air Force pilots to fly A-29 Super Tucano. The pilots are participating in a program that began in 2015 and will ultimately train 30 pilots and 90 maintainers through 2018. Most training
March 29, 2016 Around the Air Force: March 29 This look around the Air Force features Air Fest in Florida, female missileers and a JASDF NCO exchange at Yokota Air Base. Hosted by Senior Airman Nicholas Koetz.
May 4, 2015 Brothers in arms fly together Members of the U.S. military oftentimes have relatives that serve alongside them, and this is the case for the Allen brothers, they were recently reunited at exercise Max Thunder 15-1 in South Korea.
April 1, 2015 Pilots, combat systems officers may be eligible for retention incentives Eligible active-duty pilots and combat systems officers have until Sept. 30 to apply for the fiscal year 2015 Aviator Retention Pay Program, Air Force officials said April 1.
Dec. 20, 2014 Altitude chamber takes its last breath For more than 50 years, aircrew at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, have shared a common physical experience; they all have felt the effects of rapid depressurization inside a hypobaric chamber.
Dec. 5, 2014 JASDF Chief of Staff visits Columbus AFB The Japan Air Self-Defense Force chief of staff toured Columbus Air Force Base Dec. 1-2 to check in on the pilot training program and boost morale.
Aug. 4, 2014 Hurricane Hunters fly into Tropical Storm Bertha Aircrew members from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron Hurricane Hunters have been flying data-gathering missions into Tropical Storm Bertha out of the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix, part of the U.S. Virgin Islands since July 31.
July 31, 2014 Airmen participate in security exercise, forge partnerships across the globe The Rim of the Pacific, or RIMPAC, biennial maritime security exercise is a multinational training opportunity taking place in and around the Hawaiian Islands.
March 26, 2014 Air Advisors train Afghan pilots and maintainers Afghan pilots and aircraft maintainers are a vital part of the Afghan National Air Force and increase its operational capabilities, and with the aid of a group of U.S. advisors, they are making huge strides in that direction.
Jan. 23, 2014 Father and son share A-10 legacy Already anxious about the first day of high school football practice, a young junior donned his gear and was calmed as he looked to the sidelines to see his father there watching. For the junior, a life of uncertainty and unfamiliarity was something he was used to. The next day his father, an A-10C
Sept. 11, 2013 $20 solution solves 14K problem 12th Flying Training Wing T-38C pilots and maintainers will begin using multi-function display, or MFD, covers this month, saving the wing $182,000 a year in broken MFDs all for only $3,600 - just a little more than a quarter of the price for a repaired MFD.