NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Flying training reimagined as first PTN class graduates

    The Air Force’s pilot training landscape took a significant step forward in reimagining how Airmen learn to fly as 13 students from the first iteration of Pilot Training Next pinned on their silver wings in a ceremony Aug. 3, at the Armed Forces Reserve Center, Austin, Texas.

  • Airmen support Q-West airfield alongside Iraqis

    The average day for air traffic controllers involves a lot of moving parts and Airmen working constantly to ensure safe and secure air flow. For Qayyarah Airfield West, Iraq, this rests solely on the shoulders of just a few people.Not only do those Airmen control the airspace, at the airfield

  • Thunderbirds announce 2019 officer selections

    The commander of Air Combat Command, Gen. Mike Holmes, has officially selected the officers who will be joining the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds for the 2019 demonstration season.

  • 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.

  • CSAF strengthens Air Force ties in Italy

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein visited several air bases across Italy July 5-9, 2018, where he met with military and political leaders to strengthen international partnerships.

  • Around the Air Force

    On this look Around the Air Force, Airmen arrive in Georgia for the Innovative Readiness Training event and Junior ROTC cadets participate in the Chief Staff of the Air Force Flight Academy Scholarship Program.

  • SecAF, DoD, industry leaders share stage at 2018 AFITC

    Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson and the service’s new assistant secretary for acquisitions, technology and logistics, Dr. Will Roper, are two of the military keynote speakers sharing the stage with industry leaders at this year’s Air Force Information Technology and Cyberpower Conference.

  • Hurricane Hunters fly Tropical Storms Beryl, Chris

    The Air Force Reserve’s Hurricane Hunters spent the weekend flying weather reconnaissance missions into Tropical Storm Chris off the North Carolina coastline and Tropical Storm Beryl in the Caribbean Sea to gather data for the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

  • AFCENT A1 gives time back to pre-deploying Airmen

    The U.S. Air Forces Central Command’s Manpower, Personnel and Services Directorate (A1) began the second phase of decreasing pre-deployment requirements for Airmen preparing to enter AFCENT’s area of responsibility. AFCENT Deployment Streamlining version 2.0 was released and became effective June

  • 20th EBS aid in rescue off coast of Guam

    The B-52 is world-famous for its long-range capabilities, but during a routine flight near Guam June 25, 2018, crew members with the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, and deployed to Andersen AFB, were tasked with a unique situation: to use their

  • 88th SFS named 2018 Verne Orr Award winner

    Air Force officials recently named the 88th Security Forces Squadron at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, as the winner of the 2018 Air Force Association Verne Orr Award.

  • Sweet lessons: 70th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift

    The end of World War II brought on a new, different conflict - a cold war. An immediate battleground became the divided country of Germany. The Allies divided the defeated Germany with the French, British and Americans taking the western half of the nation spreading the ideals of democracy, and the

  • Sisters in service: Closing the joint warfighter’s diversity gap

    The Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium at the San Diego Convention Center June 20-22, 2018, included attendees from the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and other service members from 20 different countries. As the largest gathering of military women in the nation, it marked the

  • ACC emphasizes shift in focus to cyber vigilance

    Air Combat Command participated in an Air Force first by testing the reporting capabilities of a mission defense team during a base-wide exercise at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, June 11-15, 2018. The 325th Communications Squadron’s MDT is the first operational unit of its kind in Air Combat

  • Improved AF-WIN tool helps eligible Airmen meet retraining goals

    Officials at the Air Force’s Personnel Center recently updated and improved the Air Force Work Interest Navigator, or AF-WIN, tool which helps Airmen who are interested in re-training to identify which Air Force Specialty Codes best fit their strengths and interests.

  • Air Advisors conduct first-ever BPC mission in Costa Rica

    The 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron recently conducted their first-ever mission to the Central American country of Costa Rica. The nine member team, executed a three-week building partnership capacity mission with the air vigilance service, of SVA, from May 16 through June 9, 2018.

  • AFCENT Airmen Kept Pressure on Taliban, ISIS in May

    U.S. Air Forces Central Command published its monthly Airpower Summary June 18th, highlighting U.S. and coalition airpower operations in May, 2018, in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

  • 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.

  • Vehicle Management welds fuel tanks back to life

    Without fuel, the world’s greatest Air Force doesn’t get aircraft in the air. When the trucks that deliver that fuel start to leak, a multi-team effort is needed to get them fixed and back to delivering fuel to the fight.

  • Around the Air Force: June 1

    On this look around the Air Force the Department of Defense Warrior Games are underway, combat search and rescue Airmen get realistic training during exercise Red Flag Rescue, and a new security-plus course is helping train network security Airmen.

  • OTS revamps program creating more efficient, effective training environment

    Over the past year, Air University’s Officer Training School has been revamping its program in order to provide a more efficient and effective training experience for its cadets. One of the major changes the school has made has been the implementation of pre-requisite courses designed to cover

  • 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

  • RAF Warrant Officer leads renovation of 1st Lt. Jarvis Offutt’s grave

    The recent restoration of 1st Lt. Jarvis Offutt’s grave was sparked when a Royal Air Force rivet joint specialist, assigned to RAF Waddington’s 56 Squadron visited the grave to pay respects to the former squadron member in December 2017, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Nebraska.

  • 336th TRS rolls into new Sec+ course

    The 336th Training Squadron cut the ribbon on the new cutting edge 501 Security Plus course May 24, 2018 at Thompson Hall on Keesler Air Force Base.

  • Air Force Cross Airman honors Intelligence Squadron legacy

    Heritage. It doesn’t have to be something tangible handed down, it can also be something that gives a sense of pride and belonging. In September 1944, the 11th Photographic Technical Unit was constituted, and on May 18, 2018, an Air Force Cross recipient, Master Sgt. Robert Gutierrez Jr., assisted

  • Around the Air Force: May 25

    On this look Around the Air Force Airmen from Travis Air Force Base, California, deliver a cement-mixer trailer to support Kilauea volcano relief efforts, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David L. Goldfein explains how the 2019 proposed budget will benefit pilots, and the Afghan Air Force is

  • 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.

  • 86th MXG Airmen achieve perfection

    May 18, 2018, the maintainers launched a ‘Black Letter’ aircraft, a plane with zero maintenance issues from nose to tail, inside and out.

  • New tool enhances AF safety inspections, assessments and evaluations

    A new module has been launched through the Air Force Safety Automated System on May 17,2018, arming safety professionals Air Force-wide with a single method to document and track both spot and annual inspections, as well as safety assessments and evaluations at a local and enterprise level.

  • Whole Airman Concept: Leadership development

    Airmen from the 821st Contingency Response Support Squadron are using the Whole Airman Concept to find innovative ways to incorporate leadership development into their everyday squadron routine.

  • Education opportunities in Air Force IT

    Two 53rd Computer Systems Squadron Airmen recently shared how the Air Force opened wide the doors of educational opportunity, and how they set themselves up for success in both the military and civilian worlds.

  • I-WEPTAC delivers innovations to Air Force leaders

    Innovation was alive here this week, as senior leaders heard proposals May 16, 2018, to address some of the greatest challenges facing the agile combat support community at the conclusion of the 2nd Annual Installation and Mission Support Weapons and Tactics Conference, hosted by the Air Force

  • Monument dedication honors JB Andrews namesake

    Officials unveiled a memorial monument May 3, 2018 dedicated to Lt. Gen. Frank Maxwell Andrews and crew members of the B-24 Liberator, also known as “Hot Stuff,” which crashed on nearby Mount Fagradalsfjall, Iceland, 75 years ago.

  • Air Force soars during 2018 National High School Drill Team Championships

    The nation’s top Junior ROTC cadets traveled to Daytona Beach, Florida, May 4-6, for the 2018 National High School Drill Team Championships.The high school students showcased their skills in both armed and unarmed categories in front of judges and military training instructors from all branches of

  • 6th ARS in-flight refueling section recognized as best in Air Force

    At the 39th Annual Boom Operator’s Symposium at Altus AFB, Oklahoma, the section received the 2017 Senior Master Sgt. Albert L. Evans Trophy. The award is given to the most outstanding air refueling section in the Air Force each year. The 6th ARS received the honor for the sixth time, more than any

  • 24 Airmen awarded DFCs at Hurlburt Field

    There were 808 lives that hung in the balance as terrorists launched coordinated attacks against friendly forces. Joint special operations teams were exposed and under duress as AC-130U Spooky Gunship crews circled above, pushing the limits of gun barrels to the melting point and providing precision

  • Embedded care teams work to improve Airman resiliency

    For Airmen at the 363rd Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing, stress is an occupational hazard. Pressing deadlines, a heavy workload and constant pressure are requirements of the mission.They are also one of a growing number of units combating those stressors with an embedded care

  • NATO provides "eye in the sky" for Red Flag

    The air war is underway at Red Flag-Alaska 18-1. But fifty miles southwest and ten thousand feet above the dog fighting, a NATO E-3A Component jet circles in its flight pattern, soaking up signals and squawks about the fluid battle space below and providing friendly forces a watchful "eye in the

  • Air Force awards first ESPC of 2018

    Recently, the Defense Logistics Agency awarded a $42 million energy savings performance contract,or ESPC, to be executed and maintained by Energy Systems Group, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. This represents the Air Force’s first such awarded contract of 2018.

  • Released detainees arrive at JB Andrews

    Three Americans detained in North Korea arrived at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, and were greeted by President Donald J. Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and a host of service members, May 10, 2018.

  • Iraqi Air Force aerial porters load cargo like the best

    In a small office space at Al Muthana Air Base, U.S. Air Force 370th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group air advisors and Iraqi airmen enjoy a small cup of tea together. Iraqi Air Force Col. Yossif Halo, the base air terminal operations center commander, sits with the team and casually highlights the

  • Reserve Airmen earn Rescue Mission of the Year award

    Thirty-three 920th Rescue Wing Reserve Airmen were recently honored with the 2017 Jolly Green Association Rescue Mission of the Year award for their actions July 7, 2017 in saving two German sailors stranded in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 500 miles off the coast of Florida.

  • Little guy, big fixed heart: part II

    When Ashley and Tech. Sgt. Ben Mockovciak, 372nd Training Squadron Detachment 202 F-16 tactical aircraft maintenance instructor, learned their son Noah, barely one month old, had experienced a heart attack, their world was turned upside down.

  • Little guy, big fixed heart: part I

    When Ashley and Tech. Sgt. Ben Mockovciak learned they would soon be parents, they were overwhelmed with the exciting idea of welcoming a healthy, beautiful child into their family.

  • Air Force ramps up flying ICU teams

    When the U.S. military needs to transport critically injured patients by air, it calls on Air Force Critical Care Air Transport Teams. The Air Force is increasing CCATT capabilities to meet the needs of the warfighter.

  • High School to Flight School

    Officials at Air Force Reserve Command headquarters, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, are hoping an innovative new program will help the command meet its need for flight engineers.

  • LIFTx: Leaders Inspiring for Tomorrow

    Ten diverse speakers shared their stories of leadership, inspiration, innovation and resiliency during the first Leaders Inspiring for Tomorrow, or LIFTx, seminar hosted by MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, April 19, 2018.

  • Air Guard, Reserve wings kick off annual MAFFS training

    As temperatures heated up in northern California, aerial firefighters from four C-130 airlift wings operating the U.S.D.A. Forest Service’s Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System, or MAFFS, started a weeklong training April 23, 2018, in anticipation of summer blazes.

  • CE test warfighting capabilities

    The 355th Civil Engineer Squadron participated in an airfield damage response and assessment exercise at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, March 28-30, 2018.

  • BLUE Episode 24: The Bombers

    FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS) – With the ability to carry almost any weapon the Air Force has to offer, Strategic bombers are a mainstay in the U.S. arsenal. Just the threat of using one can be enough to change the enemy's mind. In this edition of BLUE we find out how the Air Force uses strategic

  • AFPC adopting innovative officer assignment system IT platform

    Talent Marketplace is an innovative technological platform supporting the officer assignment system that aims to increase flexibility and transparency for officers and commanders. It is the final piece of the revised officer assignment system triad, which includes advanced assignment notification to

  • 621st CRW Airmen enable Rapid Global Mobility during JRTC exercise

    Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing stationed at Travis Air Force Base, California, conducted joint training with Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, to provide direct air-land support for safe and efficient airfield operations during the Joint Readiness

  • Ensuring the fallen are sent home with honor

    Upon returning from the theater of operations to the U. S., a solemn dignified transfer is conducted upon arrival at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, when a Air Force carry team transfers the remains from the aircraft to a transfer vehicle to honor those who have given their lives in service to