Aug. 9, 2024 Around the Air Force: SECAF Talks Modernization, DAF Priorities, New Rules for Dogs Entering the US In this week’s look around the Air Force, SecAF Frank Kendall highlights modernization and innovation, USecAF Melissa Dalton addresses global challenges, and new rules are in effect for people returning from overseas to the U.S. with dogs.
July 30, 2024 Dalton emphasizes DAF priorities, need to modernize, on-time budgets Under Secretary of the Air Force Melissa Dalton spoke at the Brookings Institution reasserting the Air Force and Space Force’s priorities to meet global challenges.
July 24, 2024 Minihan updates Congress on mobility aircraft Air Mobility Command commander, U.S. Air Force deputy chief of staff for plans and programs, and U.S. Transportation Command director of strategic plans, policy and logistics, testified in front of the House Armed Services subcommittee on seapower and projection forces, July 23.
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.
Jan. 31, 2024 CMSAF prioritizes quality of life at House hearing Department of the Air Force senior leaders testified before the House Armed Services Committee Quality of Life Panel on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
Oct. 2, 2023 Statement from Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the passage of a continuing resolution Statement from Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III
Sept. 11, 2023 Kendall outlines China threat in stark detail, offers blueprint for effective response Department of the Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall presented a detailed tutorial Sept. 11 for why the Air Force and Space Force must modernize and adapt quickly to ensure the nation’s security and interests are protected.
July 14, 2023 Justice Department reinforces federal protections for servicemembers and their spouses in letter to state officials The Justice Department announced July 14 that it has issued a letter to all state licensing authorities about new employment-related federal protections for military families.
March 28, 2023 Kendall, Brown, Saltzman tell lawmakers ‘on-time’ budget needed to meet security challenges, transform Air, Space Forces DAF senior leaders told Congress that progress is being made modernizing the Air and Space Forces but to fully succeed, Congress must pass the budget on time so critical “transformation” is not delayed.
March 23, 2023 Under Secretary of the Air Force testifies on recruiting The senior leader testified to the Senate Armed Services Committee about recruiting challenges currently facing the Department of the Air Force.
March 13, 2023 Department of the Air Force 2024 budget proposal invests in modernization, transformation The $259.3 billion proposal that Congress will now consider for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1 includes $185.1 billion for the Air Force and $30 billion for the Space Force.
April 27, 2022 Kendall, Brown, Raymond tell Congress $194 billion budget request balances risks, quickens transformation Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall urged Congress April 27 to embrace a $194 billion budget request specifically tailored to “transform” and modernize the Air and Space Forces to meet growing challenges from China.
May 7, 2021 Roth, Brown, Raymond present Air, Space Forces priorities to Congress Appearing alongside Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr., and Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond, Roth told the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense that the Air and Space Forces continue to recalibrate their practices, personnel and policies to address “peer
March 5, 2020 Barrett, Goldfein, Raymond outline Air Force priorities to House lawmakers while acknowledging difficult budget choices Like the Senate hearing Tuesday, the session Wednesday in the House was only the first step in a lengthy process that will yield legislation providing a blueprint written by Congress of the spending, security and policy priorities for the entire United States military.
Nov. 7, 2019 Goldfein outlines risks of budget uncertainties Funding for the entire U.S. government expires Nov. 22 at 12:01 a.m. unless Congress acts. While progress on forging a budget agreement has been slow, congressional aides say there is movement toward approving a short-term spending plan that keeps the government running into December.
Nov. 1, 2019 Air Force transitions all US military treatment facilities to DHA Congress directed this transfer in the fiscal year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act. Establishing an integrated Military Health System will standardize health care delivery and business operations across all military treatment facilities.
Sept. 27, 2019 Raymond outlines ambitious US space activities, embraces Space Force as a new, separate military branch “We’re planning for a Space Force. We need a Space Force. Our nation needs a Space Force,” Raymond said in remarks at a Mitchell Institute breakfast on Capitol Hill attended by influential members of Congress and staff as well as defense analysts, industry officials and media.
June 26, 2019 Goldfein offers rationale for nuclear modernization and ‘failsafe’ deterrence The United States remains the world’s most potent nuclear force, Goldfein said. But the nation cannot be complacent, especially at a time when Russia and China are moving to modernize and diversify their nuclear capabilities and when the core components of the U.S. nuclear capability are aging.
April 30, 2019 Air Force stops all new Tyndall rebuilding efforts starting May 1 The Air Force will be forced to stop all new rebuilding efforts at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, starting May 1 because of the absence of Congressional funding.
April 5, 2019 Air Force, Army, Navy Secretaries host first national discussion on sexual assault, harassment Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson joined her Army and Navy counterparts April 4-5, for the first national discussion on sexual assault and sexual harassment at America’s colleges, universities and service academies summit at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.
April 2, 2019 Air Force releases 2018 Acquisition Report The Air Force released the Fiscal Year 2018 Air Force Acquisition Annual Report April 2, emphasizing the need to field tomorrow’s Air Force faster and smarter.
Feb. 8, 2019 CMSAF Wright testifies before Congress on Air Force quality of life Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright told members of Congress at Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C., Feb. 7, that issues such as adequate base housing, reliable child care and other quality of life factors are “inextricably linked” to the service’s readiness.
Nov. 16, 2018 Air Force vice chief of staff: National security is a team sport Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Stephen W. Wilson highlighted the importance of taking a whole-of-nation approach to expanding the national security competitive space during an Air Force Association Breakfast Seminar in Arlington, Virginia, Nov. 14, 2018.
Jan. 19, 2018 DoD issues guidance for potential government shutdown The Defense Department has issued guidance to its military and civilian leadership on how to proceed if the federal government should shut down at midnight tonight, according to a memorandum from Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick M. Shanahan.
Dec. 7, 2017 SecAF testifies before Senate Armed Services Committee on improved acquisition processes Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee Dec. 7, 2017, in Washington, D.C.
Nov. 9, 2017 Wilson, Goldfein emphasize need for FY18 budget in State of the Air Force address The Air Force must have a higher and more stable budget to provide security for the nation, said Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein during the State of the Air Force address Nov. 9, 2017, at the Pentagon.
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.
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 18, 2017 AF to Congress: Readiness depends on strong, resilient force Lt. Gen. Gina Grosso, the Air Force manpower, personnel and services deputy chief of staff, testified on Air Force personnel posture before the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel in Washington, D.C., May 17.
May 16, 2017 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.
May 8, 2017 Senate confirms Wilson as Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson will be the next secretary of the Air Force, following her confirmation by the Senate May 8, 2017.
April 5, 2017 Goldfein: Continuing resolution detrimental to Air Force With the threat of a yearlong continuing resolution lingering, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein and his fellow service chiefs called on Congress to approve an appropriation bill for fiscal year 2017 during a hearing on the topic April 5, 2017 on Capitol Hill.
April 3, 2017 AMC provides airpower orientation to Congressional staff members Nearly 45 congressional staff members representing legislators from across the United States attended the 2017 Rapid Global Mobility Airpower Orientation hosted by Air Mobility Command here March 31, 2017.
March 30, 2017 AF seeks to increase modernization budget Air Force senior leaders testified about Air Force modernization before the Senate Armed Services Committee in Washington, D.C., March 22, 2017.
March 24, 2017 AF leaders: Total force essential to readiness Air Force senior leaders testified on the current state of the total force readiness before the House Armed Services Committee in Washington, D.C., March 22, 2017.
July 19, 2016 Around the Air Force: July 19 In this look around the Air Force, the head of Air Combat Command testifies before members of the House Armed Services Committee, the KC-46 Pegasus hits another milestone, and U.S. Air Force Academy cadets experience what the deployed life is like.
July 18, 2016 Govt, military leaders testify on nuclear deterrent modernization plans Key leaders in the nation’s nuclear deterrence mission testified in Washington, D.C., July 14 before the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces about the importance of the nuclear triad and the growing need to modernize it.
July 15, 2016 DOD experts talk nuclear modernization efforts Modernization and sustainment across the nuclear triad are essential to maintaining national and allied security, three Defense Department experts told Congress on July 14.
July 1, 2016 Legislative liaisons enhance mobility relationships, future During an election year, many service members are extra cautious about any political affiliations. While this is important, Airmen have the right to reach out to their congressional representatives. Some Airmen even work directly with the politicians.
April 27, 2016 F-35 program accelerating, at 'pivot point,' program chief tells Congress The program executive officer of the F-35 Lightning II aircraft program said the rapidly changing, growing and accelerating program is at a "pivot point" as officials address a number of challenges. The F-35 program, also known as the Joint Strike Fighter program, is of vital importance to U.S.
April 22, 2016 PACAF commander to senators: Homeland defense ‘sacred responsibility’ Gen. Lori J. Robinson, who now commands Pacific Air Forces and is air component commander for U.S. Pacific Command, testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee, noting that the U.S. faces a rapidly evolving and growing threat environment in terms of the number of those who wish to harm the
April 6, 2016 Carter praises National Guard Bureau chief nominee Defense Secretary Ash Carter congratulated Air Force Lt. Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel on his nomination April 5 to serve as the next chief of the National Guard Bureau and, if approved by Congress, to receive his fourth star. Lengyel, now the Guard Bureau’s vice chief, would succeed Army Gen. Frank J.
April 6, 2016 Miller nominated as next chief of Air Force Reserve President Barack Obama nominated Maj. Gen. Maryanne Miller for a third star and assignment as chief of Air Force Reserve and commander of the Air Force Reserve Command, replacing Lt. Gen. James F. Jackson.
March 24, 2016 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.
March 23, 2016 F-35 program making progress, program chief tells Congress The chief of the F-35 program detailed “the good, the bad and the ugly” aspects of the Joint Strike Fighter during testimony March 22 before the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces.
March 17, 2016 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
March 16, 2016 Goldfein addresses readiness, budget Military vice chiefs testified about the current state of readiness of U.S. forces before the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support on Capitol Hill March 15.
March 4, 2016 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
Jan. 15, 2016 Acquisitions enterprise: Experimentation and agility A key leader in Air Force acquisitions testified Jan.7 on Capitol Hill before the House Armed Services Committee on acquisition reform, explaining how the Air Force is improving its acquisitions processes through agility and experimentation.
Jan. 12, 2016 Air Force 101: Talks aim to improve legislation for AF missions A day after the Air Force flew a B-52 Stratofortress over South Korea in the wake of their northern neighbor’s nuclear bomb test, Air Force officers discussed the service’s nuclear capabilities with policymakers Jan. 11.
April 30, 2015 AF Reserve, Guard leaders testify before the Senate The chief of the Air Force Reserve and the director of the Air National Guard testified alongside the other services’ Reserve chiefs and Guard directors before the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Defense, April 29.
April 16, 2015 Doolittle Tokyo Raiders receive Congressional Gold Medal Leaders from the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate presented the Congressional Gold Medal to the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders April 15 at the U.S. Capitol Visitor’s Center Emancipation Hall.
June 19, 2014 EOD Airmen educate Congress on mission Military explosive ordnance disposal technicians and their civilian counterparts gathered on Capitol Hill June 11, to educate members of Congress about their mission and capabilities during EOD Day on the Hill.
June 3, 2014 Commission seeks service members' compensation preferences The commission tasked by President Barack Obama and Congress to modernize military compensation and benefits programs is seeking input from service members on their preferences.
Oct. 17, 2013 Congress passes bill reopening federal government President Barack Obama signed legislation late yesterday night bringing federal employees back to work after Congress finally resolved the budget logjam which led to a 16-day shutdown.
Oct. 1, 2013 Hagel says national security assured during shutdown The Defense Department and other government agencies responsible for national security will carry out their missions despite the government shutdown, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Oct. 1 here. The secretary, traveling in the Asia-Pacific region this week for high-level meetings here and in