Jan. 9, 2023 ABMS moves forward on cloud-based C2 The DAF’s Advanced Battle Management System program awarded a $112 million contract to Science Applications International Corporation as the ABMS cloud-based command and control software integrator.
Jan. 9, 2023 Department of the Air Force releases policy on Military Parental Leave Program Military Parental Leave for Airmen and Guardians will expand to 12 weeks after convalescent leave for birth parents and 12 weeks for non-birth parents, including adoptive parents and eligible foster parents, effective Dec. 27, 2022.
Jan. 5, 2023 AFMC partnership drives progress in mentoring, diversity More than 2,500 uniformed and civilian Airmen and Guardians participated in a series of Cross-Cultural Mentoring Panels in 2022, which emphasized inclusivity, growth and greater understanding of mentoring relationships across all demographic groups.
Dec. 30, 2022 Department of the Air Force unmasks academic degrees for major, lieutenant colonel promotion boards The change will apply to all eligible DAF officers and allow promotion board members to consider an officer’s acquisition of valued expertise as one of many whole person concept considerations.
Dec. 15, 2022 DAF establishes central fund for disability reasonable accommodations The Department of the Air Force has implemented a central fund for reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
Dec. 14, 2022 Partner nation air forces deliver humanitarian aid during Operation Christmas Drop 2022 Five partner nation air forces worked together to deliver essential supplies to island communities in the western Pacific as part of Operation Christmas Drop 2022.
Dec. 13, 2022 Cotton takes command of USSTRATCOM Gen. Anthony J. Cotton becomes USSTRATCOM's eighth commander, highlighting the enduring stability of the nation's strategic enterprise during a time of increased global pressure and reliance on a safe, reliable, and effective nuclear deterrent.
Dec. 12, 2022 CSAF hosts all-call with 17th TRW At the all-call, Brown addressed the National Defense Strategy, agile combat employment, multi-capable Airmen, and the spectrum of resiliency.
Dec. 12, 2022 Goodfellow AFB, San Angelo showcase base-community partnership to CSAF, spouse Brown’s visit to Goodfellow AFB included a mission brief and all-call with the 17th Training Wing, a small-group lunch with Airmen, a discussion of ongoing community partnership initiatives and visits to the Louis F. Garland Fire Academy and Moser-Flynn Hall Intelligence Campus.
Dec. 2, 2022 B-21 Raider makes public debut; will become backbone of Air Force’s bomber fleet The U.S. Air Force unveiled its newest bomber aircraft, the B-21 Raider, designed to operate in tomorrow's high-end threat environment.
Nov. 21, 2022 DAF updates program to issue pregnant members free maternity uniforms The DAF issued updates to the Maternity Uniform Pilot Program.
Nov. 21, 2022 AMC presents winning scheme of maneuver to CSAF, MAJCOM commanders Air Mobility Command hosted Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., as well as senior leaders from eight major commands, at Fall Phoenix Rally at Scott Air Force Base.
Nov. 18, 2022 DAF completes 5th annual financial statement audit, continues march toward auditability The audit increases effectiveness and efficiency, enhancing the ability to ensure Airmen and Guardians have the resources they need, when they need them, to accomplish their missions and return home safely.
Nov. 16, 2022 Forging the next generation: BMT leads the way Following a 16-year run, Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills Training, or BEAST, has come to an end and is being replaced with training exercise PACER FORGE, as part of Air Force basic military training.
Nov. 14, 2022 AFSOC conducts live-fire exercise with Rapid Dragon During SOCEUR exercise ATREUS 22-4, two MC-130J Commando IIs assigned to the 352nd Special Operations Wing flew the Rapid Dragon package to a Royal Norwegian Air Force training range and deployed it over the Atlantic Ocean.
Nov. 13, 2022 X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle concludes 6th successful mission The U.S. Space Force’s unmanned, reusable spaceplane, X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle-6, successfully deorbited and landed after completing a 908-day mission.
Nov. 11, 2022 The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation that changed the federal holiday’s name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. The name change aimed to pay tribute to all Americans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime.
Nov. 9, 2022 DAF authorizes pass for COVID booster by Dec. 1 Airmen and Guardians who receive the COVID-19 Bivalent Booster released in September are authorized a one-day special pass from their commander as long as the booster is administered by Dec. 1
Nov. 4, 2022 AF provides additional information for aircrew considering flying during their pregnancy The Department of the Air Force recently introduced new procedures that empower female aircrew to make the most informed decisions about whether to fly while pregnant.
Nov. 2, 2022 Airlift/Tanker Association Symposium delivers mobility roadmap for high-end fight The 54th Airlift/Tanker Association Symposium brought together nearly 1,600 Air Force senior leaders, industry partners, partner nation representatives and mobility Airmen into a single forum.
Nov. 2, 2022 Saltzman formally elevated to Space Force’s highest position – Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman assumed the role of Chief of Space Operations, the service’s highest-ranking military post in the Space Force, from retiring CSO, Gen. John “Jay” Raymond.
Nov. 1, 2022 COMUSAFE attends Africa Air Force Forum in Senegal The commander of USAFE spoke at the 2022 Africa Air Force Forum, which was the first iteration of the event.
Oct. 30, 2022 Airman to Ironman: General practices what he preaches when it comes to fitness Maj. Gen. David Smith, director of Air Force Reserve Plans, Programs and Requirements, participated in the Ironman World Championship race in Kona, Hawaii, earlier this month.
Oct. 25, 2022 NY Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing supports Antarctic research The New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing, using the LC-130 "Skibird" Hercules, has begun launching support operations in Antarctica in support of National Science Foundation research.
Oct. 24, 2022 AMC leaders to present 96 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 12 Bronze Star Medals, Gallant Unit Citation for Operation Allies Refuge AMC announced commanders will present awards and citations including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal and Gallant Unit Citation to mobility Airmen who supported Operation Allies Refuge.
Oct. 23, 2022 B-1B Bomber Task Force returns to Guam for multilateral training operations U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers returned to Andersen Air Force Base as part of a Bomber Task Force mission to demonstrate the Lancers' ability to deploy anytime, anywhere.
Oct. 19, 2022 Van Ovost says TRANSCOM effectively delivering security assistance to Ukraine Gen. Jacqueline D. Van Ovost, U.S. Transportation Command commander, provided the keynote address Oct. 17 at the National Defense Transportation Association-Transcom fall meeting.
Oct. 17, 2022 Air Force personnel win multiple awards for advocacy Air Force personnel took honors in four separate categories Oct. 3 in the annual Excellence in Advocacy competition sponsored by the non-partisan organization Women in Government Relations.
Oct. 17, 2022 1st FW: removing barriers, conquering challenges, always innovating The 1st Fighter Wing developed a team to transform its Airmen’s innovative ideas into reality. The team became known as the innovation cell and is responsible for improving the 1st FW, one Airman at a time.
Oct. 15, 2022 Pennsylvania Guardsman leads project providing new housing for homeless Cherokee vets A Pennsylvania Air National Guardsman with the 171st Air Refueling Wing led the construction of seven homes for tribal members of Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, who are currently experiencing homelessness.
Oct. 14, 2022 Readout of US Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.’s travel to Peru U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. traveled to Peru Oct. 11-12 to deepen close and enduring cooperation between the U.S. and Peruvian Air Forces.
Oct. 11, 2022 Fairchild completes historic 72-hour KC-135 endurance mission Two KC-135 Stratotankers simultaneously conducted 72-hour single-aircraft endurance missions, demonstrating multi-day tanker mission generation capabilities, Oct. 4-7.
Oct. 11, 2022 DAF develops dual-track 'Civilians We Need' career model, roadmaps to enhance civilian career progression The new “Civilians We Need” career model and accompanying career roadmaps will help DAF civilians plan their job experiences, education, training, and leadership opportunities to meet their professional goals.
Oct. 9, 2022 15th Wing, JASDF increase interoperability during first bilateral exercise Japan Air Self-Defense Force (Koku-Jieitai) Airmen spent three days training alongside 15th Wing Airmen, strengthening partnerships and familiarizing both forces with the Kawasaki C-2 and C-17 Globemaster III.
Oct. 6, 2022 The red hats are here: 202nd RED HORSE continues response to Hurricane Ian Members of the Florida Air National Guard’s 202nd RED HORSE Squadron assist southern Floridians affected by Hurricane Ian, clearing damage caused by the hurricane from public roadways.
Sept. 30, 2022 Senate confirms Saltzman to be Space Force’s next CSO With his confirmation in hand and his promotion to general, Saltzman is poised to step into the position held by Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond. The latter has served as the Space Force’s highest-ranking military officer since the service was created on Dec. 20, 2019.
Sept. 30, 2022 Department of the Air Force updates policy for pregnant OTS applicants The DAF has updated a policy to allow women, both enlisted and civilian, to apply and compete for an Officer Training School commission while pregnant.
Sept. 29, 2022 RAAF, USAF leaders sign Joint Vision Statement in Washington The Joint Vision Statement builds on the U.S. and Australian strategic partnership and conveys the two countries’ intent to work together to direct and support the development and operations of their air forces.
Sept. 28, 2022 Department of the Air Force leaders share experiences, resources with military families at AFA Air and Space Forces senior leaders and their spouses participated in a Families in the Fight panel engaging discussion on common challenges military families experience.
Sept. 27, 2022 Air Force, Army air defenders demonstrate enhanced air, missile defense system Air Forces Northern teamed up with the 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command and the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation and Missile Center to conduct a Deployable Integrated Air Defense System Technology Demonstration.
Sept. 22, 2022 Austin pledges to 'ease the load' for service members In a memo titled "Taking Care of Our Service Members and Families," Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III outlined efforts to address the needs of married service members and their families, as well as single service members.
Sept. 22, 2022 Air Guard director: We have to be ready today, we must be stronger tomorrow Lt. Gen. Michael Loh, director of the Air National Guard stressed the need to be ready today and stronger tomorrow and that begins with operationalizing the National Defense Strategy.
Sept. 21, 2022 Communities in the Fight panel underscores importance of collaboration The Air and Space Forces Association hosted a “Communities in the Fight” panel discussion at the AFA’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference at National Harbor Sept. 20.
Sept. 21, 2022 Air Force recruiters using new tools, new thinking to meet targets in difficult environment As the head of recruiting for the Air and Space Forces, Maj. Gen. Ed Thomas is in a job that requires him to be pragmatic and creative and occasionally willing to test boundaries in the quest to meet never slacking personnel demands of the two services.
Sept. 20, 2022 Cyclists ride more than 200 miles to honor Air Force’s 75th birthday The inaugural Memorial to Memorial ride brought more than 90 cyclists from the Air Force and Space Force together over three days to celebrate the Air Force's 75th Anniversary.
Sept. 20, 2022 KC-46A cleared for worldwide deployments following first combat refuel The KC-46A recently completed an employment concept exercise in the U.S. Central Command area of operations, during which it was evaluated while filling real-world taskings in support of combat operations, supplementing other tanker aircraft in theater.
Sept. 20, 2022 AFCENT commander conducts first round of regional partner engagements Building relationships within the force and with allies and partners, Lt. Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) commander, travelled across the USCENTCOM AOR to meet with U.S. embassy, coalition, regional, and U.S. military leaders.
Sept. 19, 2022 Brown cites Air Force history as fuel for accelerating change, meeting today’s complex security challenges Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. urged the Total Force Sept. 19 to focus intently, to move fast and “accelerate change” in reshaping the service to meet modern-day threats.
Sept. 19, 2022 Kendall draws direct connection to mission success, diverse, fulfilled, accomplished Total Force Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall addresses issues from personnel to recruiting and China during his keynote address at the annual Air, Space and Cyber Conference.
Sept. 17, 2022 Kendall celebrates win with Air Force recruiters Kendall was on hand to celebrate the Air Force’s 75th anniversary, meet future faces of the Air and Space Forces and join the 332nd Recruiting Squadron in celebrating them meeting their annual recruiting goals.
Sept. 8, 2022 WR-ALC master sergeant receives First Sergeant of the Year award The 2021 Air Force First Sergeant of the Year award has been presented to a master sergeant in the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia.
Sept. 8, 2022 ACE provided by 317th AW during exercise Patriot Fury Agile Combat Employment is a proactive and reactive operational scheme of maneuver executed within threat timelines to increase survivability while generating combat power.
Sept. 8, 2022 Field ordering officers with HEART 22 enable mission success The supplies and equipment bought with Overseas Humanitarian Disaster and Civic Aid funds are a large part of the impact the Health Engagements Assistance Response Team 2022 is making at the participating hospitals and on the patients in Guatemala and Honduras.
Sept. 7, 2022 Air, Space Force installations seek mediators to help with conflict resolution The Department of the Air Force is seeking mediators for conflict resolution as an alternative solution to litigation for workplace conflicts.
Sept. 5, 2022 US, French air forces invest in partnership, strengthen C2 training The 505th Training Squadron commander and French exchange officer visited CASPOA, also known as the NATO Air Operations Center of Excellence, or AO COE.
Sept. 4, 2022 Shaw AFB accelerates ACE abilities during Iron Hand Exercise Iron Hand 22-09 was developed as a proof of concept for Airmen to train in a contingency location in an unfamiliar geographic situation.
Sept. 2, 2022 SECAF visits PACAF Airmen, emphasizes Air Force priorities During his tour, Kendall reinforced the National Defense Strategy tenet of deterring aggression, while being prepared to prevail in conflict when necessary, prioritizing the importance of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command theater.
Sept. 1, 2022 Kendall receives mission transformation, software innovation updates at Robins AFB Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall visited Robins AFB to receive new mission updates and see some of the innovative advances being made with education and industry.
Sept. 1, 2022 AFRS highlights BMT in re-released 4K docuseries ‘Basic’ “Basic,” an eight-part, re-released docuseries shot in high-definition 4K resolution, presents the trainees' perspective as they recount their experiences about why each of them left home to join a fighting force of more than 329,000 Airmen currently serving.
Aug. 30, 2022 DAF leads the way on Women, Peace and Security Program The Department of the Air Force Women, Peace and Security Program recently reached major milestones by participating in the Department of Defense Gender Advisor training in May.
Aug. 30, 2022 DAF commissioning sources to develop initiatives to increase applicant pool diversity Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall has directed Air and Space Force officer commissioning sources to develop diversity and inclusion outreach plans by Sept. 30 to achieve updated applicant pool demographic goals.
Aug. 28, 2022 CSAF visits Indo-Pacific bases, stresses importance of DoD’s priority theater Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. recently traveled to locations across the Department of Defense’s priority theater, reinforcing U.S. and U.S. Air Force commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific..
Aug. 27, 2022 2022 Warrior Games: A look back The Warrior Games is a Paralympic-style adaptive sports event showcasing the power of adaptive sports as part of recovery and the overall long-term resiliency of wounded, ill and injured service members from around the DoD.
Aug. 17, 2022 Exercise becomes reality: MQ-9A Reaper responds to ship fire The remotely piloted aircraft, assigned to the 163rd Attack Wing, responded to the scene of a ship fire during a training exercise in the world's largest international maritime exercise.
Aug. 16, 2022 DoD releases first departmentwide social media policy The Defense Department released a policy that spells out how DoD military and civilian personnel should use official social media accounts to best advance the mission of the U.S. military and further instill trust in the credibility of the DoD.
Aug. 15, 2022 In assessing his first year, Kendall sees achievement but many challenges ahead Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall reflects on his first year on the job.
Aug. 12, 2022 DAF leadership discusses strengthening partnerships with military support groups The forum enabled DAF leadership to update the groups on top priorities and challenges and discuss how to partner effectively in support of Airmen, Guardians and family members.
Aug. 11, 2022 Readout of US Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.’s travel to the Philippines Throughout the meetings, Brown reaffirmed the great value the U.S. Air Force places on the bilateral alliance.
July 27, 2022 Keeping civilians in fighting shape The Civilian Health Promotion Services was established in the Air Force Materiel Command to keep its civilian Airmen as fit as their active-duty counterparts. Its success has led to its recent expansion CONUS-wide.
July 16, 2022 New medical profile system to enhance communication, readiness Medical profile systems are communication tools that act as a conduit between medical providers, ill or injured service members and their supervisors or commanders.
July 9, 2022 New medical support team reduces muscular-skeletal, mental health issues The five-person team, consisting of an exercise physiologist, clinical psychologist, clinical social worker, physical therapist and strength conditioning coach, embeds with high-risk units for up to six months to accomplish desired results.
July 6, 2022 Richardson: Teamwork, collaboration key to AFMC success The AFMC change of command ceremony was more than just an opportunity to welcome Gen. Duke Z. Richardson to the organizational helm; it was also a homecoming for the new commander who has spent nearly half of his career as part of the enterprise.
June 30, 2022 A transgender pilot’s advice for serving authentically He always knew he wanted to be a rescue pilot, serving a higher purpose and rushing to the aid of others in harm’s way. Fighting courageously to save lives no matter the terrain or conditions.
June 30, 2022 Kendall talks PTSD, mental health with medical leaders Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall met with Air Force Medical Service leaders to discuss the Department of the Air Force’s approach for prioritizing post-traumatic stress disorder care and support June 24.
June 10, 2022 Wagner swears in as Department of the Air Force manpower, reserve affairs lead In his newest capacity, Wagner is responsible for the supervision of matters related to manpower, military and civilian personnel, Reserve component affairs and readiness support for nearly 700,000 members across the Department of the Air Force.
March 18, 2022 Beshar swears in as Department of the Air Force general counsel Peter J. Beshar was sworn in as the General Counsel of the Department of the Air Force during a Pentagon ceremony March 18, following his confirmation to the role by the U.S. Senate, March 10.