News

March 19, 2026
DAF completes records review for COVID-related separations

The DAF recently conducted a proactive review and upgrade of personnel records, identifying 377 who were involuntarily discharged solely for declining the COVID-19 vaccination, ensuring individuals who met the eligibility requirements receive the full amount of post-service benefits.
March 19, 2026
Distributed operations enable Seventh Air Force to sustain airpower during Freedom Shield 26

During exercise Freedom Shield 26, the Seventh Air Force tested its ability to command and control airpower in the event its primary Air Operations Center is no longer available, forcing personnel and capabilities to operate from multiple dispersed locations.Known as distributed operations, this
March 18, 2026
Architects of the exercise: Bringing the space domain to life for Freedom Shield 26

Freedom Shield 26 is a recurring exercise between South Korea and the United States, in collaboration with the United Nations Command, ensuring continuous preparedness for military forces on the Korean Peninsula.
March 17, 2026
419th Fighter Wing Reservists support first-ever microreactor airlift

The historic mission, known as Operation Windlord, marked the first-ever military airlift of a microreactor and demonstrated the Department of War’s ability to rapidly deploy next-generation power systems by air.
March 14, 2026
DoW identifies Air Force casualties

The Department of War announced the death of six Air Force Airmen who were supporting Operation Epic Fury.
March 13, 2026
DAF announces updates to Military Leave Program

The DAF released an update to DAFI 36-3003, Military Leave Program, which incorporates changes mandated by the Department of War and streamlines leave policies to ensure Airmen and Guardians are fully aware of their entitlements. 
March 13, 2026
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 13, 2026
Six Confirmed Deceased in Loss of U.S. KC-135 Over Iraq

At approximately 2 pm ET on March 12, a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft went down in western Iraq. Six crew members aboard the aircraft have been confirmed deceased.
March 12, 2026
CSAF, CMSAF highlight AETC’s strategic impact on force readiness

The senior leaders visited multiple bases to see how AETC is preparing Airmen for the demands of the operational Air Force.
March 11, 2026
Year of the mentor: Going beyond training

To improve rider safety and skills, the DoW is implementing the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Rider Mentor Program, which pairs service members with experienced motorcyclists as an alternative path for completing advanced training.
March 11, 2026
TEC hosts inaugural master fitness leader course

The I.G. Brown Training and Education Center hosted the U. S. Air Force’s inaugural Master Fitness Leader course Feb. 17–27, bringing together Total Force Airmen and civilians for the first offering of the new training program.
March 10, 2026
CMSAF Wolfe visits Joint Base Andrews

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David Wolfe, and his wife, Dr. Doniel Wolfe, visited Team Andrews to hold an all-call and emphasize the Air Force's three priorities: readiness, modernization, and Airmen and their families.
March 9, 2026
Air Force, MASS-TF sign MOU to evaluate strategic real estate opportunities

The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration to pursue a strategic real estate and mission support partnership.
March 6, 2026
CSAF Letter to the Force

Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach released a letter to Airmen.
Feb. 27, 2026
Air Force modernizes Physical Fitness Program to bolster readiness, long-term health

The modernized program is anchored in scientifically grounded health measures and a more rigorous assessment model. The goal is to enhance warfighter readiness by encouraging Airmen to build durable fitness habits that support sustained, career-long performance.
Feb. 27, 2026
CMSAF delivers ‘Gold Medal Airmen’ keynote during AFA 2026

CMSAF Wolfe urged Airmen to multiply their skills and dedication with a winning attitude during a keynote speech at the Air and Space Forces Association's 2026 Warfare Symposium.
Feb. 27, 2026
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.
Feb. 26, 2026
Air Force leaders discuss priorities for the Air Force’s Future Force Design

Senior Air Force leaders and industry experts discussed the priorities for Air Force’s Future Force Design during a panel at the Air and Space Forces Association’s 2026 Warfare Symposium in Aurora.
Feb. 26, 2026
Healy highlights Reserve advantage during AFA symposium

The Commander of AFRC, Lt. Gen. John Healy, told Airmen and Guardians attending the Air and Space Forces 2026 Warfare Symposium that Reserve Airman are an advantage to the Department of the Air Force.
Feb. 26, 2026
Acquisition leaders detail Warfighting Acquisition Strategy at AFA symposium

Top acquisition leaders for the DAF detailed how the acquisition process is being reshaped to meet the demands of modern warfare, during a panel at the Air and Space Forces Association’s 2026 Warfare Symposium.
Feb. 26, 2026
AMC interim commander emphasizes Airmen, aircraft readiness importance at AFA

Lt. Gen. Rebecca Sonkiss, who took over as Air Mobility Command’s interim commander earlier this month, addressed service members, industry and journalists on the state of mobility readiness at the 2026 Air and Space Forces Association Warfare Symposium.
Feb. 25, 2026
Warfighting acquisition transformation to bolster DAF Battle Network delivery

Leaders doubled down on the importance of acquisition transformation within the DAF Battle Network framework, highlighting the department’s focus on maturing architecture and delivering capability at operational speed.
Feb. 25, 2026
DAF leaders emphasize warfighting readiness at AFA Warfare Symposium

Senior DAF leaders emphasized that warfighting readiness, modernization and investment in Airmen and Guardians remain central to maintaining deterrence and preparing for future conflict during a panel discussion at the 2026 Warfare Symposium.
Feb. 24, 2026
Wilsbach outlines strategy for confronting adversaries, Air Force success

In his first major address since becoming Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Ken Wilsbach highlighted readiness and how the service is responding to a complex and ambiguous strategic environment.
Feb. 24, 2026
SECAF opens 2026 AFA Warfare Symposium with ‘Innovating Faster: Acquisition Transformation’

During his keynote at the 2026 Air and Space Forces Association Warfare Symposium, Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink laid out his vision for the Department of the Air Force’s acquisition transformation effort.
Feb. 23, 2026
Collaborative Combat Aircraft program progresses through deliberate weapons integration testing

The Air Force has entered the next phase of developmental testing for its Collaborative Combat Aircraft program.
Feb. 23, 2026
New Tinker AFB electrical peaking plant enables energy resilience

Tinker Air Force Base and Oklahoma Gas & Electric celebrated the opening of an electrical peaking plant.
Feb. 23, 2026
Air Force issues new guidance to streamline Line of Duty decisions for Reservists, Guardsmen on extended active-duty orders

The Department of the Air Force released updated guidance intended to accelerate Line of Duty determinations for Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard members serving on extended active‑duty orders.
Feb. 23, 2026
DAF increases B-21 Raider production capacity to deliver combat capability faster

The Department of the Air Force and Northrop Grumman Corp. have reached an agreement to expand production capacity for the B-21 Raider, accelerating delivery of the Air Force’s next-generation stealth bomber fleet.
Feb. 23, 2026
DAF exploring lease opportunities for data centers in Alaska

The DAF is gauging interest for data center construction in Alaska. Interested parties have until March 13 to submit a response.
Feb. 20, 2026
Des Moines ANGB to gain ANG Cyber Operations Squadrons

The DAF has selected a preferred location to convert re-missioned manpower to support Air National Guard cyber operations.
Feb. 20, 2026
Fort Gordon to gain ANG cyber operations squadrons

The Department of the Air Force has selected Fort Gordon, Georgia, as the preferred location for two Air National Guard cyber operations squadrons.
Feb. 20, 2026
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.
Feb. 19, 2026
AFSOC strategizes on adapting special air warfare for an evolving world

AFSOC opened the 2026 Special Air Warfare Symposium with senior leaders underscoring the command’s enduring focus on people and rapid adaptability to win the future fight in a complex and ever-changing global security environment.
Feb. 19, 2026
FSS Summit strengthens AFMC Force Support enterprise

The summit helps to ensure that Airmen and Guardians remain equipped to meet the evolving needs of the Air Force.
Feb. 18, 2026
F-35 IIFTU graduates international class, reinforcing allied readiness at Luke AFB

The ceremony marks a significant milestone in the F-35 program’s international training mission, providing advanced instruction to intelligence professionals from 11 different partner nations.
Feb. 18, 2026
C3BM launches software developer student pipeline

The DAF C3BM launched its first iteration of a training pipeline meant to prepare Airmen for the rigors of developing software capabilities in support of the DAF BATTLE NETWORK.
Feb. 17, 2026
Delivering deterrence: Sentinel restructure to complete in 2026; initial capability timeline set

The U.S. Air Force rolled out its plan for the LGM-35A Sentinel program, which will deliver the nation’s next-generation, modernized, land-based nuclear deterrent to America’s warfighters.
Feb. 17, 2026
War, Energy Departments team up to advance future of nuclear power, military base energy security

A next-generation nuclear reactor was loaded aboard a C-17 Globemaster III for transport ensuring greater energy security for the United States.
Feb. 13, 2026
CSAF, CSO honor those who honor the fallen

For 77 years, the Arlington Committee has been attending funerals for Air Force veterans, representing the CSAF, his spouse and the entire Air Force Family at Arlington National Cemetery.
Feb. 13, 2026
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.
Feb. 13, 2026
Al Udeid Air Base hosts Partnership Day

The event showcased interoperability and appreciation for host nation partners, bringing together Qatari military members, families, U.S. Embassy Doha representatives, joint U.S. service members, and coalition forces.
Feb. 13, 2026
Robins AFB laser-focused on aircrew eye protection

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Human Systems Division is pioneering the next generation of protective technology for aircrews.
Feb. 12, 2026
Air Force validates open architecture, expands Collaborative Combat Aircraft ecosystem

The CCA program validates a modular, open-systems approach, allowing the Air Force to rapidly integrate the best technology from any vendor to equip the warfighter faster.
Feb. 12, 2026
Air Force, Space Force senior enlisted advisors emphasize quality of life’s importance in national defense

Air Force and Space Force senior enlisted leaders appeared before the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee to address quality of life's importance in national defense.
Feb. 11, 2026
USecAF visits Kadena AB to conclude Indo-Pacific tour

The visit capped a week of base visits where Lohmeier met with Airmen, Guardians and senior leaders to assess readiness, connect with the force and reaffirm the Department of the Air Force’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Feb. 10, 2026
JBER debuts a PACAF-first Mission Ready Airman program

Thirty-four U.S. Air Force noncommissioned officers participated in a Security Forces-focused, first-of-its-kind program that aims at increasing lethality and readiness across the force.
Feb. 9, 2026
Reserve leaders emphasize standards, strategic ‘Reserve Advantage’ to NATO allies

Senior reserve leaders from across the NATO alliance gathered last week to discuss the growing importance of reserve forces in addressing global security challenges during the NATO Air Reserve Symposium.
Feb. 9, 2026
Training for the mission, the Olympic medal

Staff Sgt. Kelly Curtis returns to represent Team USA on the world’s biggest stage for the second time at the XXV Olympic Winter Games.
Feb. 9, 2026
C3BM takes lead on Joint Fires Network

The DAF Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management stood up an integrated program office to lead the Joint Fires Network.
Feb. 9, 2026
World Class Athlete Program showcases Air Force excellence ahead of Winter Olympics

As the world prepares for the upcoming Winter Olympic Games, the DAF is spotlighting the Air Force WCAP, a unique initiative that develops elite competitors while strengthening military readiness.
Feb. 6, 2026
National Defense Areas expanded, established along Texas border

The Secretary of War directed the expansion of the South Texas NDA to ensure the western endpoint reaches Roma, Texas, as originally intended. This action extends NDA 3 to include approximately 250 miles west of the Gulf of America.
Feb. 6, 2026
DRMC Airmen support certification of instrument landing systems

U.S. Air Forces Central DRMC Airmen supported the commissioning and flight inspection of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing’s airfield instrument landing systems, ensuring they met required standards for safe operations during periods of reduced visibility.
Feb. 6, 2026
Air National Guard base takes stage ahead of Super Bowl LX

Moffett Air National Guard Base is serving as the hub for a joint U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy flyover scheduled to thunder overhead during the national anthem Feb. 8, kicking off the Super Bowl LX matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots.
Feb. 6, 2026
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.
Feb. 5, 2026
Shaping the future of airpower: Air Force requirements transformation industry day

The United States Air Force hosted industry partners Jan. 29 as part of its effort to transform the Requirements Process, bringing together approximately 350 defense industry leaders.
Feb. 3, 2026
USAFA graduate named Cadet of the Year

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach presented 2nd Lt. Renata Russell, a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, with the Cadet of the Year award.
Jan. 30, 2026
CSAF, CMSAF join Air University’s PCTT panel

The panel shared key leadership insights on readiness, modernization, fostering warrior culture and quality of life initiatives, while reinforcing current DAF and DoW priorities with future command teams.
Jan. 30, 2026
Air Force advances standoff cruise missile program with live-fire test

The Air Force tested a standoff cruise missile, known as ERAM, less than 16 months from the program's initial contract award proving the service can deliver new tools to the warfighter at the speed of relevance.
Jan. 30, 2026
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.
Jan. 29, 2026
Rebuilding the foundation: the Barracks Task Force, the future of DAF housing

The DAF launched a Barracks Task Force to rapidly improve dormitory conditions, reinforcing its commitment to Airmen and Guardians’ quality of life and mission readiness.
Jan. 29, 2026
General officers forge flying proficiency at Nellis AFB

In a powerful demonstration of leading from the front at every echelon, USAF generals have taken to the skies here to reaffirm that command at every level is backed by the same core competencies by every Airmen.
Jan. 28, 2026
US, Japan refine interoperability during exercise North Wind 26

The 374th Airlift Wing integrated with the U.S. Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force to execute a joint forcible entry operation during exercise North Wind 26, a joint arctic field training designed to strengthen winter operational capabilities.
Jan. 28, 2026
Under Secretary of the Air Force visits Indo-Pacific to engage with Airmen, allies

The under secretary's visit was an in-depth immersion to how the Department of the Air Force enhances regional stability by working in concert across all warfighting domains.
Jan. 27, 2026
AFMS Senior Leadership Workshop aligns purposeful execution with unmatched readiness

The workshop united AFMS senior leaders on a shared vision of a more integrated and operationally focused medical force.
Jan. 27, 2026
Yokota supports first JGSDF-hosted multinational airborne exercise

The exercise marked the first Japan Ground Self-Defense Force-hosted multinational airborne operation conducted on Japanese soil and brought together airborne forces from the United States and Japan to enhance interoperability and airborne insertion capabilities.
Jan. 23, 2026
USAF to introduce Air Expeditionary Wing 2.0

AEW 2.0 is an improved version of the legacy deployment construct and will be implemented in FY27.
Jan. 23, 2026
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.
Jan. 22, 2026
SECAF visits F.E. Warren AFB

The senior leader assessed the readiness, sustainment, and modernization efforts supporting the land-based leg of the nation’s Nuclear Triad.
Jan. 22, 2026
ACC’s William Tell Air-to-Air Weapons Meet returns in 2026

ACC’s William Tell Air-to-Air Weapons Meet, a competition that brings together the best fighter and operations teams from across the Total Force—Active Duty, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard—is scheduled to take place March 6–15, at the Air Dominance Center in Georgia.
Jan. 21, 2026
WCAP Airmen qualify for Winter Olympics

Two Airmen from the World Class Athlete Program will represent Team USA and the Air Force at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympic Games in February.
Jan. 21, 2026
Air Force, Navy aircraft to fly over Super Bowl LX

The formation, featuring two Air Force B-1 Lancers and two F-15C Eagles, alongside a pair of Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets and two F-35C Lightning IIs is a symbol of the nation’s journey and independence.
Jan. 16, 2026
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.
Jan. 15, 2026
Boenisch assumes command of the 121st Maintenance Group

U.S. Air National Guard Col. Erika Boenisch assumed command of the 121st Air Refueling Wing Maintenance Group from Col. Lance Kollstedt during a change of command ceremony at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio, January 10, 2026.Col. Andrew Powers, 121 ARW commander, presided over
Jan. 15, 2026
Air Force Safety Center announces Unit Risk Forecasting tool

The tool utilizes over a decade of historical safety data, unit personnel data, predictive capabilities, and mitigation strategies developed by safety professionals to give commanders and decision makers a visual toolkit to minimize risk at the unit level.
Jan. 14, 2026
DAF launches National Mentoring Month event series

NMM showcases mentoring as an enterprise-wide imperative, empowering all Airmen and Guardians through a series of panels, events and interactive discussions to help them reach their fullest potential.
Jan. 14, 2026
U.S., Regional Partners Establish New Air Defense Operations Cell in Qatar

U.S. Central Command and regional partners opened a new coordination cell at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar to enhance integrated air and missile defense.
Jan. 14, 2026
MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopters complete first operational ICBM convoy security mission

Two MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters assigned to the 40th Helicopter Squadron conducted their first operational Minuteman III ICBM convoy, marking an important milestone in the modernization of AFGSC’s nuclear security operations.
Jan. 14, 2026
Illinois Guard, Portugal Formalize New State Partnership Agreement

The Illinois National Guard and the Ministry of National Defense of the Portuguese Republic held a ceremony Jan. 12 to officially establish a new State Partnership Program agreement between the two armed forces.
Jan. 13, 2026
Pennsylvania Guard, Côte d’Ivoire to Partner Through State Partnership Program

Pennsylvania National Guard and Côte d’Ivoire military officials announced Jan. 13 that the Pennsylvania National Guard has been selected to partner with Côte d’Ivoire through the Department of War National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program.
Jan. 13, 2026
Total Force mobility leaders collaborate on readiness priorities at winter Phoenix Rally

The two-day event focused on collaborating on shared priorities including readiness, modernization, warrior culture and taking care of Airmen.
Jan. 12, 2026
11th ATKS officially becomes part of 25th ATKW

The change from launch and recovery to conventional MQ-9 operations expands the squadron’s role in combat operations, enabling pilots, sensor operators and intelligence professionals to conduct missions from start to finish.
Jan. 12, 2026
AETC holds T-7A Red Hawk official arrival ceremony, marking new era in pilot training

AETC hosted an arrival ceremony Jan. 9, for the T-7A Red Hawk, the U.S. Air Force’s next-generation trainer aircraft, marking a significant milestone in the service’s effort to modernize pilot training.
Jan. 9, 2026
Air Force announces updates to dress and appearance regulation

The Air Force releases guidance on its dress and personal appearance policy Jan. 9 providing updated standards for Airmen.
Jan. 9, 2026
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.
Jan. 8, 2026
Nellis AFB to gain electronic warfare squadron

The Department of the Air Force has selected Nellis Air Force Base as the preferred and final location for the 562nd Electronic Warfare Squadron.
Jan. 8, 2026
Grand Forks AFB selected to lead Point Defense Battle Lab

Grand Forks AFB's 319th Reconnaissance Wing, with support from the 184th Wing, will lead ACC’s Point Defense Task Force – a larger C-sUAS effort in support of the DAF's initiative to develop and evaluate advanced technologies to defend installations from sUAS threats.
Jan. 8, 2026
DAF puts acquisition on wartime footing, implementing SECWAR's 'Warfighting Acquisition System'

The Department of the Air Force is aggressively implementing a new Warfighting Acquisition System.
Jan. 6, 2026
Air Force updates fitness test requirements

Changes from the September 2025 announcement include a shortened physical fitness diagnostic testing period to end in June and the option for either the 2-mile run or the 20-meter High Aerobic Multi-shuttle Run every six months.
Jan. 6, 2026
Air Force selects 640 in chief master sergeant promotion cycle; list posts Jan. 8

Air Force officials selected 640 Air Force senior master sergeants for promotion to chief master sergeant out of 2,445 eligible for a selection rate of 26.18 percent in the 25E9 promotion cycle.
Jan. 5, 2026
U.S. Forces deliver critical aid to Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah

U.S. military forces delivered critical disaster relief to Sri Lanka following the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which made landfall on November 28.
Jan. 5, 2026
Human-machine teaming in battle management: A collaborative effort across borders

The 2025 series of the DASH-Machine Teaming marked a significant step forward in the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning by testing and refining AI’s potential to enhance battle management operations.
Jan. 5, 2026
AFCENT caps 2025 with decisive operations, strengthened partnerships across CENTCOM AOR

Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) closed out 2025 with a series of decisive victories, sustaining combat airpower against terrorist threats, expanding coalition integration across the USCENTCOM AOR, and advancing agile employment and base defense technologies to sharpen readiness and deterrence.
Jan. 2, 2026
Air Force Year in Photos

This year's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This annual feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Dec. 31, 2025
332nd ELRS conducts first hot-pit refuel with R-20 expeditionary refueling system

Airmen assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron conducted a hot-pit refueling operation using an R-20 expeditionary refueling system to support a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
Dec. 23, 2025
CSAF, CMSAF make inaugural visit to USAFE-AFAFRICA, meet with Ramstein Airmen

The visit wrapped up a seven-base trip across the USEUCOM and USCENTCOM areas of responsibility, providing both leaders an opportunity to engage with Airmen at all levels who are standing watch 365 days a year.
Dec. 23, 2025
CSAF, CMSAF connect with Airmen in CENTCOM AOR during holiday visit

The senior leaders recently concluded a multi-day visit to bases across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, engaging with service members assigned to Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central), Dec. 18-22.
Dec. 22, 2025
Air Force designates Northrop Grumman’s Talon prototype as YFQ-48A

The U.S. Air Force announces the designation of YFQ-48A as the Mission Design Series for Northrop Grumman’s Project Talon, a semi-autonomous prototype aircraft, underscoring the Air Force’s commitment to rapidly delivering next-generation capabilities.
Dec. 20, 2025
CSAF, CMSAF visit 48 FW, highlight mission priorities

The senior-leader visit kicked off a seven-base tour to meet with Airmen around the USEUCOM and USCENTCOM area of responsibility who stand watch 365 days a year.
Dec. 19, 2025
CENTCOM launches Operation Hawkeye Strike against ISIS in Syria

U.S. and partner forces commenced Operation Hawkeye Strike against ISIS in Syria in response to the attack on U.S. and partner forces.