News Search

  • 432nd Wing: Any time, any place, any condition

    The Airmen assigned to the 432nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron pride themselves on staying mission ready and recently hosted their first weapons load competition dressed in full chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives gear in more than three years December 8, 2017, at Creech.Like

  • Walsh assumes command of Thunderbirds squadron

    Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. — Lt. Col. Kevin Walsh assumed command of the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron during an assumption of command ceremony held at the Thunderbird hangar here Dec. 20.“At this particular point in time, the Air Force needs an experienced leader and skilled

  • F-22 Raptor Demo Team receive COMACC qualification

    U.S. Air Force Maj. Paul “Loco” Lopez, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team pilot, completed a qualification performance for U.S. Air Force Gen. Mike Holmes, Commander of Air Combat Command, to certify his capabilities as a demo team pilot at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., Dec. 18, 2017.

  • BAK-12 brakes jets

    A fighter jet is soaring through the sky during a routine training mission when the pilot notices something is wrong. She radios the control tower announcing she’s preparing for an emergency landing. Approaching the runway, she turns off the engines and drops a tail hook that will catch a braking

  • F-35 testers wrap up Weapons Delivery Accuracy tests

    Testers from the 461st Flight Test Squadron and F-35 Integrated Test Force (ITF) completed a major test milestone bringing the F-35 Lightning II’s full combat capabilities closer to the battlefield.Weapons Delivery Accuracy (WDA) flight tests began in July 2013 and testing wrapped up earlier this

  • Military branches come together for combat training

    The 366th Fighter Wing is located in the middle of nowhere in southern Idaho, nearly an hour away from a large city. Not exactly the description of a place one would expect military forces from every U.S. service and foreign allies would be excited to visit. In reality, Mountain Home AFB’s

  • EOD Airmen train for current operations

    U.S. Airmen assigned to the 20th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal flight performed improvised explosive device training, Dec. 14.The Airmen executed the procedures needed to properly clear a stateside IED site, eliminate threats and recover the remaining debris for investigation.

  • DFAC services: Bringing the heat, feeding the force

    When it comes to winning a war, victory can fall on which “army’s” troops are fed. To feed an Air Force, the Dining Facility Airmen bring the heat to their battleground: the kitchen. Through teamwork, adaption and striving for excellence, the Georgia Pines DFAC Airmen are able to ensure Team Moody

  • 38th RQS tests rescue capabilities

    Pararescuemen from the 38th Rescue Squadron conducted a full mission profile exercise, Dec. 12, 14 and 15, here.During the training, the 38th RQS recovered victims while under enemy fire to prepare for future search and rescue missions and to assess their unit’s ability to work cohesively to

  • Air Force scientist qualifies for Ironman World Championship

    By day, he’s a nuclear engineer conducting forensics on radioactive sources. But when the duty day is complete, he trades in his proverbial white lab coat for a pair of running shoes, climbs aboard his Scott Plasma 10 bicycle, and prepares for the race of a lifetime.First Lt. Carl Eichert, a special

  • Offutt CGO recognized by DAR for mentoring youth in her community

    A company grade officer from the 55th Medical Support Squadron was recently presented the Daughters of the American Revolution Excellence in Community Service Award at the Faith Christian Church, Omaha, Nebraska. The DAR, whose motto is “God, Home and Country,” was founded in 1890 and is a

  • PA walks mile in a gunners shoes

    I said yes, but I was nervous as hell. I’d heard them firing for a little over an hour, felt the ground move, seen grass fly and watched the recoil from the blasts shake the Airmen depressing the trigger. I was taking photos of an Airman finishing the last of his ammunition when a combat arms

  • Phase 1, Phase 2 Exercise proves success

    The 23d Wing recently wrapped up a week-long, Phase 1, Phase 2 exercise showcasing its ability to prepare, deploy and execute their mission at a moment’s notice, Dec. 4-8, here.

  • Hot-pit refueling enables high-ops training

    The 23d Logistics Readiness Squadron’s Petroleum, Oil, Lubricant section kept aircraft flying around the clock by conducting the more efficient hot-pit styled refuels, Dec. 4 -7, during the 23d Wing’s Phase 1, Phase 2 exercise, here.“Hot pits are almost like a gas station attendant,” said Master

  • Merry Creech-mas: 432nd Wing receives first Christmas tree

    Creech Air Force Base Hunters and Diamondbacks were surprised to see a live Christmas tree standing nearly 20 feet tall and positioned in front of the 432nd Wing building Nov. 30, 2017.Many members took immediate notice of the base’s new tree, loaded with colorful lights and vibrant decorations

  • Air Force announces change to deployments

    The Air Force announced another milestone under the chief of staff’s number two focus area: Strengthening Joint Leaders and Teams.Airmen deploying on individual taskings will now deploy in teams of three or more. This move will provide mutual support during the entire deployment continuum. This

  • D-M Airmen participate in exercise Cactus Flag

    Davis-Monthan Air Force Base Airmen participated in the annual Cactus Flag exercise, which began operations Dec. 4.Each year, Cactus Flag is tailored to what the 355th Fighter Wing commander believes would be most beneficial to D-M Airmen. This year, the week-long exercise focused on base-wide

  • Airmen prep for Army Air Assault School

    The AAA readiness assessment is designed to prepare Airmen for the Army Air Assault school curriculum as well as its physical and mental stressors. During AAA, U.S. troops are taught an array of skills associated with rotary-winged aircraft. These skills widen the 820th Base Defense Group’s ability

  • Fighter Wing trains for contingency operations

    Gunfighters practiced their wartime skills during a Phase II Focused training exercise, Dec. 4 - 8, 2017, here.The Phase II Focused exercise is aimed toward giving individual units the chance to tailor contingency training to best fit their needs.

  • Answering a higher calling

    For some children growing up, they either know what they want to be or don’t. For Lt. Col. Ismael Rodriguez, 366th Fighter Wing wing chaplain, he knew what he wanted to do and wasn’t going to let anything stop him.

  • Hill F-35A maintainers passing the Pacific TSP test

    Five weeks into the first F-35A Pacific Theater Security Package deployment the 34th Aircraft Maintenance Unit team is at full stride.Maintainers in the Pacific location and in Utah, home of the 34th AMU under the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings are coming together to make the first TSP a success and

  • ACC Command Chief speaks to Tyndall Airmen

    The command chief of Air Combat Command spoke to Tyndall Airmen about the greatest impacts coming in the near future and answer questions druing an enlisted all-call Dec. 7, 2017.

  • Pilots ‘surge’ through exercise

    Pilots from the 23d Fighter Group were recently put to the test during a Phase 1, Phase 2 exercise, Dec. 4-7, here. During the week-long exercise, A-10C Thunderbolt II pilots flew around-the-clock surge operations to demonstrate the 23d Wing’s ability to rapidly deploy at a moments notice to meet

  • Shaw adapts, overcomes during basing exercise

    U.S. Airmen assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing participated in an adaptive basing exercise at Poinsett Electronic Combat Range near Wedgefield, South Carolina, Dec. 4–7.The exercise, which derived from the directive of Gen. Mike Holmes, commander, Air Combat Command, provided an opportunity to

  • Tiger Team inspects for success

    Airmen from various aircraft maintenance units (AMU) participated in an exercise that tested their ability to accurately and efficiently generate 16 aircraft from Moody’s fleet of A-10C Thunderbolt II’s to rapidly deploy to meet the needs of combatant commanders, Dec. 4-7, here.As part of Moody’s

  • Three-Airman shop keeps fuel pumping

    Tucked away in a corner of Holloman AFB is a small shop that keeps trucks moving, aircraft flying and mission critical equipment running around base. The 49th Logistics Readiness Squadron refueling maintenance shop consists of three Airmen that are responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the

  • AFTAC Airmen selected for Air Force STEM awards

    The winners of the 2017 Air Force Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Awards were recently announced and the Air Force Technical Applications Center had an exceptional presence among the winners. Of the fourteen packages Air Combat Command submitted for this year’s awards, seven winners

  • 723d AMXS unfolds maintenance readiness

    Moody’s Phase 1, Phase 2 exercise tested the 23d Wing’s ability to prepare, deploy and execute their mission at a moment’s notice. The 723d AMXS was tasked with folding HH-60s in preparation for transport in a larger aircraft and unfolding them once they arrive at their final destination. During

  • Air Power at Pearl Harbor

    When Japanese Naval aircraft attacked Pearl Harbor on the morning of Dec. 7, 1941, they also attacked U.S. Army Air Forces flying fields and facilities as well.    Only a handful of U.S. pilots got airborne to fight back. The most famous were two young pilots named Welch and Taylor. At Wheeler

  • Newest F-22 demo pilot certifies at Shaw

    It’s a warm, sunny day and the flightline at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina is inexplicably quiet. An F-22 Raptor sits idly on the concrete in front of Hangar 1200, its twin vertical stabilizers and larger frame making it stick out like a sore thumb among the base’s many F-16 Fighting

  • Upgrades to missile detection radar earns civilian recognition

    The award is Hoying’s most recent of many for his role in addressing key capability upgrades. His team hardened radars to survive electromagnetic pulses, protected sites against cyberattack and consolidated multiple sustainment contracts, saving the government $50 million. Solid State Module

  • Shaw pilots host sister services

    Pilots assigned to Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina hosted U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps and took to the skies to duel each other, Dec. 1.

  • Double take: Brothers’ bond extends far beyond twin upbringing

    It is well known that twins share a unique bond that transcends other sibling relationships. It’s common for twins to live, work and recreate within close proximity to each other throughout their lives.But for one pair of Air Force twins, they’ve taken that commonality several steps further.Staff

  • Nomination window open for 2018 AF innovation award

    Application packages for the 2018 General Larry O. Spencer Innovation Award, based on contributions occurring between April 1, 2017 and March 31, 2018, are due to the Air Force’s Personnel Center by April 20, 2018.

  • Scholarships for military children opens Dec. 15

    The holiday season is a busy time of year, with enough deadlines, preparations and celebrations to tax even the most organized among us. That’s why the Defense Commissary Agency is informing its patrons now that the Fisher House Foundation’s Scholarships for Military Children program will begin

  • Motivating Sheepdogs: Army colonel shares knowledge

    Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Dave Grossman recently visited team Creech to discuss living a life of sacrifice and coping with the effects of combat, Nov. 13 to 14, 2017. Grossman, a former U.S. Military Academy West Point Psychology professor and the director of the Warrior Science Group, has

  • AFTAC civilian, Army Reservist selected for promotion to brigadier general

    A member of the Air Force Technical Applications Center here was recently promoted Nov. 1 to brigadier general in the U.S. Army.Brig. Gen. Donald B. Absher, a civilian physical scientist for AFTAC’s Materials Technology Directorate, was selected for promotion in the Army Reserve, where he has served

  • Airman enjoys being student, mastering Chinese culture, language

    Learning a new language can provide direct access to new literatures, new perspectives and new cultures. It can foster an understanding of the interrelation of language and human nature. It can also improve the knowledge of one’s own language; increasing native vocabulary skills. The benefits of

  • Airman lunges for knockout debut

    Drenched in sweat from delivering continuous blows to a punching bag, the athlete shrugs off the physical strain of a three-hour training session, feeling both exhausted and accomplished. A Florida native, Tech. Sgt. Andre Penn, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron unaccompanied housing manager from Shaw

  • Raqqah liberated: Combat RPAs in the fight

    U.S. forces, coalition partners and Syrian Democratic Forces liberated Raqqah, Syria from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria’s control in early October. ISIS used the city as its capital for terrorist operations since January 2014. Combat remotely piloted aircraft such as the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9

  • Evolution of the Airman Safety App

    The evolution of the Air Force Safety Center’s Airman Safety App reached an important milestone with recent software updates on Dec. 1.This simple web-based tool, provides a streamlined process for all Airmen, their families and anyone accessing the base to report safety issues as they encounter

  • CSAF impressed by Team Beale’s initiative, lead on CSAF focus areas

    The Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General David L. Goldfein, recently met with members of Team Beale to receive a first-hand look of the continual progression made to maintain and supply readiness to our air and space superiority Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 2017, at Beale Air Force Base,

  • Air Force travelers reminded of flat rate per diem policy (update)

    Some Air Force travelers may not be aware of a flat rate per diem policy established a few years ago that focused on extended temporary duty travel.Congress instituted the flat rate in November 2014. The new policy reduced per diem from 100 percent to 75 percent for TDYs from 31 to 180 days and to

  • Black Sheep log first Viper flight

    The 8th Fighter Squadron logged their first official two-ship formation flight here Nov. 27 and first four-ship formation flight Nov. 29, 2017. The 8th FS, also known as the Black Sheep, was deactivated here May 13, 2011, and recently reactivated, six years later, Aug. 4, 2017. Since its

  • AFTAC civilian returns to duty after Hurricane Maria relief efforts

    “They have no power, no running water, limited transportation, little food, and the damage is unimaginable.”Those are the words of Claudette Wells, an acquisition program manager for the Air Force Technical Applications Center here, speaking about the citizens of St. Croix, a U.S. territory. Wells

  • JBLE Airmen place as Alpha Warriors

    Two U.S. Air Force Airmen from Joint Base Langley-Eustis competed and placed in the Air Force Alpha Warrior Final Battle fitness competition in San Antonio Nov. 11, 2017.

  • LT brings tech expertise to surveillance program

    Stocklin, who was recently named Air Force Life Cycle Management company grade officer of the quarter, is 25 years old. He also works with users, providing a bridge between Airmen who operate surveillance systems, contractors building the system and combatant commanders charged with homeland

  • Hope after havoc

    Garcia-Gonzalez, a 49th Wing chaplain’s assistant, supported the humanitarian relief mission by going to different towns in Puerto Rico. They provided meals and water to those in need while also providing spiritual support to the local community with medical translations.

  • 82nd ATRS clears the way

    Watching fighter aircraft zoom across the sky often conjures thoughts of strength, air superiority and sheer supremacy. For others, images of pilots, maintainers and the flightline provide that source of inspiration. What many may not realize is the importance of what happens behind-the-scenes and

  • Airman brings Reaper, ISR capabilities closer together

    Among the exceptional Airmen of the 25th Air Force are many inspirational leaders, motivators and innovators. Staff Sgt. Nick, noncommissioned officer in charge of Distributed Mission Site Flight Operations, 526th Intelligence Squadron, is one of those unique Airmen.

  • AF selects 472 in chief, 17E9 promotion cycle; list to post Dec. 7

    The Air Force Chief Evaluation Board has selected 472 senior master sergeants for promotion to chief master sergeant out of 2,142 eligible for a selection rate of 22.04 percent. The chief master sergeant promotion list will be available on the Air Force Portal and myPers Dec. 7 at 8 a.m. CST. Airmen

  • Deployable landing system gives pilots global reach

    Airmen with the 46th Test Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, worked for several months to learn the setup process and basic maintenance of the D-ILS system. Their efforts will help standardize the setup checklists all air traffic control systems Airmen will use assembling D-ILS units around

  • Eagle Eyes enables Airmen to ensure security

    The safety and security of each installation falls on the observations of the Airmen, civilians and retirees who occupy it. The Eagle Eyes program is an anti-terrorism initiative that relies on the awareness of base occupants and connects them to the proper authorities.

  • Air Force Storyteller’s: Moody warriors triumph challenges

    Everyone has a story. But not everyone decides to tell theirs. Fortunately, five of Moody’s own chose to share their lives most defining moments as part of the Air Force’s Storyteller’s initiative.In a series of candidly open interviews, these individuals highlighted their trials and tribulations

  • Pilot exemplifies Total Force Integration

    As part of a Total Force Integration initiative, an Air Force Reserve Citizen Airman attended attended the Weapons Instructor Course (WIC) to deploy with his former active-duty squadron.Captivated by the close-air support and combat-search and rescue missions of the A-10C Thunderbolt II, U.S. Air

  • MQ-1B ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION RELEASED

    A mechanical failure of the left tail clamp and/or tail clamp bolts caused an MQ-1B to crash Nov. 8, 2015 in the U.S. Central Command Area of responsibility, according to an Air Combat Command Abbreviated Accident Investigation Board report released today.The MQ-1B was assigned to the 432nd Wing at

  • Wild Weasels train for next fight

    As Air Force pilots navigate hostile skies at break-neck speeds overseas, they must rely on their past experiences and home station training to fight opposing forces and survive.

  • Building resiliency with right tools

    U.S. Air Force Airmen and their families are impacted by situations throughout their lives in different ways and must use the skills they have to care for themselves and others around them.

  • Hill’s F-35A and airmen mastering first Pacific deployment

    More than 300 men and women of the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings and 12 F-35As are conducting business for the next six months on the subtropical Japanese island of Okinawa during a deployment known as a Theater Security Package.Their business is to fly the F-35A, integrate with Kadena Air Base’s

  • Future of ISR is Airmen

    Brig. Gen. James Cluff, vice commander, 25th Air Force, along with Brig. Gen. Peter Lambert, director of intelligence, Air Combat Command, discussed the future of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance during a panel discussion Nov. 15 at the annual Armed Forces Communications and Electronics

  • Families of fallen recognized at ‘Thanks for Giving’ event

    Imagine preparing the table for a Thanksgiving meal—the centerpiece is perfectly situated, crystal glassware is sparkling and the coordinating colors are something out of a magazine. But as you begin arranging each place setting, your heart drops— you’ve just remembered one chair will be empty this

  • Shooters launch first Rapid Ready Weasel exercise

    On a cold autumn morning, F-16CM Fighting Falcon maintainers scramble to put on gas masks and look over their wingmen for potential leaks in mission oriented protective posture gear, which could compromise the clothing’s ability to deter the effects of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear

  • Alaskan Raptors visit Tyndall Raptor Country

    Airmen from the 3rd Wing and F-22 Raptors from the 525th Fighter Squadron at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, joined Raptors from Tyndall to train for Checkered Flag 18-1 and Combat Archer 17-03 from Nov. 6-17, 2017.

  • New process improves vehicle maintenance turnaround time

    The vehicle management flight of the 55th Logistics Readiness Squadron recently received the 55th Wing Innovator award for creating a process that dramatically decreased the amount of time it takes to return vehicles turned in for maintenance back to customers.

  • AFTAC names lab after ‘giant’ of nuclear forensics

    The Air Force Technical Applications Center dedicated its research laboratory in Colorado after a pioneer of gas analysis techniques at a ceremony held Oct. 24, 2017.Formerly known as Operating Location GT, the Harkins Laboratory Complex was officially named after Michael Harkins, a nuclear engineer

  • Defying odds: An Airman’s focused journey

    It is 5 a.m. and the sun has yet to rise on a chilly morning where all that can be heard are the crickets chirping at the Main Fitness Center at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. Inside, however, the clacking and grunts of those pushing their bodies to their limits fills the room as Staff Sgt.

  • Veterans, Airmen congregate during Safeside Reunion

    Vietnam and Desert Storm veterans came together to bond with the new generation of Safeside members. The three-day event consisted of a memorial service for fallen Safeside members, a current capabilities demonstration and a golf tournament.

  • Gunfighters complete first F-35 transport

    An F-35A Lightning II belonging to Luke AFB, Airzona, was moved for repairs after being grounded here for the past year. The aircraft was moved to the F-35 Depot at Hill AFB, Utah, with the help of the 366th Equipment Maintenance Squadron crash and recovery team.

  • AFPC offers follow-on option to Airmen taking short tours

    Airmen selected for a dependent-restricted short tour for their second or later assignments can voluntarily apply to participate in the Follow-On assignment program, providing them greater flexibility in the assignment process and greater stability for their families.

  • 79th FS ‘Tigers’ roar in Raptor Country

    As the second week of Checkered Flag 18-1 and concurrently running Weapon Systems Evaluation Program exercises continue, Airmen from the 79th Fighter Squadron from Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, sustain the high tempo while bringing further dynamics to the large-scale exercises.

  • Thunderbolts light up the sky during Checkered Flag 18-1

    The 366th Fighter Wing “Gunfighters” from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, deployed assets to participate in the large-scale aerial exercise Checkered Flag 18-1 and Combat Archer, a Weapons System Evaluation Program at Tyndall Air Force Base Nov. 6 to 17. The 366th FW sent approximately 240

  • 131st FS Eagles soar into Tyndall

    The 104th Fighter Wing, 131st Fighter Squadron from Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, deployed nearly 200 members and seven aircraft to participate in Checkered Flag 18-1 and the concurrently running Weapons System Evaluation Program (WSEP) Combat Archer at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla.

  • Air Force diabetes prevention program shows promising results

    With 1 in 3 Americans at risk for diabetes, researchers and health professionals at the Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center in San Antonio, found it critical to implement and test the Group Lifestyle Balance program. The GLB program is a diabetes prevention program that was originally developed

  • 20th LRS Airmen ensure Weasel readiness

    The sun slowly rises over a quiet segment of flightline at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. Sun shades, used to house F-16CM Fighting Falcons, seem especially lonely without the usual buzz of busy maintainers working hard underneath.

  • ‘Gamblers’ support Operation Freedom’s Sentinel

    U.S. Airmen assigned to the 77th Fighter Squadron, 20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and supporting units, deployed in October to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.

  • Airmen receive Quilts of Valor

    Five 20th Fighter Wing Airmen received handmade quilts from approximately 25 Quilts of Valor Foundation volunteers, at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, Nov. 9.

  • Re-designated 23d Maintenance Squadron continues legacy

    Approximately 800 Airmen from the 23d Component and Equipment Maintenance Squadrons merged to become the 23d Maintenance Squadron, Air Combat Command’s second largest maintenance squadron, during a re-designation ceremony, Nov. 9, here. As these Airmen stood in formation behind unfurled guidons,

  • Hawks Fly Solo

    The 6th Attack Squadron is the first formal training unit to implement solo flights for MQ-9 Reaper crews during initial training.

  • 1970's era alert system being replaced

    Offutt will soon be one of the first bases to replace a legacy Klaxon alert system that has been used here since the early 1970’s.The system plays a vital role in notifying Offutt alert aircrews who must be ready to respond to worldwide threats at a moments notice.“It’s an alert system that when

  • Keep safety in mind in seasonal, holiday plans

    Temperature changes, shorter daylight hours, increased travel and emotional overload are hallmarks of the fall, winter and holiday seasons that safety officials say result in preventable mishaps.“It’s as simple as taking the same safety practices and procedures we use on duty and applying them to

  • 336th EFS sets tone for new phase of OIR

    The first F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the 336th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron arrived at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia late last month, kicking off a unique new phase of Operation Inherent Resolve.

  • Rising BMI rates may affect individual health, mission

    The national average for obese body mass index based off of data collected from 2011 to 2014 is estimated at 36.5 percent compared to 30.5 percent between 1999 and 2000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

  • Checkered Flag 18-1 begins

    As the last of Tyndall’s partners arrived for Checkered Flag 18-1, the two-week exercise officially began and will last until Nov. 17, 2017.