News Search

  • EFMP offers care for families with special needs

    The U.S. Air Force Exceptional Family Program has established a quality respite care program for families with children having special need and who are enrolled in the EFMP.The EFMP Respite Care is specially designed for Air Force families who have children diagnosed with moderate or severe special

  • President promises continued support at Inaugural Ball

    President Barack Obama opened the first inaugural ball extending "extraordinary gratitude" to the men and women in uniform and promised to ensure they have everything they need as they defend Americans' freedoms every day.Speaking to hundreds of service members, including wounded warriors and Medal

  • ACC IG rates Dyess 'excellent'

    The 7th Bomb Wing was awarded an overall grade of "Excellent" Jan. 18 following the command's first Consolidated Unit Inspection. Administered by the Headquarters Air Combat Command Inspector General, the comprehensive evaluation began Jan. 13 and concluded Jan. 18. "I would like to tip my hat to

  • AF officials anticipate pay delays for officers, enlisted Airmen

    Officers and enlisted Airmen getting promoted in March will experience pay delays because of the Military Personnel Data System upgrade occurring that month."Individuals to promote from Mar. 4 to 26 will not get their promotions updated in MilPDS because of the upgrade," said Lt. Col. Shelley

  • Air Force implements civilian hiring freeze

    Air Force senior leaders directed a force-wide hiring freeze among other workforce actions in a memorandum sent to senior commanders Jan. 16.The actions are part of the Air Force's efforts to pursue reversible or recoverable steps to avoid impacts to core readiness caused by the looming possibility

  • ACC releases results of health and welfare inspection

    Air Combat Command has released its results for the service-wide health and welfare inspections that were completed in an effort to emphasize an environment of respect, trust and professionalism in the workplace."Sexual harassment and sexual assault have no place in our Air Force, yet both continue

  • Dyess delivers dream

    Viewing a vast arsenal of weapons and bombs, taxiing a B-1 Bomber and blowing up a car with explosives was all in a day's work for a child who participated in Dyess Air Force Base's "Pilot for a Day" program Jan. 14.Keegan Vowell, a 16-year-old Abilene resident, received the rare opportunity to not

  • 49th Civil Engineer Squadron named best CE squadron in Air Force

    The 49th Civil Engineer Squadron received a late Christmas gift when they were named the best large civil engineer squadron in the Air Force for fiscal year 2012. The Air Force's highly-coveted Curtin Award, created by the Society of American Military Engineers in 1966, recognizes the most

  • Warfighters discuss mission at WEPTAC

    Approximately 670 warfighters from across the combat Air Force gathered during the Weapons and Tactics conference hosted by the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center to discuss ways to efficiently and effectively accomplish the Air Force's mission with the equipment they already have from Jan. 3-16. WEPTAC

  • CSAF gets firsthand look at RPA operations

    The Hunters of the 432d Wing/432d Air Expeditionary Wing welcomed Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III during a visit here Jan. 14.The visit gave the chief of staff an opportunity to meet the Airmen who perform the Air Force's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission.Welsh

  • 66th Rescue Squadron aid in civilian search, rescue

    Thirteen members of the 66th Rescue Squadron aided the 79th RQS at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., in a civilian search and rescue mission Jan. 5 near Kingman, Ariz.The 66th RQS not only aids in combat search and rescue, but also assists with civilian missions as well."We are trained to recover

  • Service members urged to take action against the flu

    Although flu season typically peaks in February, the influenza-related death toll continues to climb as the nation is impacted by an increase in influenza illnesses, with 47 states reporting widespread geographical activity. This surge is also being seen in the Hampton Roads area and Joint Base

  • New 'AIM2' saves fuel, time, money at 49th LRS

    The 49th Logistics Readiness Squadron recently installed new automotive informational modules (version 2.4), better known as "AIM2," at both fueling stations and in 519 government vehicles at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M.AIM2 is a fossil fuel savings initiative that supports Energy Independence and

  • ACC names best FSS within command

    The 366th Force Support Squadron earned the Maj. Gen. Eugene L. Eubank award, naming them the best (small installation) force support squadron in Air Combat Command.The Eubank award recognizes the best installation-level force support squadron after evaluating its mission accomplishment, leadership,

  • 1st,192nd Fighter Wing deploy to Kadena

    F-22A Raptors and approximately 300 Airmen from the 1st Fighter Wing and the 192nd FW, Va. Air National Guard, deployed recently to Kadena Air Base, Japan, as part of the Pacific Command's Theater Security Package rotation."These deployments display the United States' continued commitment to

  • 14th CMSAF visits Moody, honors new chiefs

    One of the most notable Airmen to ever come out of Moody Air Force Base, Ga., helped honor the base's newest chief master sergeants during recognition ceremony Jan. 12.Retired Chief Master Sgt. Gerald Murray, the 14th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force from 2002 to 2006 and the 347th Rescue Wing

  • Airmen win ACC awards, to compete at Air Force level

    Two Airmen assigned to geographically separated units with ties to the 552nd Air Control Wing at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., were honored recently by Air Combat Command with the highest awards possible in cyberspace operations.Staff Sgt. Justin Hein, a member of the 728th Air Control Squadron at

  • Live-drop training ensures mission readiness

    On a chilly flightline a pilot goes through his pre-flight checks and inspections on the aircraft he will be flying today.This is no ordinary flight for Capt. Brett Black, 389th Fighter Squadron B Flight commander; today his training means dropping live rounds. "Running a sortie with live ammunition

  • AF releases new 'vision' document

    The Air Force released a new document today outlining the force's vision and way forward."Focused on 'Airmen, Mission, and Innovation,' I believe this short document captures what today's Air Force is all about, and where I think we ought to focus on for tomorrow," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen.

  • New resource helps troops, families plan deployments

    The Defense Department launched a new resource to help troops and their families plan for the "before, during and after" of deploying.Barbara Thompson, director of DOD's office for family policy, explained "Plan My Deployment" during an interview with the Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press

  • AF officials reschedule MilPDS upgrade

    Originally slated for December of last year, Air Force officials will perform a major upgrade to the Military Personnel Data System, or MilPDS, in March.The Air Force Personnel Operations Agency here will upgrade and transfer MilPDS to the Defense Information Systems Agency Defense Enterprise

  • Defender rescues stranded driver during winter storm

    Many Mountain Home Air Force Base personnel hunkered down Jan. 10, as Storm Gandalf dropped several inches of snow on the base.Roads were nearly empty and the ongoing readiness exercise was put on pause.However, for some Airmen, the morning was anything but tranquil.One such Airman is Tech. Sgt.

  • Air Force Tuition Assistance Program changes policy

    The Air Force tuition assistance program changed its policies Jan.3 to emphasize the importance of Airmen maintaining a 2.0 grade point average and a 3.0 for graduate level degrees.The new policies are set in place to ensure Airmen are focusing on school and are dedicated to further their education

  • Tops in Blue rocks Seymour Johnson

    The Air Force's premier entertainment team, Tops in Blue, took the stage providing live entertainment for Airmen at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., Jan. 7.Tops in Blue is composed of highly talented vocalists, musicians, dancers and technicians serving in the Air Force. This year's Tops in

  • Hotaling named next Air National Guard command chief

    Chief Master Sgt. James Hotaling from the Continental U.S. NORAD Region-1st Air Force here was named as the Air National Guard's next command chief today.As ANG command chief, Hotaling will serve as the senior advisor to Lt. Gen. Sid Clarke, the incoming director of the Air National Guard, on

  • JSTARS expands missions across the globe

    During November, Team Joint STARS epanded their mission by flying in five unified combatant commands within 13days.The Homeland Defense, Counter Terrorism, Counter Insurgency, and Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions-strategically planned at the national level-served customers in

  • 505th CCW raises Blue Flag for combat training

    During military exercises, realism and dynamic response are essential for proper training.For air operations centers and Air Force forces staffs, the place to look for realistic operational-level command and control continuation training is the 505th Combat Training Squadron at Hurlburt Field,

  • Air Force to provide dedicated legal counsel to sexual assault victims

    A new Air Force pilot program designed to provide legal assistance to victims of sexual assault will begin later this month.The Special Victims' Counsel Program will give sexual assault victims legal assistance and help them navigate the criminal justice system with lawyers trained to handle their

  • Fiscal cliff legislation affects military, civilian paychecks

    The legislation President Barack Obama signed Jan. 2 postponed the fiscal cliff and means changes to military and civilian paychecks, Defense Finance and Accounting Service officials said today.The legislation increases Social Security withholding taxes to 6.2 percent. For the past two years during

  • DADD surpasses more than 200 saves

    The number one tool on preventing DUIs and alcohol-related incidents at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, achieved a significant milestone over the holiday season, surpassing more than 200 "saves" since the program's inception over last year's Memorial Day weekend.Dyess Against Drunk Driving, better

  • Airmen test foam suppression system

    Every two years Airmen from the 366th Civil Engineer Squadron are required to test the foam fire suppression system in specific hangars in order to ensure the safety of personnel who work inside.This test is an opportunity for Airmen to participate in and witness a unique safety measure designed to

  • Winter safety tip: Holiday stress

    The holidays may be a stressful time for some Airmen and their families. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers the following tips for healthy stress management.- Find support. Seek help from a partner, family member, friend, counselor, doctor, or clergy person. Having a sympathetic,

  • Chief of Staff's letter to Airmen

    Happy New Year Airmen! To those of you who spent the holidays deployed, thank you...and I'm sorry you weren't home with your families. I know you understand that what you're doing is important, but I also know that doesn't make the separation any easier. In these days where self-serving agendas seem

  • TDAP deadline approaches

    As of Jan. 1, 2013, Joint Base Langley-Eustis Airmen will be required to have the tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis (TDAP) vaccine, which is mandated by the Department of Defense for deployment readiness. All Service members must get the TDAP vaccine for the

  • Operation Deep Freeze 2012

    Editor's Note: For the first time, the Army and its only modular causeway system company provided logistics-over-the-shore support to resupply research stations in Antarctica.The mission of the 331st Transportation Company, 11th Transportation Battalion, 7th Sustainment Brigade, located at Fort

  • Controllers manage four emergencies at once

    Airmen assigned to the 366th Operations Support Squadron responded and assisted in resolving four separate and extremely serious crisis's that occurred within a matter of minutes Nov. 27, 2012.The severe situations included three air and one ground emergency."I was working ground control that day

  • Santa's in Blue

    Santa's in Blue came to Indian Oasis Elementary School Dec. 20 at Sells, Ariz.This year, the program will give out roughly 1,400 gifts.

  • F-35A OUE events completed, success handed to AETC for review

    A major step in the building the Air Force's F-35A Lightning II training program was accomplished when the 33rd Fighter Wing completed the training and flying portion of the service's operational utility evaluation on schedule Nov. 15.Four pilots began training when the evaluation started Sept. 10,

  • Rescue, battlefield Airmen train as one

    The afternoon sky was still and silent just before a thunderous HH-60G Pave Hawk landed thrusting 100 mph winds. Out jumped three pararescuemen assessing possible threats in all directions as they headed to aid an injured member of a friendly force.The 38th Rescue Squadron and 823d Base Defense

  • Season's greetings from ACC

    Chief Master Sgt. Richard Parsons, Air Combat Command, command chief, sends a holiday message to ACC Airmen and their families."The holidays are a great time of year to connect with family, renew your faith, reflect on the past year and look forward to the future.""This time of year we should slow

  • 317th AG reaches new heights during JPADS training

    The 317th Airlift Group successfully dropped two Joint Precision Airdrop System bundles from 15,000 feet Dec. 3 during Joint Airborne Air Transportability Training at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Previously, precision airdrops were limited to lower altitudes due to range and training restrictions.

  • Declaration 'turns words into action' for prevention

    Air Force's top leadership recently reiterated the service's zero-tolerance for sexual assault to stop a cycle of unprofessional behavior that is incompatible with the service's core values.The 9th Communications Squadron at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., took the task seriously and decided to sign a

  • Acting Under Secretary applauds small business at 4th FW

    Acting Under Secretary of the Air Force, Dr. Jamie Morin, visited the 4th Fighter Wing Dec. 17, to applaud the wing's efforts in support of the Air Force Small Business Program. During his visit, Morin presented several Air Force-level awards and met with Airmen and local business owners to

  • Hardship withdrawal rules relaxed to help victims of Hurricane Sandy

    The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board announced it has made temporary changes to the Thrift Savings Plan hardship withdrawal rules to help victims of Hurricane Sandy pursuant to the guidance issued by the Internal Revenue Service on November 16.The TSP will treat any Financial Hardship

  • 7th Contracting Squadron named Air Force small-business award winner

    The 7th Contracting Squadron was named the Secretary of the Air Force small-business special achievement award winner Dec. 3.SAF small-business awards are presented each year to individuals and organizations that exhibited exemplary accomplishments in support of the Air Force Small Business Program.

  • N.C. governor and governor-elect visit 4th FW

    North Carolina Governor Bev Purdue and Governor-elect Pat McCrory visited the 4th Fighter Wing Dec. 14 on a tour of military installations across the state in a continuing effort to build and maintain strong community relations. Purdue and McCrory met with base and community leaders to discuss the

  • 552nd ACW Airman awarded Army medal for heroic actions

    A deployed Airman was awarded the U.S. Army Commendation Medal in a ceremony here, Dec. 7, with a citation that reads in part "For heroic and selfless action in response to a life or death situation."U.S. Air Force Capt. Joshua Allen, a Combined Air and Space Operations Center senior air defense

  • Dyess JA garners ACC award

    The 7th Bomb Wing Judge Advocate at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, was recently named the best legal office in Air Combat Command for 2012."It's a validation that our team and our people are doing the best work in our MAJCOM," said Maj. Lance Aiumopas, 7th Bomb Wing deputy staff judge advocate. "It's

  • Rescue group participates in Air-Sea Battle exercise

    The 563d Rescue Group deployed 153 personnel and five HH-60G Pavehawk helicopters to Naval Air Station North Island Nov. 1-15, to participate in Commander, U.S. Third Fleet's Joint Task Force Exercise, the final pre-deployment certification for the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Carrier Strike Group."Air-Sea

  • ACC Top Cops recognized

    Air Combat Command leadership recognized their "top cops" during a visit to Langley Air Force Base, Va., Dec. 4 to 6, 2012. Security Forces members came from installations throughout the command to receive their awards at the 2011 and 2012 ACC SFS Awards Banquet Dec. 6. Brig. Gen. Allen J. Jamerson,

  • On CUE: Langley conducts training exercise

    Langley Air Force Base units from the 633rd Air Base Wing, along with the 1st and 192nd Fighter Wings conducted an exercise, Dec. 11 through 14. to improve the base's preparedness to deploy and operate from a forward base while providing combat air power in a contested, degraded operational

  • F-16s fly at Holloman

    Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., is known for its unique airspace which offers many advantages to testing new capabilities and training for future missions. That same uniqueness is one of the reasons that 18 F-16s from the 309th Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., are deployed there for

  • 552nd ACW members receive 12th AF awards

    Six Airmen from geographically separated units which fall under the 552nd Air Control Wing at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., have been recognized by 12th Air Force with the highest awards for achievement in cyberspace operations.Thomas Kuja, with the 728th Air Control Squadron at Eglin Air Force

  • Airmen prepare for Transition GPS

    Airmen preparing to transition out of the military, either through retirement or separation, should prepare for a major change in the assistance program offered through Airman & Family Readiness Centers.On Dec. 14, the AFRC will begin the process toward switching from the standard Transition

  • Langley AFB hosts special operations 'combine'

    The 317th Recruiting Squadron held a special operations combine for U.S. Air Force recruits at Langley Air Force Base, Va., Dec. 6.The event was a crucible of what aspiring Airmen experience during special operations training."This event was specifically designed to encourage and motivate recruits

  • The Grinch won't steal Beale's Christmas

    Santa Claus taxied into Dock 6 riding in a themed U-2 Dragon Lady for the Children's Holiday Party, and chased away the Grinch while more than 1,500 members of Beale Air Force Base, Calif., lined the entry control point Dec. 8.After exiting the aircraft painted with holiday nose art, Santa was

  • Photos: Arizona Christmas Light Show

    U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Joshua Palochak, 41st Electronic Combat Squadron, likes to give back to his community in his own way. He has programmed approximately 50,000 Christmas lights to sync up with the music played by a local radio station to encourage donations to Toys for Tots.

  • DOD prepares for potential sequestration

    The Office of Management and Budget has instructed the Department of Defense to pursue internal planning to meet required budget cuts if sequestration goes into effect Jan. 3."We are at the very start of this process," said Dr. George Little, acting assistant secretary of defense for public affairs,

  • Deployed Holloman warriors surprised with STEP promotion

    Two Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., Airmen who are currently deployed to Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan, received news Dec. 4, that under the Air Force's Stripes for Exceptional Performers program, they were to be immediately promoted to master and technical sergeant.For Tech. Sgt. Amanda Jones and

  • Air Force considers renewable energy project agreement at Holloman

    The U.S. Air Force entered into a license agreement with New Generation Biomass, LLC, Oct. 16 to explore development of a biomass renewable energy generation facility at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M.The license grants New Generation Biomass limited access to approximately 80 acres on Holloman AFB to

  • Tree farmers, transporters team up to provide trees for Airmen

    Christmas spirit at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., was boosted when a semi truck delivered 235 free Christmas trees Outdoor Recreation Office as part of the Fifth Annual Trees for Troops event, Nov. 30.Sponsored by the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation, tree farmers from across the midwest donate trees

  • Asking the question: SFS helps local families

    As he drove through local neighborhoods, he noticed that despite the chill in the air, neighborhood children were riding bicycles and playing outside without wearing coats.He stopped his vehicle, got out and asked one of the children why. "I don't own one," the child said. The reply bothered the

  • U.S., Belizean governments prepare for major exercise

    U.S. Embassy and military personnel conducted final site surveys in the Central American country of Belize last week for a major exercise that will test U.S. military members' ability to deploy while building partnerships with host-nation medical and civil engineering experts. The exercise, called

  • Revamped TAP aims to help transitioning vets

    As part of President Barack Obama's plan to reduce veteran unemployment, Moody Air Force Base, Ga., implemented the first of a new, revamped Transition Assistance Program Nov. 26. The new program, which is mandatory, uses an in-depth Individual Transition Plan and a focus on teaching veterans how to

  • A march to remember

    As the sun began to rise on a chilly West Texas morning, Dyess Airmen loaded up their 50-pound ruck sacks prior to a four-mile march led by the 7th Civil Engineer Squadron's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit Nov. 29.The ruck march raised esprit de corps and awareness for the sacrifices made by Air

  • ACC Commander ends time as F-22 pilot confident in Raptor

    After five months in the cockpit and numerous discussions with combat-ready pilots and maintainers, the commander of Air Combat Command is ending his tenure as an F-22 pilot, confident that the aircraft is safe to fly and on a path toward unrestricted worldwide operations.Gen. Mike Hostage recently

  • Airmen reminded to get TDAP

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of Nov. 17, 2012, more than 36,000 cases of pertussis and 16 pertussis-related deaths were reported this year. The Department of the Air Force mandated all personnel to receive the tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular

  • America's AOC conducts dual change of command

    Command of the 601st Air and Space Operations Center and the 101st Air and Space Operations Group, collectively referred to as America's AOC, both changed hands in a combined ceremony held here on Nov. 20, 2012.An age old military tradition of passing of flags during the dual ceremony symbolized the

  • QF-16 arrives for testing, advances 53rd WEG mission

    The 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group marked an important milestone in continuing to prepare the warfighter for tomorrow's threats as the first QF-16 drone arrived for developmental testing at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Nov. 19."The work done prior to today and the test work that is forthcoming will

  • JTAC trainees collaborate with aircrew for FTX

    Trudging over rocky terrain, navigating through dense woodlands and tackling highly stressful situations is just another day on the job for joint terminal attack controller trainees; however, they had the chance to train with F-15E Strike Eagle aircrews during a field training exercise here, Nov.

  • Senior leaders issue holiday safety message

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley, Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Roy issued a tri-signature "Letter to Airmen" on Nov. 5. As part of this year's Holiday/Winter Safety Campaign, "Safe-n-Sound," the Air Force's

  • Fire fighters demonstrate holiday cooking dangers

    Between planning, shopping and getting care packages together for loved ones overseas, the holidays can be a taxing and chaotic time for Airmen and their families. The 4th Civil Engineer Squadron fire emergency services flight hosted a Turkey Fryer Fire demonstration at Seymour Johnson Air Force

  • First combat ready HC-130J arrives at D-M

    Making its Air Force debut, the first combat ready HC-130J Combat King II touched down on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Nov. 15.The new plane was welcomed by a formation of 21 Airmen who, upon arrival of the HC-130J, rendered salutes, and a crowd waiting for the induction ceremony for the

  • First sergeants feed families

    Cranberry sauce, stuffed turkeys and honey-baked hams will soon fill the tabletops of many households nationwide.But at Langley Air Force Base, Va., some of those households would not have a Thanksgiving feast if not for Operation Warmheart, which allows first sergeants to step up and help Airmen in

  • CSAF addresses Airmen

    To the Airmen of the United States Air Force,November is a proud month! Betty and I stood at the Tomb of the Unknown on Veterans Day as President Obama laid a wreath honoring not just our Fallen, but all our Nation's veterans, for everything they (and you) have done to defend American citizens and

  • ACC news now in high-definition

    Headquarters Air Combat Command Public Affairs video news stories are now available in high-definition."Broadcasters throughout the command are producing video stories in visually stunning high-definition," said Master Sgt. Christopher Stone, HQ ACC PA Internal News superintendent.The availability

  • Airman participate in Veteran's Day Parade

    Airmen from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., participated in the Veteran's Day Parade, hosted by The American Legion Morgan McDermott Post 7, Nov. 12.More than 100 Airmen contributed to the event in several capacities, including Honor Guard, the D-M Fire Department and a marching formation."I

  • Bold Tigers perform flyover at NFL game

    While the National Anthem played during the recent San Diego Chargers versus Kansas City Chiefs football game Nov. 1, 2012, four F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the 391st Fighter Squadron from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, streaked over the field in perfect formation to cheers and applause