News Search

  • Free musical performance honoring Tuskegee Airmen

    A free and open to the public musical performance by the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band honoring Tuskegee Airmen is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 10 at the American Theatre in Hampton, Va."We know our audience will love it, not only for the wonderful music, but the amazing story that

  • F-22 Demo practices at Tyndall

    Tyndall Air Force Base hosted the F-22 Demonstration Pilot, as he took to the wide open blue skies in a practice F-22 Raptor demonstration run Feb. 8."I came to Tyndall for two reasons," said Maj. Henry Schantz, 1st Fighter Wing, Langley AFB, Va. "I wanted to spin back up for the new season, and I

  • Army exploring 'human dimension'

    The Army realized in the early years of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that in addition to conventional warfare, Soldiers were being asked to perform a lot of nontraditional functions, some of which they were often ill-equipped to do.These included negotiating with tribal leaders and helping

  • Officers eligible for promotion should review records before MilPDS upgrade

    The data feed from the Military Personnel Data System to the Air Force promotions data systems will not be available during the March MilPDS upgrade. Some officers eligible for promotion consideration may be affected, including those eligible for the calendar year 2013A colonel line of the Air

  • TV series offers gritty inside look at AF rescue missions

    During an episode of "Inside Combat Rescue" that premiered at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Feb. 7, viewers saw the chilling sight of pararescuemen loading an amputee into a helicopter."Inside Combat Rescue" is a National Geographic series that shows a realistic and gritty look at what goes on during a

  • Fueling the high flyers -- U-2 tube food calms cravings in the cockpit

    Peach cobbler, chicken-a-la-king, key lime pie, or even the classic sloppy joe don't compare to a home cooked meal, but U-2 Dragon Lady pilots say the food they eat while flying long missions is delicious.While wearing a fully pressurized suit, pilots aren't able to open the visors on their helmets

  • Panetta: DOD must 'operate on every front' against suicide

    Veteran and service member suicide is a problem no single approach will solve, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta told a Georgetown University audience here today.The secretary, who is expected to retire this month, delivered a speech on leadership and government this morning and then took audience

  • Tinker Airman earns Bronze Star

    The White Aircraft Maintenance Unit superintendent in Tinker Air Force Base's 552nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron has joined one of his brothers as a recipient of the Bronze Star for meritorious service in Iraq.Senior Master Sgt. Jesse A. Collins III was awarded the medal for "exemplary leadership,

  • Enlisted heroes receive graduate-level education at weapons school

    For the first time in the 64 year history of the U.S. Air Force Weapons School, Joint Terminal Attack Control Airmen received advanced instructor diplomas Dec. 15, 2012.JTACs are responsible for communicating with pilots from all services and advising ground force commanders on where and how to

  • Red Flag...where pilots prove what they're made of

    More than 100 aircraft from 17 different units with more than 2700 people have come here to participate in Red Flag 13-2. Aircraft depart the base twice a day to participate in a wide-variety of realistic combat missions."It is by far the closest we can get to combat without actually going," said

  • DOD leaders: budget deadlock could spark readiness crisis

    Issuing perhaps their strongest warnings yet, Pentagon leaders yesterday said the budget impasse threatens to create a military readiness crisis.Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, joined in interviews, televised yesterday, with

  • Airman helps extinguish local house fire

    As Master Sgt. Roderick Vega, 23d Wing deputy inspector general, turned into his subdivision Dec. 28, 2012, he saw black smoke and bright orange flames engulf his neighbor's house. Without hesitation, he parked his car and his 21 years as an Air Force firefighter kicked in."Firefighting is what I

  • AF implements voluntary FY13 force management programs

    The Air Force will implement several voluntary officer and enlisted force management programs for fiscal year 2013, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced today.Announced in the January release of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2013, the authorized active duty Air Force

  • A run to remember: Creech Airmen honor fallen warriors

    Physical fitness is a major focal point for Airmen readiness across the Air Force and running is a key element. Airmen at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., have decided to do more than just run for fitness, they run for a purpose.What initially started as a quick way to get Airmen of all fitness levels

  • ACC announces 2012 Media Contest winners

    Air Combat Command officials released the results of the 2012 ACC Public Affairs Media Contest today, honoring the top public affairs specialists across the command."Throughout 2012, ACC's Public Affairs professionals at all levels successfully communicated the accomplishments of Airmen and command

  • One team, one fight: Warhawks get manning assist from Triple Nickel

    "You can't walk into the Super Bowl with a new team," said Master Sgt. Brian McRory, 480th Fighter Squadron superintendent, "The team has to have worked together and have chemistry."That is what Red and Green Flags are doing for the 480th FS and the 555th FS from Aviano Air Base, Italy. Due to a

  • Carter: Sequestration planning requires balance

    Planning for sequestration is the practical thing to do and doesn't indicate a lack of confidence in Congress, Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter said yesterday in an interview on "This Week in Defense News with Vago Muradian."Though Congress voted earlier this month to delay until March 2

  • Photos: A-10: from trainer to storm chaser

    While most aircrafts try to avoid storms, the 309th Aircraft Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.., is finishing the first transition of preparing an A-10A Thunderbolt to do just the opposite -- fly into the storms!

  • Down but not out: wounded warriors visit Creech

    Wounded warriors from across the country toured Creech Air Force Base, Nev., as part of the Swett Warrior event Jan. 28. Creech Airmen welcomed almost 100 wounded warriors from past conflicts, to include one Medal of Honor recipient."It was an honor and a pleasure to spend the day with these

  • New surcharge on Visa purchases

    As of January 27, merchants in the United States and U.S. Territories are permitted to impose a surcharge on any credit card transaction that uses a MasterCard or Visa branded card, which includes the Government Travel Charge Card, both Individually Billed Accounts (IBAs) and Centrally Billed

  • New TRICARE copays take effect

    TRICARE prescription copayments will increase Feb. 1. The prescription costs will be based on the type of prescription and where it's filled. According to www.tricare.mil, Congress signed the increases into law under the Fiscal Year 2013 National Defense Authorization Act, which requires TRICARE to

  • Dyess B-1s participate in multi-service exercise

    B-1 Bombers from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, participated in a combined training unit exercise, or COMPTUEX, Jan. 24-29, in support of the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Strike Group.COMPTUEX is a series of training scenarios designed to certify the HSTSG as a deployment-ready fighting force capable

  • Applications for Tillman scholarships open until mid-February

    Service members, veterans and their spouses have until Feb. 15 to apply for financial aid through the Tillman Military Scholars program.The Tillman Military Scholars program removes financial barriers to completing a degree program. The scholarship covers direct study-related expenses such as

  • 337th TES gears up for largest B-1 modification

    The 337th Test and Evaluation Squadron is gearing up for the largest B-1 modification in program history, as part of the Integrated Battle Station and Sustainment-Block 16 upgrade. Because of the magnitude of this upgrade, additional work is being done to make sure the 337th TES is ready to test and

  • 480th FS tackles both Red, Green Flags

    Pilots, maintainers, support people and F-16 Fighting Falcons from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, are participating in both Red Flag 13-2 and Green Flag 13-3 until Feb. 1. This is the first time the 480th Fighter Squadron has participated in both flag exercises at the same time.The 480th FS is

  • CONR to fly air defense exercise in preparation for Super Bowl XLVII

    Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region fighters, along with its interagency partners, will be busy well before Super Bowl Sunday preparing to protect the skies around the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.Just like the teams in the Super Bowl, the Continental U.S.

  • Intelligence flight takes trip to 'petting zoo'

    When most units arrive to participate in Red Flag 13-2, they usually begin by setting up their temporary workstations and finding appropriate lodging in preparation to participate in a unique training exercise. However, Airmen from the 366th Operations Support Squadron decided to jump right into

  • 12th Air Force prepares for Blue Flag exercise

    The 612th Air and Space Operations Center is currently preparing for a Blue Flag exercise. The expected dates of the exercise are February 5-15.Blue Flag exercises are used to certify the 612th AOC as a combined air and space operations center and to certify Lt. Gen. Robin Rand as the combined

  • Etter nominated as 1st Air Force commander

    Maj. Gen. William H. Etter, assistant to the chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff for National Guard Matters, the Pentagon, was nominated for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general and assignment as commander, First Air Force (Air Forces Northern) and commander, Continental United States North

  • Air Force officials aim to eliminate sexual assault

    Following a nine-month investigation into sexual misconduct at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in San Antonio, the Air Force has implemented a comprehensive program aimed at eliminating sexual assault, senior Air Force leaders told Congress today.Air Force Chief Of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and

  • 113th reaches alert milestone

    The 113th Aerospace Control Alert Detachment of the District of Columbia Air National Guard at Joint Base Andrews passed a major air defense milestone January 9, responding to its 4,000th alert event since Operation Noble Eagle started in September, 2001.An alert event is designated when the unit's

  • 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.