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  • International air attaches visit Tyndall

    More than 30 International air attaches from 29 countries visited Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., from their embassies in Washington, D.C., March 29 as part of a tour program held twice per year.The attaches were made up of foreign military officers accredited to the U.S. Air Force."We were honored to

  • Cold War drone calls Beale home

    Overshadowed by the SR-71 Blackbird in Heritage Park at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., sits a lesser known piece of military history, the D-21 Drone. The mission of the D-21 was to provide high altitude aerial reconnaissance carrying a single high-resolution camera over a pre-programmed location and

  • Air Force selects second ever enlisted legislative fellow

    The United States Air Force has announced Senior Master Sgt. Lavor Kirkpatrick, 12th Reconnaissance Squadron imagery analyst instructor, as its 2nd ever enlisted legislative fellow. There were 21 nominations for this year's Secretary of the Air Force Legislative Liaison fellowship. Col. Phil

  • Hagel announces fewer furlough days for civilians

    The Defense Department has revised from 22 to 14 the number of days hundreds of thousands of civilian employees could be furloughed this year because of the budget sequester, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced today.In addition, a senior Defense Department official speaking on background told

  • AF to implement force structure changes

    The Air Force released its plan Mar. 28 to implement force structure changes mandated by the Fiscal Year 2013 National Defense Authorization Act. The bill authorized the service to complete actions approved in previous years, such as aircraft retirements, and directed execution of

  • Dyess, Abilene Firefighters battle Commissary fire

    Dyess Fire Department with a mutual aid response from the City of Abilene Fire Department in Texas teamed up to extinguish a fire that broke out at the base commissary March 25.The fire was reported at approximately 5:30 p.m. and was under control and extinguished by 6:30 p.m. About 30 Dyess

  • From the Ground Up: Climbing to the top of the world

    Six continents. Seven years. More than 100,000 feet climbed and next month, the USAF 7 Summits Challenge team is setting out to climb to the top of the world. At 29,035 ft., Mount Everest is the highest peak on Earth. If successful, six Airmen will become the first American military team to reach

  • ACC announces Outstanding Airmen of the Year

    Air Combat Command announced the 2013 Outstanding Airmen of the Year winners during a spring leadership conference at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., March 26."ACC's Outstanding Airmen of the Year represent superb Airmen doing great work," said Gen. Mike Hostage, commander of ACC. "They represent

  • New Horizons opening ceremony celebrated at Ladyville school

    The opening ceremony for New Horizons Belize occurred at 10 a.m. March 25, 2013, at Ladyville Technical High School.The U.S. ambassador to Belize; minister of education, youth and sports; commander of the Belize Defence Force; Task Force Mahogany commander; senior defense official for the U.S.

  • MilPDS upgrade complete

    The Air Force has successfully upgraded and transferred the Military Personnel Data System to the Defense Information Systems Agency Defense Enterprise Computing Center, Air Force Personnel Center officials said today."We're pleased that the MilPDS upgrade took less time than anticipated, and we are

  • Pentagon delays sending furlough notices to civilian workforce

    Pentagon officials have put off sending furlough notices to civilian employees until they've had a chance to analyze how pending legislation that would fund the federal government for the rest of the fiscal year will affect the Defense Department.Officials now estimate that furlough notices will go

  • Red Flag 13-3 puts 55th ECG to the test

    Airmen from the 55th Electronic Combat Group from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., participated in Red Flag 13-3 at Nellis AFB, Nev., Feb. 25 - March 15.Red Flag 13-3 was a three-week joint and coalition exercise in which aircrews from all branches of the U.S. military, as well as several

  • Nellis accepts delivery of F-35 with ceremony

    In the Thunderbird Hangar filled to capacity, Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Lofgren, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center commander, formally accepted delivery of three F-35A Lightning IIs March 19.The aircraft will be assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron where they will undergo operational

  • F-22 Savannah training increases student lethality

    Members of the 325th Fighter Wing recently completed training in Savannah, Ga., allowing F-22 Raptor student pilots to more accurately test the stealth capabilities of the aircraft and accomplish nearly twice the amount of normal training. "The temporary duty was to the Georgia Combat Readiness

  • CGOC hosts race to benefit AFAF

    The Joint Base Langley-Eustis Company Grade Officer Council sponsored the first Air Force Assistance Fund 5k and 10k race March 15.There were 52 participants from across base who ran, raising $1,180 for the charity."No unit was unrepresented out here this morning," said 1st Lt. Ashley Scott, JBLE

  • 34th Weapons Squadron begins terminal employment phase

    The 34th Weapons Squadron, assigned to the U.S. Air Force Weapons School, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., will begin the terminal employment phase of their class syllabus March 11 over the Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho. Four students assigned to the USAF Weapons School will be put into rigorous

  • Taking steps out of respect at Bataan Memorial Death March

    As the sun rose on the New Mexico desert floor, thousands of people from the United States and countries around the world gathered to begin the 24th Annual Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., March 17.The Bataan Memorial Death March honors the 80,000 Filipino and American

  • Air Force suspends tuition assistance

    Air Force officials suspended military tuition assistance due to sequestration, effective March 11 for the remainder of the fiscal year. The announcement follows the Army and Marine Corps' decision to suspend their tuition assistance programs, which was recommended by the Department of Defense."As

  • Warning: TSP Funds iPhone app not recommended

    The Thrift Savings Plan website issued a warning to iPhone users to avoid using the "TSP Funds" app from the Apple App store.The free app is not sactioned by TSP because it asks participants for account login information. This app is not being offered through the TSP and the TSP does not recommend

  • Moody A-10 pilots first to field target system downrange

    Air Force pilots haven't exactly advanced into cyborg assassins with titanium endoskeletons, but the equipment they're using is along the lines of artificial intelligence. Advancements in technology have created what was once only confined to the imagination and virtual reality, to what is now

  • Oldest U.S. military flying unit celebrates centennial

    The 1st Reconnaissance Squadron at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., celebrated its 100th anniversary March 7-9 as the oldest flying unit in U.S. military aviation.The squadron opened its doors to the base populace and special guests for tours, and two days of historical symposiums were held featuring

  • MC-12 Project Liberty Team competes for aviation's 'Greatest Achievement'

    Baseball has the World Series, Hollywood has the Oscars, the aviation and aerospace industry has the Collier Trophy.The Air Force's MC-12 Project Liberty has earned a nomination for aviation's most prestigious award. The Robert J. Collier Trophy is awarded annually, "...for the greatest achievement

  • Nellis AMU receives Lightning IIs

    The day the Lightning aircraft maintenance unit members have been working towards for more than three years has arrived. The Airmen's work to improve their skills and prepare for the arrival of the F-35 Lightning II came to fruition March 6 with the arrival of two F-35 Lightning IIs.The 57th

  • Shaw stands up new fighter group

    The 495th Fighter Group stood up during an activation ceremony at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., March 8. The group's activation is part of the Air Force's ongoing initiative to integrate traditional, active-duty Airmen with Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units to streamline training and

  • Australians hone command, control battle management skills at Red Flag 13-3

    Officers and Airmen from the Royal Australian Air Force's Number 2 Squadron Airborne Early Warning and Control, from Base Williamtown located on the southeastern coastal city of Newcastle in New South Wales Australia traveled more than 7,700 miles to participate in Red Flag 13-3.This is the first

  • Hagel visits Afghanistan to assess operations

    Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel landed here March 8 on his first trip as the Defense Department's leader to thank U.S. troops and to see for himself "where we are in Afghanistan."Hagel, who was sworn in Feb. 27, said he's looking forward to visiting U.S. service members and thanking them for their

  • Family remembers lost Tyndall Airman

    A popular song wonders, "Who you'd be today?""If she would have come back from Nairobi, she would have gotten an engineering degree. That was her plan, it just didn't unfold," said Evelyn Olds, mother of Senior Master Sgt. Sherry Lynn Olds.The lives of Sergeant Olds and 11 other embassy employees

  • Langley CES show their skills during fuel spill exercise

    A bulk tank holding 500,000 gallons of fuel collapses, releasing more than 400,000 gallons over the northeast corner of the base. While the emergency response teams arrive on scene, fuel creeps dangerously close to the water's edge with every passing minute. Fortunately, this extreme situation was

  • RED HORSE takes part in JOAX 2013

    RED HORSE's Airborne Flight joined the 27th Engineer Brigade in a Joint Operational Access Exercise to train in how to perform mass air drops and runway repair at Fort Bragg, N.C.The exercise had some soggy weather to contend with, but the weather didn't hold back the airborne jumpers."Our airborne

  • Technology enables more effective homeland defense

    When a threat to North America occurs, there is a wide variety of federal and state government agencies that will need to respond.Along with response, rapid, effective communication between these agencies will be critical to successful homeland defense. To answer this critical need, the Command and

  • Ellsworth Airman recognized as 400,000th CCAF graduate

    The Community College of the Air Force presented its 400,000th degree to an Airman from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., during the Air Force Association Central Florida Chapter's gala in Orlando, Fla., Feb. 21. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley presented Senior Airman Emily Barchenger, 37th

  • Dental clinic earns ACC recognition

    For the third time in five years, Air Combat Command bestowed an honor upon the 366th Aerospace Medicine Squadron's dental clinic, naming them the best medium dental clinic of 2012.The prestigious award was officially announced in December, highlighting a year of exemplary work and dedication by

  • 'Tigers' launch jets to kickoff Red Flag 13-3

    The 79th Fighter Squadron "Tigers" launched eight F-16 Fighting Falcons during a day and night time mission to kickoff of Red Flag 13-3 here Feb. 25.The 79th FS, commanded by Lt. Col. Jason Plourde, led members of his unit from takeoff to landing as the exercise kicked off . The unit out of Shaw Air

  • 728th controls F-35s for final mission

    The 62-year-old 728th Air Control Squadron Demons completed their final mission Jan. 31, adding the Air Force's newest aircraft, the F-35A Lightning II, to its exponential tally of controlled combat aircraft."Talk about going out on top," said Lt. Col. Jon Rhone, the 728th Air Control Squadron

  • Vietnam vet awarded Purple Heart at Davis-Monthan

    Many Vietnam veterans did not come home to open, welcoming arms. Many people did not honor these veterans for their service, but members of the 355th Equipment Maintenance Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., got to honor one Vietnam veteran Feb. 19.In 1969, as a field maintenance

  • Langley receives LCAP excellence

    No matter if they're flying high in the skies, turning a wrench on the flight line or providing parts and fuel, Langley's Airmen continually prove they are among the best. Maintainers in the 1st and 192d Fighter Wings, along with members of the 633rd Logistics Readiness Squadron, were evaluated by

  • ACC chiefs depart Offutt with broad perspective

    Air Combat Command's 120 newest chief master sergeants and chief master sergeant selects are settling back into their squadrons and wings throughout the globe with lessons they learned at the 2013 ACC Chief's Executive Course, held at the Dougherty Conference Center here Jan. 27-31. The course was

  • Panetta issues message to DOD workforce on sequestration

    With major, across-the-board defense spending cuts scheduled to take effect March 1, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta today issued a message to the Defense Department workforce.Here is the secretary's message:For more than a year and a half, the president, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and I have

  • Dyess engineers hone warrior skills

    Nine Airmen from the 7th Civil Engineer Squadron at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, joined 172 engineers from across the Air Force to complete the Army's Combat Skills Training course Feb. 4, 2013, at Fort Bliss, Texas. The 22-day course focused on providing deployed engineers the ground combat skills

  • Sequestration could mean delayed redeployment for Soldiers in Afghanistan

    The lack of an appropriations bill coupled with sequestration could eventually translate to Soldiers being delayed in their redeployment home from Afghanistan, the Army's chief of staff said.Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, speaking at the Brookings Institution Friday in Washington, D.C., explained that

  • Wings Over Wayne Air Show cancelled

    The 2013 Wings Over Wayne Open House and Air Show, scheduled for May 18-19, has been cancelled. Driven by the dual threat of operating under a continuing resolution and potential sequestration, U.S. Air Force leadership at all levels are proactively implementing near-term actions to minimize impacts

  • ACC continues planning for sequestration impacts

    Air Combat Command officials continue to take actions to slow, and within the near term dramatically restrict, Fiscal Year 2013 spending in light of pending sequestration and a projected $1.8 billion dollar shortfall in overseas contingency funding."We are prioritizing our efforts to sustain force

  • CARE modifications place pilots at better elevation

    While mechanics from Lockheed Martin upgrade the cockpit structure of the U-2 intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft, it looks like a pile of parts at the local junk yard. However, the modifications allow the aircraft to fly just as true as before while improving pilot safety and

  • Langley cancels air show

    The 2013 Air Power Over Hampton Roads Open House and Air Show, scheduled for May 3-5, has been cancelled. Driven by the dual threat of operating under a continuing resolution and a potential sequestration, U.S. Air Force leadership at all levels are proactively implementing near-term actions to

  • Equipment scheduled to arrive for joint U.S.-Belizean exercise

    Construction equipment and materials for a joint U.S.-Belizean exercise is scheduled to begin arriving into ports in Belize in the spring for New Horizons 2013, a major event that will test U.S. military members' ability to deploy while building partnerships with host nation medical and civil

  • COMACC visits Team Dyess

    Budget, Air Force culture and Comprehensive Airman Fitness were main themes during the Air Combat Command commander's first visit to Dyess AFB, where he engaged with Airmen, NCOs and officers alike Feb. 12 and 13.The general's immersion began with breakfast, where he discussed one of his top

  • AF implements enlisted date of separation rollback

    The Air Force will implement the enlisted date of separation rollback program this fiscal year, in addition to several voluntary force management programs that were announced Feb. 5, Air Force Personnel Center officials said today.The rollback will accelerate the date of separation for senior master

  • Nellis prepares for F-35 arrival

    The 57th Wing is preparing for the arrival of four F-35 Lighting IIs Feb. 28.Arrival of the F-35s to Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., will mark the first time in the aircraft's history operational tests will be performed on the aircraft."It's the largest [Department of Defense] acquisition project in

  • Langley hosts Special Olympics

    One second left in the game, he lined up the shot and launched the ball through the air. The buzzer sounded, followed by the swish of success.The crowd cheered wildly, even though the shot didn't win the game for his team, while his opponents gave him high-fives and congratulated him in the spirit

  • Combat Archer: Fighter jets, missile systems

    The 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group, a tenant organization, is assigned to Tyndall Air Force Base and falls under the 53rd Wing, Eglin AFB, Fla. The 53rd WEG recently conducted the air-to-air Weapons System Evaluation Program, known as Combat Archer, which exercises and evaluates the air-to-air weapon

  • Panetta announces Distinguished Warfare Medal

    Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta has approved a new medal designed to recognize service members directly affecting combat operations who may not even be on the same continent as the action.The Distinguished Warfare Medal recognizes the changing face of warfare. In the past, few, if any, service

  • Panetta offers campaign context for troop drawdown

    The President's announcement yesterday that 34,000 U.S. troops will come out of Afghanistan in the next 12 months makes sense in the context of the broader campaign, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said Feb. 15.During what he called his last Pentagon news conference, the secretary noted that when

  • Air Force libraries bridge the digital divide

    Need assistance setting up a budget, learning a new language or doing your homework? Look no further than your online Air Force library, where Air Force library staff work to meet customers' needs in an evolving digital world.Worldwide, Air Force libraries offer online learning resources, digital

  • East Coast joint service training goes international

    "Under Air-Sea Battle, we will take 'jointness' to a new level, working together to establish more integrated exercises against more realistic threats." Following those words from former Chief of Staff of the Air Force, (Ret.) Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan

  • Magnetic levitation track reaches new world record in speed

    The 846th Test Squadron successfully performed its most ambitious test to date on the magnetic levitation track at Holloman Air Force Base, Feb. 7. Members of the 846th were able to use the Maglev track in conjunction with a new propulsion system to reach an astounding speed of more than 500 miles

  • Air Force tuition assistance implements change

    The U.S. Air Force Tuition Assistance program altered its guidelines Jan. 3 to emphasize the new requirement of maintaining a grade point average of at least 2.0, on a 4-point scale."By adopting these changes, the Air Force is falling in line with the federal government and the schools sharing GPA

  • T-Bolts return from Red Flag better prepared for combat

    For many units, the conclusion of Red Flag 13-2 meant returning to their home base and putting the skills they learned to use. The same can be said for the 389th Fighter Squadron, which returned home better prepared for war and strengthened team bonds."From my perspective, Red Flag is the best

  • Firefighter surprises son at school after year-long separation

    It was a typical Friday afternoon for Sallas Mahone Elementary School first graders as they cheered in anticipation of a bright red fire truck, but for one 6-year-old, it would be a surprise a year in the making. U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Eric Kunzman returned home Feb. 8 and reunited with his son,

  • 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