Air Combat Command welcomes new leadership

Air Combat Command welcomed a new commander in a ceremony at Langley Air Force Base, Va., Sept. 13.Gen. Gilmary Michael Hostage III assumed command of ACC from Gen. William M. Fraser III in front of hundreds of Airmen and others gathered at the 94th Fighter Squadron hangar.Air Force Chief of Staff

CONR marks 10th anniversary of 9/11 attacks

At 7:46 a.m. Central Standard Time Sept. 11, 2011, a lone bell rang out at Tyndall Air Force Base in honor of the men, women and children who perished when American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City Sept. 11, 2001.During a solemn ceremony as

MAFFS aircraft join firefighting efforts in Texas, Northwest U.S.

Under the direction of the Joint Forces Air Component Commander for Air Forces Northern at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., six Department of Defense C-130 aircraft equipped with U.S. Forest Service Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems - MAFFS - will deploy in support of the National Interagency Fire

Tuskegee Airmen award COMACC honorary membership

The Tidewater Chapter - Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., awarded the commander of Air Combat Command an honorary membership here Sept. 8.General William M. Fraser III accepted a "Red Tail" sport coat from the organization in a ceremony that was the fifth of its kind in 30 years for this chapter of the famed

Gamblers provide full-spectrum support for Unified Protector

"These Gamblers never fold." This is the motto and creed by which the Airmen with the Gambler Aircraft Maintenance Unit and 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron -- collectively called the Gamblers -- live. They deployed to Aviano Air Base, Italy, from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., and have been

New PEAK training prepares U.S., Honduran first responders

Joint Task Force-Bravo military and Honduran counterparts completed two weeks of training on new first responder assistance kits Sept. 9, at Soto Cano Air Base and San Lorenzo, Honduras. The equipment, called Pre-positioned Expeditionary Assistance Kits, or PEAK, is a modular system that provides

Dyess C-130Js begin first overseas deployment

The first overseas operational deployment of Dyess' newest acquisitions are underway, as C-130Js departed here Sept. 6 in support of overseas contingency operations in Southwest Asia.In addition to the C-130Js, more than 150 Airmen from the 317th Airlift Group deployed in support of the aircraft.The

Air Force implements changes to travel cards

The Air Force issued changes to the way service members can utilize funds on the controlled spending account card Aug. 26, 2011, in order to be in compliance with Department of Defense guidelines.The Secretary of the Air Force Financial Management Office released a memorandum effective immediately,

First full house of B-1s

For the first time, B-1 Bombers from Dyess, Ellsworth and Edwards Air Force Bases are parked on the same ramp at the same time.The first B-1 Bomber was delivered to Dyess in June 1985. Initial operational capability was achieved Oct. 1, 1986; the final B-1 was delivered May 2, 1988."It was exciting

Offutt forever linked with 9-11

Almost every American remembers where they were and what they were doing on 9-11.For a few Airmen at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., who were present that day, the sight of Air Force One landing here, sending Offutt into the history annals as a footnote on this day, is something they'll never forget.As

First Air Force changes command; receives first three-star commander

In a historic ceremony at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Aug. 31, the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region - 1st Air Force (Air Forces Northern) changed command and received its first-ever 3-star commander, marking the first time a lieutenant general has filled a command

Photos: Recovering from Hurricane Irene

Photos: Team Seymour begins cleanup from Hurricane Irene

After winds and rain died down enough for crews to venture out, the 4th Civil Engineer Squadron put its Airmen to work cleaning up after Hurricane Irene.Airmen were out surveying damage left in the storm's wake August 27.When the sun came up on August 28, the 4th CES heavy equipment operators or

Hurricane Irene stops moves to Langley, Dover

Travel to Langley Air Force Base, Va., and Dover AFB, Del., is prohibited until further notice, as the installations prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Irene, officials announced Aug. 26. In addition, Airmen with travel orders to other installations along the eastern seaboard are advised to keep

AFNORTH commander helps launch 2011 DoD-wide softball tournament

Amidst a background of American and U.S. military service flags, and flanked by tournament players and their audience supporters, the commander of 1st Air Force ceremoniously delivered the first pitch of the 2011 United States Specialty Sports Association Military World Tournament at Frank Brown

Photos: Preparing for Hurricane Irene

ACC F-15E Strike Eagles evacuate ahead of hurricane

As Hurricane Irene approaches, the 4th Fighter Wing and the 916th Air Refueling Wing evacuated approximately 60 F-15E Strike Eagles and eight KC-135R Stratotankers to Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Aug. 25."Officially, this is a hurricane evacuation," said Lt. Col. David Moeller, 335th Fighter

Hurricane Irene prompts ACC preparedness

The National Hurricane Center has issued a number of advisories affecting the East Coast in preparation for Hurricane Irene, a category three on the Saffir-Simpson scale, which was over the Bahamas midday, Aug. 25. Airmen, civilian personnel and their families at Air Combat Command units and

Red Horse travels to aid EOD

The grind of power tools echo in south Georgia as civil engineers from Hurlburt Field, Fla., work on the construction of a new explosive ordnance disposal storage warehouse.The civil engineers, part of the 823rd Red Horse Squadron, arrived at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., July 18 to begin construction

Eagle Flag tests JBLE Airmen, Soldiers

More than 250 Airmen and Soldiers from Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., recently returned from Exercise Eagle Flag, a week-long training exercise designed to measure units' ability to deploy and operate in austere environments.Eagle Flag is held several times each year at the U.S. Air Force

Airmen gain fighting confidence

On a thick, black, floor mat, 22 Airmen practiced grappling techniques during the first 40-hour Air Force Combatives Instructor Course held at Moody.The Air Force Combatives Program combines stand-up and ground techniques and can be adapted to fit mission needs. Graduates of the instructor course

Renovation of consolidated facility saves $13 million

A newly renovated, $6.7 million facility at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, which is now home to the Gunfighter Service Center, officially opened for business with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 24. The base decided to renovate the existing site versus rebuilding the facility, which saved the

CMSAF visits Offutt, speaks about tough decisions on horizon

During a visit to Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., Aug. 18 and 19, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy met with many enlisted members of Air Combat Command's largest wing and Offutt's tenant units. He took the time he was here to dispel some rumors and explain to Air Force members what they can

1st OSS Weather Flight provides critical forecasts for JBLE

With hurricane season affecting the Eastern United States, nothing quite captures your attention like the prospect of having your house blow away from 200 mile-per-hour winds.Many people spend days glued to their television sets for the latest information from the local news stations. However, there

Spads celebrate 94 years of air dominance

The 94th Fighter Squadron burned a piano in a traditional ceremony Aug. 19, 2011, as part of the four-day 94th anniversary celebration that started Aug. 18. Although there are several stories of why the piano was burned, Capt. Jonathan Smith, 94th FS assistant director of operations, explained the

Miramar Marines take Airmen on memorable flight

Marines from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., who were on temporary duty at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, took approximately 240 Airmen on incentive flights in two MV-22 Ospreys Aug. 19. The Marines are assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 166 and are conducting training

Gunfighters host ACC decontamination training

Gunfighters played host to Air Combat Command's decontamination training for Airmen from multiple installations to include Nellis, Tinker and Langley Air Force bases from Aug. 15 to 19. During this training, Airmen were introduced to the Lightweight Inflatable Decontamination System, which was

Bone marrow registration drive for deployed Army sergeant's daughter

Airmen, Department of Defense civilians and dependents can participate in the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base DoD Bone Marrow Donor registration drive at the 4th Medical Group clinic Aug. 25, followed by a second drive at various venues projected for late September.Seymour Johnson and Maxwell AFB,

Dyess Airmen work with local community in emergency exercise

Dyess first responders joined emergency response teams from the Abilene, Texas, community Aug. 17 as part of a joint emergency management exercise.In this large-scale exercise, local Abilene emergency response agencies such as Abilene Homeland Security, Abilene Police Department, Abilene Fire

Unified effort stops fire within fence line

A brush fire believed to be human-caused burned approximately 10,000 acres as of Aug. 16, including five acres on the northwest corner of Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. The fire is estimated to have started between Aug. 14 and the morning of Aug. 15.Base fire personnel and civil engineers kept

AOC sergeant earns top SNCOA award

A sergeant from the 601st Air and Space Operations Center was presented with the distinguished graduate award upon completing the Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, Ala., July 21. Senior Master Sgt. Billie Statom, superintendent of the AOC's Combat Operations

Heritage Ramblers wow crowds at free concerts

The sound of traditional jazz resonated throughout Colonial Williamsburg, Va., Aug. 10 as the U.S. Air Force Heritage Ramblers delighted an audience during the Summer Breeze evening concert series.The Heritage Ramblers were formed in 2010 and are a small group formed from the U.S. Air Force Heritage

Gunfighters battle blaze

Gunfighters distribute school supplies for Operation Homefront

More than $2,500 worth of school supplies were distributed to local military children by Gunfighters supporting Operation Homefront Aug. 13.Operation Homefront was formed in Feb. 2002 to support the families of deployed service members following the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Their mission is to

Medic responds to Kabul shooting, receives Bronze Star

For actions taken in the line of fire, U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Christopher Banks was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor in a ceremony at the Afghan Conference Center Aug. 13.Banks, a ground medic working in an advising role with the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing and deployed from Offutt Air Force

7th Bomb Wing awarded Meritorious Unit Award

The 7th Bomb Wing was presented the Meritorious Unit Award during an award ceremony at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Aug. 2.This award is given to units that show exceptional meritorious conduct in direct support of combat operations for at least 90 continuous days."This award is highly competitive

RQ-4 Block 30 Global Hawk reaches critical milestone

The commander of Air Combat Command declared initial operational capability for the RQ-4 Block 30 Global Hawk Aug. 10.The Air Force successfully deployed the Block 30 RQ-4 Global Hawk in support of Operation ODYSSEY DAWN in Libya and Operation TOMODACHI in Japan, and the IOC declaration is another

ACC selects sixth officer for Order of the Sword

The Air Combat Command enlisted Airmen and Command Chief Master Sgt. Marty Klukas officially invited their commander Gen. William M. Fraser III to an Order of the Sword Ceremony in his honor Aug. 11, 2011.The Order of the Sword is the highest honor the enlisted force can bestow upon a leader. During

Boots on the ground: Moody Airmen march to ground zero

Most people can recall exactly where they were when they heard the tragic news of the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. From the service members who acted as first responders to the middle and high school students who are now defenders of freedom, that day symbolizes a painful time in history.Now 10 years

Langley EOD: serving at home and overseas

"The Hurt Locker"-- it won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2010 for portraying the daily life of an explosive ordnance disposal unit. But did it really portray the day-to-day realities of the EOD profession? Our experience is not really like that depicted in "The Hurt Locker," said Airman 1st

Strike Eagle medics capture 'Outstanding' HSI rating

The 4th Medical Group at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., received an "Outstanding" rating at the conclusion of the week-long Health Services Inspection August 1-5.HSIs are directed by the Air Force Inspector General every three years to assess the ability of Air Force medical units to fulfill

AFRCC assists in mission that saved 60 hikers

Severe weather on July 29 flooded a hiking path on Mount Whitney near Lone Pine, Calif., leaving 60 hikers stranded. The California Emergency Management Agency reached out to the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., for assistance. "Although there was a large number

Langley soccer team preparing for Texas tournament

The Langley varsity soccer team is preparing for another Labor Day weekend trip to Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, for the annual Defender's Cup tournament.The 22-man team, nicknamed the "Langley Raptors," is competing in a local, summer soccer league and hosting frequent practices to hone player

Reservist reenlists after 19-year break, sworn in by son

Nineteen years after separating from the active duty Air Force, Staff Sgt. Scott Long, 476th Maintenance Squadron fuel systems craftsman, enlisted into the Reserves.Sergeant Long's son, U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Brandon Long, 1-169 Aviation Support Battalion liaison officer, presided over the ceremony July

SJ NCO wins AFSA international award

A recently-promoted master sergeant from the 4th Medical Group here won the Air Force Sergeant's Association International NCO of the Year Award during the Professional Airmen's Conference gala July 27 in San Antonio.Master Sgt. Nina Anderson, 4th Medical Operations Squadron flight chief, was the

Photo essay: Shaw firefighters fight flames with new gear

The new M-7 Firehawk helps Airmen complete the mission by being more durable, safer, user friendly and uses one tank instead of two. The mask has more features, which include a voice enhancer and a heads up display that shows how much air is left in the tank. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class

EPLOs deployed to Caribbean for hurricane response preparation

With tropical storm activity increasing in the Atlantic region, the Air Forces Northern National Security Emergency Preparedness Directorate deployed two emergency preparedness liaison officers to assist in response efforts in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The EPLOs' skills, experience

55th Wing receives Meritorious Unit Award

The 55th Wing was awarded the Meritorious Unit Award July 27 for its superb efforts during ongoing operations that took place June 1, 2010, through May 31, 2011."This award is the result of true team work across all six groups, the wing staff and our many partner units," said Col. William Jensen,

Honor Guard makes lasting impression on children

The Shaw Honor Guard broke away from their normal tasks to do something a little different -- a flag folding presentation for more than 100 children at the Sumter, S.C., YMCA, Aug. 2."We wanted to teach the children proper flag etiquette, tell them what it symbolizes and make sure they know how to

Special ops defenders on the road for 9/11 memorial march

Ten years after the tragic events of 9/11, four 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron Airmen picked up their packs July 28 to participate in the Ruck March to Remember.Tech. Sgt. Daniel Dance, the NCO in charge of supply; Tech. Sgt. Chad Reemtsma, the NCO in charge of physical security;

Professional development key to Airmen's success

In a culture where deployments are part of daily life and Airmen regularly perform duties above their rank, professional development is an important piece of cultivating the enlisted force to meet mission requirements, Air Force leaders said recently at the 2011 Air Force Sergeants Association

Bold Tigers participate in Combat Archer Exercise

More than 130 members from the 391st Fighter Squadron, "Bold Tigers," along with eight F-15E Strike Eagles, participated in Combat Archer at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., July 8 to 22.The exercise is an air-to-air Weapons System Evaluation Program conducted by the base's 53rd Weapons Evaluation

Road trip: Langley F-15 Eagle trucked cross country to enshrinement

For nearly 40 years, the 1st Fighter Wing flew the venerable F-15 Eagle here, cementing its place as one of the most successful fighters in aviation history. While Langley's flightline no longer hosts the fourth-generation jet, the Chico Air Museum in Chico, Calif., opened its doors for the one of

Citizens' Police Academy provides safety, security forces insight

Residents of the neighborhood known as "The Landings at Langley" are taking advantage of their unique relationship with the 633rd Security Forces Squadron. The Citizens' Police Academy, a comprehensive, eight-week course covering various areas of law enforcement training, tactics and topics recently

Airmen to repair historic SPAD replica

Airmen from the 94th Aircraft Maintenance Unit will repair the Nieuport 28 replica aircraft, which was destroyed in a storm earlier this year. Winds from the storm launched the Société Pour L'Aviation et ses Dérivés replica, or SPAD, 100 feet from its display pole into a truck May 24. According to

AFNORTH announces new commander for CONR-1st AF

Air Force officials announced June 16 that the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region - 1st Air Force (Air Forces Northern) will be getting a new commander at its helm.Maj. Gen. Stanley E. Clarke III, who has been selected for promotion to lieutenant general, will assume

Ellsworth Airmen deploy to Southwest Asia

Amid a mix of excitement, anticipation and sweltering temps topping 100 degrees, about 300 Ellsworth Airmen stepped aboard a Boeing 777 July 18 that would take them to Southwest Asia to support missions in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.During their deployment, aircrews from

First Beta class RPA pilot becomes launch-and-recovery qualified

Forging the way for officers in his career field, Rob, a captain in the U.S. Air Force assigned to the 432d Wing as a remotely piloted aircraft pilot, or 18X, has established many firsts. He was a graduate of the first Beta class for RPA pilots, first Beta to go to the 15th Reconnaissance Squadron,

Spice revisited

For more than a year, the Air Force and federal government agencies have dealt with the challenges associated with the usage and regulation of "spice."Spice -- otherwise known as K2 and deemed a drug of concern by the Drug Enforcement Agency -- is a psychoactive herbal and chemical product, which

Airmen make a stitch in history

The National 9/11 Flag Tour brought its flag to the University of Arizona's Centennial Hall July 8. Members of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., and citizens of Tucson were welcome to come out and participate in the flag stitching ceremonies.The National 9/11 Flag Tour is a campaign to restore

Surgical team performs three operations for Honduran hospital

A five-person Joint Mobil Surgical Team completed three surgeries on Honduran nationals at a hospital seven miles away from Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, July 7.The surgeries involved repairing a lumbar hernia for a man, removing an infected gallbladder for a woman and assisting another woman with

Security forces members begin march to Ground Zero

Members of the Joint Base San Antonio security forces community began the kickoff leg of a 2,181-mile ruck march here July 12. Participants from installations across the nation will continue the daily "Ruck March to Remember," which is scheduled to end Sept. 11 at Ground Zero in New York, on the

CONR supports final space shuttle launch

Thousands of spectators anxiously looked on as space shuttle Atlantis roared to life for the last time, launching the orbiter and crew over the coast of Florida at 11:29 a.m. EST, July 8.The Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and Air Forces Northern provided crucial

Photos: Ellsworth participates in Phase I ORE

Airmen from the 28th Bomb Wing participated in a Phase I Operational Readiness Exercise to test Ellsworth Air Force Base's preparation and mobilization from peacetime readiness into a wartime posture on short notice, June 20 through 22.View the slideshow.

Airmen prepare for a ruck to remember

The 4th Security Forces Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., is gearing up to host a 2,181-mile ruck march from the Air Force Security Forces Center in San Antonio July 12 to ground zero in New York Sept. 11 in recognition of the 10th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks."We're

Air Force normalizes short-tour credit policy

As of July 1, Airmen no longer receive short tour credit for overseas temporary duty assignments of 181 consecutive days. This change initially was announced in a memorandum signed by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz in April.In June 2003, a temporary exception to policy was approved to

Arizona boy becomes A-10 pilot for a day

Seven-year-old Michael Castillo toured Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., as an honorary A-10 pilot and participant in the Pilot for a Day Program June 24. The purpose of the program is to give local children with illnesses an enjoyable day completely devoted to them and their interest in

Airmen highlight recruiting efforts for 7 million NASCAR fans

One hundred Airmen from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., unfurled a football field-sized American flag in front of a crowd of 7.3 million live and broadcast viewers as the national anthem played at a race nearly as old as NASCAR, July 2. The Coke Zero 400 at Daytona Beach, Fla., was the perfect

Air Force chief of staff announces 2011 'Vector'

The Air Force's senior military officer released his vision for the future in the CSAF Vector 2011, which highlights the service's unique contributions to national security and also provides updates and the way ahead on the Air Force's priorities."A year ago I presented a vision for our Air Force,"

Air Force officials urge safe July Fourth weekend

With summer in full swing and the July Fourth weekend approaching, officials at the Air Force Safety Center want to remind Airmen of steps they can take to minimize the potential for mishaps.Maj. Gen. Greg Feest, Air Force chief of safety, said although there are many activities to enjoy during the

Thunderbirds add Finland performance to storied history

On both sides of every U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds F-16, there's a colorful, square panel that displays the flags of all the countries in the world where the team has performed. On June 18, the Thunderbirds had the privilege of adding a new flag to the panel. For the first time in its 58-year

Air Force EWO graduates from Navy Growler training

An electronic warfare officer became the first Air Force EWO to graduate from the 10-month-long Navy EA-18G Growler training at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash., June 28.Capt. Cole Davenport, who is with the 390th Electronic Combat Squadron, completed his first training sortie Sept. 7, 2010.

Two RPA pilots graduate top of class at test pilot school

Two former Hunters graduated top of their class from the yearlong Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., in June, and one was the first graduate to specialize as a remotely piloted aircraft test pilot. The distinguished graduates, Matthew and Nicholas, are U. S. Air Force

Gunfighters participate in Northern Edge

Members of the 391st Fighter Squadron teamed up with U.S. military units from around the globe during the 2011 Northern Edge exercise at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, June 13-24.Northern Edge is a joint exercise that brings members from the Air Force, Navy, Army and Marine Corps together to

Air Force announces MQ-1/9 ground station basing criteria

Air Force officials have released the criteria for basing of the regular Air Force MQ-1/9 remote split operations ground control stations. The basing criteria, announced June 22, were approved by the secretary and chief of staff of the Air Force and include factors such as mission requirements,

98th Range Wing transitions to NTTR

It is the largest contiguous air and ground space available for military operations in the free world. With 1,200 possible targets, realistic threat systems and the support of an opposing enemy force that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world, the Nevada Test and Training Range is home to

Heroic actions earn rescue Airmen Distinguished Flying Cross

Maj. Gen. James Hyatt, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center commander, presented the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor to three Nellis Airmen in a ceremony June 15 at the 763rd Maintenance Squadron hangar.Maj. Keith Altenhofen, 561st Joint Tactics Squadron instructor pilot, Master Sgt. Joshua Fetters,

Nellis to receive first MTC flight simulator

Delivery is underway for a first-of-a-kind flight simulator at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., with completion and operational turnover set for October.The Air Force's first mission training center simulator is scheduled to arrive at Nellis as part of a $109.1 million contract with L-3 Link Simulation

C-130 MAFFS units support southwestern firefighting efforts

Two C-130s from the 146th Airlift Wing of the California Air National Guard equipped with the Modular Airborne Firefighting System deployed to Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., June 15 to conduct fire containment missions in support of wildfire suppression efforts in the southwestern U.S. The aircraft,

Servicemembers deliver 6,400 pounds of food to Honduran village

More than 120 Joint Task Force-Bravo personnel hiked two miles up steep terrain to deliver food to people living in an isolated village near Comayagua, Honduras, June 11. JTF-Bravo Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine hikers carried 160 bags of food in backpacks as part of a bimonthly Chapel Hike to

North American Border Conference convenes

Common ocean approaches, shared air space and land borders, and the defense of the population of North America brought 30 senior enlisted leaders from across the United States and Canada to San Diego June 1 and 2 for the 2011 North America Border Conference.The annual conference is co-hosted by U.S.

CENTAM SMOKE fuels partnerships

Firefighters from the 612th Air Base Squadron's fire department trained alongside partner nation firefighters at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, June 6-9.The exercise, called Central America Sharing Mutual Operational Knowledge and Experiences or CENTAM SMOKE, allowed U.S. and Honduran firefighters

American Association of Airport Executives honors Nellis Airman

The American Association of Airport Executives recently recognized Tech. Sgt. Venus Applebury as the 2010 U.S. Air Force Airfield Management Noncommissioned Officer of the Year during their annual meeting in Atlanta, Ga.Jim Bennett, A.A.A.E chairman, presented the award to Sergeant Applebury and six

'Lt. Dan' flies high

Even though he has been a strong military supporter and philanthropist, most remember Gary Sinise by his award-winning role as Lieutenant Dan Taylor, who he played in the 1994 film "Forrest Gump."The Blue Island, Ill., native visited Team Beale June 6-9 to document the capabilities of the U-2 Dragon

ME Phase challenges future weapons officers

The U.S. Air Force Weapons School completed its nine-day graduation exercise at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., June 9.The Mission Employment or ME Phase is the capstone exercise for Weapons School Class 11A, and involved more than 90 aircraft, 33 units and 3,300 personnel from all U.S. military

Rescue community remembers fallen Pedro 66 Airmen

The 66th Rescue Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., held a ceremony for the crew of Pedro 66 June 9 in remembrance of the five Airmen who lost their lives after an HH-60 Pave Hawk crash last year.Lt. Col. Daniel Jefferies, 563rd Rescue Group deputy commander, presided over the

Offutt braces for flood with heavy preparations

As the water level rises in the Missouri River, officials at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., are taking precautions to protect people, equipment and facilities.Official reports from the Army Corp of Engineers said the Missouri River will crest by June 15. Offutt's systems of levees are expected to

Ellsworth provides critical support to FEMA

Airmen from the 28th Bomb Wing are providing vital support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the federal response to recent flooding in South Dakota and surrounding states.Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., is serving as a staging base for 21 FEMA tractor trailers of relief supplies,

2011 Dakota Thunder airshow wows crowd

Nearly 40,000 people of all ages and walks of life gathered for the 2011 Dakota Thunder airshow on Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., June 4.The airshow showcased 100 years of South Dakota aviation history and featured a vast array of aerial demonstration teams and static aircraft displays from World

Construction projects put D-M on the map

Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., has one of the Air Force's largest active military construction programs.With more than $240 million in construction under design for the next two-three years and looking over the next five years, it is possible that almost half a billion dollars could be

Thunderbirds set to kick off 2011 European tour in Turkey

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are practiced and ready to perform the first official demonstration of their 2011 European Tour. The team brought 78 of its nearly 120 Airmen on the six-week, transcontinental trip, arriving earlier this week at Cigli Air Base -- just outside of the western coastal

French air, defense attachés learn about integrated pilots, operations

During a visit June 2, the French defense and air attachés from the Embassy of France in D.C. visited Moody to experience what life is like for the two French exchange pilots currently serving with the 23rd Wing. It was the first visit to Moody for Général de Division Aérienne (Maj. Gen.) Gratien

4th FW receives first-ever Doolittle Award

The 4th Fighter Wing located at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., received the inaugural Air Force Historical Foundation Doolittle Award during a ceremony at the Air Force Memorial June 2.The Doolittle Award promotes the history and heritage of a unit as opposed to an individual. The award is

EPLO assisting relief efforts after Massachusetts tornadoes

At least two tornadoes struck parts of central and western Massachusetts June 1, prompting the Air Forces Northern National Security Emergency Preparedness Directorate to deploy an emergency preparedness liaison officer to assist in the relief effort at the request of the Defense Coordinating

Thunderbirds announce 2012 officer selections

The commander of Air Combat Command, Gen. William M. Fraser III, has officially selected the officers who will be joining the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, "Thunderbirds" for the 2012 demonstration season. Maj. Greg Moseley, a lieutenant colonel-select currently assigned to

General Hostage to lead Air Combat Command

The U.S. Senate confirmed the assignment of the newest commander of Air Combat Command. Lt. Gen. Gilmary M. Hostage III, whom the Senate also confirmed for appointment to the grade of general, will assume command of ACC at a later date.General Hostage currently serves as the commander of U.S. Air

414th MXS stands up

A new squadron officially stood up and a new commander took the reins during a ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., May 26.Maj. Lydia Black assumed command of the new 414th Maintenance Squadron after Col. Keith Acree, 414th Fighter Group commander, ceremoniously unfurled the squadron

Air Force leaders issue summer safety message

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy send the following Critical Days of Summer safety campaign message to the Airmen of the U.S. Air Force and their families:Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day

Six Moody Airmen earn DFC

General William M. Fraser III, commander of Air Combat Command, recognized six Moody Air Force Base Airmen May 20 for their extraordinary achievements by presenting them the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor -- America's oldest military aviation award. More than 80 years ago, Congress authorized

Be ready: Dakota Thunder 2011 is almost here

Ellsworth Airmen are currently making final preparations for the 2011 Dakota Thunder Airshow, a June 4 event celebrating airpower and 100 years of South Dakota aviation history."Team Ellsworth is excited to host our Black Hills neighbors," said Col. Mark Weatherington, 28th Bomb Wing commander. "We