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

Cyber experts win ACC awards

Two cyberspace operations professionals from Air Forces Northern's communications directorate have been recognized for their contributions to the field of information operations with annual awards from Air Combat Command. Roberto de los Santos was recently named ACC's Outstanding Civilian

"Astronauts' worst day must be our best"

"Find in three hours or less; rescue in six hours or less."It's the mantra that drives the mission of the Joint Task Force - Space Transportation System team for each launch and landing of a NASA manned space shuttle.Should NASA require it, the JTF team of professionals directs and coordinates an

Kids defend against child abduction

More than 800,000 children are reported missing every year, according to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. And the 49th Wing Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., combated this statistic May 14 with training for the base's youth. Know and

8th FS 'Black Sheep' inactivated

Almost two years after its reactivation, the 8th Fighter Squadron held its inactivation ceremony at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., May 13.The 8th FS, which was reactivated in September 2009 after being inactivated April 2008 following the retirement of the F-117 Nighthawk, will once again be placed

Earthquakes tremble US in Exercise Ardent Sentry

If two major earthquakes rocked the Midwest and South, the results would be disastrous. In a recent exercise in which U.S. Northern Command's Air Component played a critical role, that was precisely the scenario: a 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit just north of Memphis, while a 6.0 magnitude aftershock

ORE prepares Airmen to fight, survive in chemical environment

Gunfighters, otherwise known as the Airmen of Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, donned their mission oriented protective posture gear last week during an operational readiness exercise in preparation for combat operations and an upcoming operational readiness inspection. "The primary function of

Mountain Home honored for historic preservation

Mountain Home Air Force Base recently garnered the Orchid Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation from Preservation Idaho May 14. This honor is given to the residential or commercial projects that have demonstrated outstanding adherence to the Secretary of the Interior's standards in

National Police Week: Moody hosts Warrior Challenge

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week of May 15 as National Police Week to honor law enforcement officers who paid the ultimate price.Moody Air Force Base security forces members held a Warrior Challenge in honor of

Photos: 'Air Power' electrifies crowds

CONR supports Shuttle Endeavour launch

At T-minus six seconds, the main rocket boosters ignited as Space Shuttle Endeavour roared to life launching the orbiter and crew over the coast of Florida at 8:56 a.m. EST May 16. The Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and Air Forces Northern provided crucial airspace

Photos: Hometown hero flies with Thunderbirds

EPLOs support Mississippi River flood response effort

Over the past few weeks, flooding along the Mississippi River has disrupted lives and commerce, and now the next threat is to several parishes in Louisiana. In an effort to help save lives and mitigate great property damage, the Air Forces Northern National Security Emergency Preparedness

Honoring Maj. Charles Ransom

Honoring Maj. Raymond Estelle III

Airmen help build homes for families

It is not about just earning a performance report bullet when Airmen and their families donate time to build houses, helping others overcome hurdles in their lives.Chaplain (Maj.) Andrew Pak gathered a group of Team Seymour Airmen and their family members to volunteer May 10, 2011, with Habitat for

20th FW hands off alert mission to McEntire ANG

The 20th Fighter Wing turned over responsibility for the air sovereignty alert mission to the 169th Fighter Wing at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C., May 6.The 20th FW took control of the alert mission Sept. 11, 2001 to Nov. 15, 2003 and again from Aug. 1, 2006 to May 9, 2011. The alert

SJ Airman takes the cake in ACC for Hennessy Traveler award

A little sugar and a little spice make everything nice - especially for a food services Airman here whose baking skills landed her a trip to California as the Air Combat Command Hennessy Traveler.Airman 1st Class Precious Avent, 4th Force Support Squadron food services journeyman, earned the

ACC conducts COOP exercise

Air Combat Command measured its ability to maintain mission-essential functions through a natural disaster during a Continuity of Operations exercise April 26.The concept, known as COOP, is used in all organizational levels - from the Air Force headquarters down to the wing level. COOP simply

Secretary of Defense visits SJ to encourage, address Airmen

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates visited more than 300 Airmen at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., to thank them for their service and address questions about topics such as the federal budget, the proposed drawdown of servicemembers in Afghanistan and the direction of the military, May

Holocaust stories recalled all end with 'Never Again'

You could hear it in her voice, the last of three speakers -- the crackling, pauses and deep breaths. From the crowd you could see the hard swallows choking back the tears. She'd told the stories before: stories of her parents, both Holocaust survivors, and being raised by them; stories of the trip

Air Force firefighting operations conclude in Texas

After performing 111 sorties and dropping 333,000 gallons of fire retardant over the wildfires that have been burning in South and West Texas, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve personnel and their Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System aircraft are heading back home.The National Interagency

Holloman's 'All In' attitude earns 'excellent' ORI grade

The dust from the operational readiness inspection has settled and the 49th Wing at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., received an "excellent" grade on their ability to quickly transition from peacetime readiness to a wartime posture and ability to rapidly deploy forces for major combat operations.On

Academy cadets get taste of real AF

Every year Moody Air Force Base sponsors a cadet squadron from the U.S. Air Force Academy to visit the base. During the visit the cadets are able to see many aspects of what the Air Force does.During this year's visit, Cadet Squadron Viking Nine came to visit Moody. The 26 cadets that participated

Operation Sea Lion commences

Forty-two aircraft from nine military units participated in a large force exercise in the skies over North Carolina to support Operation Sea Lion 11-05, a phase two operational readiness exercise held at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C, May 2.Participating in the exercise were four F-22A Raptors from the

Locals send big 'thank you' to Team Offutt

There are many different ways to thank military members for their service -- a handshake, smile or nod are ways an average citizen might recognize a servicemember; however, some like to show that their gratitude stretches a mile wide.Every year, a message appears in local fields near Offutt Air

Base brokers South Dakota land transfer

The 28th Bomb Wing transferred 53.32 acres of land to the South Dakota Ellsworth Development Authority, during a historic event, April 29. According to Box Elder, S.D. officials, the land gift will be used for commercial and school development in the city.Col. Jeffrey Taliaferro, 28th Bomb

ACC Airman among casualties in Kabul

Maj. Raymond G. Estelle II, an Airman assigned to Headquarters Air Combat Command, died April 27, at the Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from gunfire. "Major Estelle was an extraordinary Airman and invaluable member of our team. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts

Rescue Airmen engage hostile forces to retrieve 'Fallen Angels'

Airmen from Bagram Airfield's 83rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron performed a daring mountainside rescue here, April 23, after an Army helicopter crashed in a hostile Afghan valley.The Airmen, deployed from the 33rd RQS at Kadena Air Base, Japan, and the 212th RQS at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson,

Air Force Auxiliary provides aerial support to tornado-ravaged South

In an effort to assist those affected by the tornadoes that swept through the Southeast United States this week, the Air Force Auxiliary is flying over areas with major devastation to assist first responders and state and local officials as they assess the damage to the region.AFAUX pilots from

Airmen collect items for tornado-ravaged town

Recently, a tornado devastated the community of Fayetteville, N.C., and Airmen from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., didn't wait long to provide aid. Fayetteville and the surrounding area have a strong military community -- both Fort Bragg and Pope Field are located nearby. As quickly as the tornado hit,

CONR wins NORAD-level award

The Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region is NORAD's most outstanding unit for its support of the common defense and partnership in protecting the U.S. and Canadian homelands in 2010.During the Spring NORAD - U.S. Northern Command Commander's Conference April 12, Adm.

The unnamed conspirator

The 28th Bomb Wing hosted a seminar on rape and sexual assault, as a conclusion to Sexual Assault Awareness Month, April 27.Anne Munch, nationally recognized speaker on sexual assault, was featured at the event, called "Naming the Unnamed Conspirator.""I used to assume there were two parties to a

Photos: Containment efforts continue