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  • Behind the Scenes: The Making of an A-10C Pilot "Mission Prep"

    (Editor's note: Curious about what it takes to become an A-10 pilot? Follow along as this series showcases 1st Lt. Daniel Griffin's journey to becoming a fully qualified A-10C attack pilot.)It was a little after 8 p.m. on June 8 when I finally left the 358th Fighter Squadron. That afternoon I'd been

  • Moody hosts ACC-wide training event

    For the first time in Air Combat Command history, Aircrew Flight Equipment members from various ACC bases recently trained together at Moody in an effort to refine processes involved in decontamination.The training event involved the use of the Lightweight Inflation Decontamination system, a

  • Air Force chief of staff presents combat decoration to Nellis Airman

    The Air Force's top military leader took time during a visit to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing June 22 to present combat decorations to two Airmen, both of whom were injured by the detonation of an improvised explosive device while driving in a supply convoy in Iraq.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen.

  • Wing welcomes new commander, new name

     Hundreds of Airmen from across the 49th Fighter Wing welcomed a new commander and new wing name during a change of command ceremony June 25.Col. Jeff "Cobra" Harrigian became the last 49th FW commander when he relinquished command of the newly designated 49th Wing to Col. David "Kooler"

  • SJ Airmen impress COMACC

    The commander of Air Combat Command made a stop here June 16-17 to witness firsthand what Seymour Johnson Airmen bring to the fight."Thanks for the opportunity to visit and see all the great things our Airmen are doing at Seymour Johnson," said Gen. William M. Fraser III. "I've been extremely

  • Nellis honors lives, service of fallen Airmen

    One was an ROTC standout who passed up an offer to become an Air Force pilot in order to save lives. The other was a selfless individual who devoted his time, talents and energy to teaching his fellow Airmen to be the best. Both were leaders, mentors and friends who embodied the Air Force Rescue

  • Pararescuemen: Honoring fallen warriors

    More than 20 pararescuemen, active duty, retired and prior service, donned their service dress uniforms, with boots and maroon berets, and fell into formation. Local freedom riders holding American flags lined the street of the funeral procession. As their fallen comrade's remains arrived and were

  • COMACC visits Shaw, highlights Year of AF Family

    The commander of Air Combat Command, Gen. William M. Fraser III, recognized the contributions of 20th Fighter Wing Airmen during his visit here June 16.One of the main purposes for General Fraser's visit to Shaw was to recognize Airmen and their families and express the gratitude he has for them.

  • Officials choose bases for MQ-1, MQ-9 ground control stations

    Air Force officials released their basing decision for the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper ground control stations June 21.The final bases approved by the secretary and chief of staff of the Air Force are: Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. and Ellsworth AFB, S.D."The Air Force uses a deliberate, repeatable

  • Thunderbirds announce 2011 officer selections

    The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, commonly known as the "Thunderbirds," recently announced incoming officer selections for the 2011 demonstration season.Capt. Ryan Riley, an F-16 pilot stationed at Kunsan Air Base, Korea, will join the team as the left wing for the Squadron as

  • A-10C pilot, family headed to Argentina through Olmsted Scholar program

    An A-10C Thunderbolt II pilot assigned to the 358th Fighter Squadron here was one of 17 military officers selected by the George and Carol Olmsted Foundation to be a student in Olmsted Scholar Class of 2011. Maj. Sean Baerman, his wife Mandy and their 3-year-old-son, Teague will move to Buenos Aires

  • Rare birds: Luke F-16s provide 'red air' for Langley Raptors

    Fighters maneuvering in the skies over Langley is a way of life. However, spectators may have noticed a few unfamiliar jets launching from the flight line and seemingly agitating the beloved mainstay fleet of F-22 Raptors.The small, nimble planes are F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 62d Fighter

  • Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment increases UAS security

    Afghan and Iraqi coalition forces are being challenged by terrorist groups that are downloading and viewing footage of coalition unmanned surveillance aircraft on the internet. To address this problem, the Tactical Unbreakable Communications Air experiment was conducted at the Nevada Test and

  • Salvia, Spice use now punishable under UCMJ

    Air Force officials released a guidance memorandum June 9 which addresses the use and possession of Salvia Divinorum, Spice and other products used for the purpose of altering mood or function. The memorandum amends Air Force Instruction 44-121, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment

  • Four Airmen assigned to 23rd Wing killed in aircraft crash

    Four Airmen were killed and three were wounded June 10 when their aircraft, a HH-60G Pavehawk helicopter, assigned to the 55th Rescue Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., crashed June 9 in southeastern Afghanistan.The Airmen were deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and were

  • Global Strike Challenge comes to Ellsworth

    The 28th Bomb Wing joined six other bomb wings in the Air Force Global Strike Command's first-ever load competition, June 9. The competition consisted of a uniform inspection, general knowledge test, tool inspection, munitions build, weapons load and B-1B Lancer preflight inspection.The units that

  • Photos: Load crews crucial to sortie regeneration

    As part of the 4th Fighter Wing's Phase I Operational Readiness Exercise, load teams from the various aircraft maintenance units were tasked with arming F-15E Strike Eagles for combat, while adhering to a strict timetable. For the ORE, Airmen must generate a specific number of aircraft for aircrews

  • Shohna ba shohna

    On May 25, Air Combat Command hosted Afghan National Army Air Corps Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen. Mohammad Dawran, as part of the Combined Air Power Transition Force senior development and mentorship program.General Dawran toured through some of the U.S. Air Force's major commands with his mentor, Brig.

  • Post-deployment health reassessment provides follow-up care

    The Post-Deployment Health reassessment is part of the force health protection program. It extends care for the deployment-related health concerns of Airmen. The PDHRA provides education, screening, assessment and access to care for a wide variety of questions and concerns about personnel health

  • Special day honors all that red, white and blue represents

    The red symbolizes valor and bravery, the white - purity and innocence, and the blue - vigilance, perseverance and justice. They are the colors of the banner for which American citizens young and old pledge allegiance.Every year since 1916 when then President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential

  • Global Hawk takes northern route, improves efficiency

    Staff Sgt. Ryan Conversi's eyes remain focused on a pair of industrial-strength laptop computers as the time approaches for the next launch of an RQ-4 Global Hawk on the Beale Air Force Base flightline. One of the computers is a vehicle test controller and the other contains Sergeant Conversi's

  • 'Critical Days' safety message turns personal for Airman

    Military service officials have geared up their summer safety campaigns, encouraging servicemembers and their families to enjoy the season without becoming statistics during a period historically marred by a spike in off-duty accidents.Ninety-five servicemembers died last year during the "Critical

  • Joint Task Force-Bravo helps victims of Guatemala disaster

    Helicopters and personnel from Joint Task Force-Bravo transported 12,800 pounds of relief supplies June 3 to four areas of Guatemala affected by Tropical Storm Agatha and the Pacaya volcano eruption.The JTF-Bravo team, from Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, deployed to Guatemala June 1 after receiving

  • New tech-advanced classroom awaits F-35 students

    A foundation for how the first generation of F-35 Lightning II pilots and maintainers trains for the next half century continues to evolve here as 33rd Fighter Wing officials add state-of-the-art technology to the classroom arsenal. "The technology is fabulous. It brings us to a revolutionary new

  • Air Force fitness program revision rewards excellent Airmen

    Based upon service-wide feedback, Airmen who earn an "excellent" on the new fitness test will now only have to test once a year according to a new revision in the Air Force Fitness Program."We believe this will recognize fitness excellence and serve as an incentive for more Airmen to improve their

  • Technology drives new, better ways to educate Airmen

    Cell phones could soon be the ticket to keeping up with professional development requirements. That's just one concept being explored by officials at Air Education and Training Command, the Air Force's training and education component. Like their counterparts in the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, AETC

  • Air Force U-2 pilot receives top safety award

    A pilot who recovered a crippled U-2 during a night training mission received the Air Force's most prestigious flight safety award here June 1.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz presented Lt. Col. Joseph Santucci, the 99th Reconnaissance Squadron commander at Beale Air Force Base, Calif.,

  • DOD certifies 6 programs under Nunn-McCurdy Law breaches

    Department of Defense officials have certified that six acquisition programs, including the F-35 Lightning II and the DDG-1000 destroyer, should continue under Nunn-McCurdy legislation. The systems also include the block 3 upgrade program for the Apache AH-64 helicopter, the advanced threat infrared

  • ACC participates in Air Force Energy Forum III

    Air Combat Command shared its leading-edge energy conservation practices with other Air Force agencies at a forum in Washington, D.C. The ACC Energy Management Steering Group participate in the Air Force Energy Forum III, May 27 and 28. The Forum brings together agencies to focus on the service's

  • Sky's the limit: Raptor pilot surpasses 4,000 hours

    In order to stay proficient and ensure the Air Force's continued air dominance, pilots must train constantly in their fighters, logging hours upon hours in the cockpit. For one Langley pilot, years of missions added up to a remarkable milestone.Lt. Col. Robert Sandford, 192d Fighter Wing chief of

  • For Beth and a cure

    As darkness fell on Raleigh's Glenwood Avenue, 567th REDHORSE Squadron Commander Col. Tim Lamb maintained a steady pace -- the same light jog that had carried him, in just under three hours, some 15 miles.To passers-by, the sight of a lone runner making his way down the sidewalks that line one of

  • Seymour Johnson Airmen visit veterans

    In celebration of the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans, Airmen from Air Force Sergeant's Association Chapter 371, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base honor guard and various 4th Fighter Wing squadrons visited veterans at Durham Veteran Affairs Medical Center to show their appreciation, May 21.

  • Hurricane season begins June 1

    The National Hurricane Center is predicting an above-normal hurricane season for 2011, which begins June 1, so it is important to be prepared.According to the NHC, there are several steps involved with being prepared. Some of those things include developing a family plan, creating a disaster supply

  • Arizona boy discovers D-M as Pilot for a Day

    Nathan Hoffman, an 8-year-old who recently underwent a heart transplant surgery, toured the base May 21 as a participant in the Pilot for a Day program.The Pilot for a Day program gives local children with serious illnesses a special day for themselves and their families to enjoy, focusing on

  • EOD Airman receives third Bronze Star Medal

    The ability to calmly clear an improvised explosive ordnance blast zone or care for wounded Soldiers during a firefight are qualities not everyone possesses. Master Sgt. Van Hood, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal noncommissioned officer in charge of operations, plans and

  • Total force integration is key to current and future success

    In a memo dated Nov. 24, 2008, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates laid out the policy of total force integration to close the divide between active, reserve and guard components.Col. Mark McCauley is the commander of 192d Fighter Wing, Virginia Air National Guard, Langley Air Force Base, Va. His unit

  • Holloman lends hand to local community during Day of Caring

    More than 400 members of Team Holloman set out into the Tularosa Basin -- work gloves and tools in hand -- in support of the United Way of Otero County Day of Caring, May 14.The daylong event is held annually in an effort to help those in need with yard and house work due to physical and financial

  • F-22s set to deploy to Japan, Guam

    The U.S. Air Force is scheduled to deploy F-22A Raptors to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, and Kadena Air Base, Japan, in late May for approximately four months. Twelve F-22As will deploy from Holloman AFB to Kadena AB and another 12 will deploy from Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., to Andersen AFB.

  • Airmen work with CBP to secure border

    Through coordination with the Western Air Defense Sector in Washington state, the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region intercepted an ultralight aircraft near the Arizona-Mexico border, May 16.Two F-16s from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., were dispatched at

  • 4th FW Strike Eagles assist shuttle launch

    Airmen from the 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Goldsboro, N.C., along with the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region (CONR) and Air Forces Northern Command provided crucial airspace control and manning support to the successful launch of Space Shuttle

  • Air Force chief of staff addresses 2010 CAF Airpower Symposium

    Although last minute plane troubles kept the Air Force's top uniformed leader from physically attending the 2010 Combat Air Forces Airpower Symposium at Langley May 19, it didn't keep him from delivering his keynote address to participants.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz addressed

  • Photos: Breathe in, breathe out

    Airmen from the 4th Logistics Readiness Squadron issued the M-50 Joint Service General Purpose Mask to approximately 3,200 Airmen here. The M-50 JSGPM is the new standard gas mask for all military branches. The Air Force is in the process of systematically replacing all MCU-2A/P masks servicewide.

  • Davis-Monthan reaches out on social media networks

    Davis-Monthan joined a new online community this week with the launch of an official base Facebook page and Twitter profile, May 18. The social media sites will help deliver Davis-Monthan's stories, images and information to online audiences, while bringing audiences closer to the D-M mission and

  • Airmen deploy in support of OIF

    Nearly 300 Airmen here deployed on an air expeditionary force deployment to Iraq, May 15.Airmen from the 55th Fighter Squadron and 55th Aircraft Maintenance Unit "Shooters," as well as 20th Component Maintenance and Equipment Maintenance Airmen set out to support Operation Iraqi Freedom."I can say

  • Shaw opens Air Force's first supervised childcare area at fitness center

    The fitness center here recently opened the Air Force's first free, supervised childcare area to allow parents the opportunity to work out without their children.In the past, the fitness center had a room where parents could watch their child while working out, but now there are two

  • Photos: 4th Component Maintenance Squadron keeps engines running

    The 4th Component Maintenance Squadron provides equipment maintenance support for more than 110 F-15E and C model aircraft assigned here and at Langley Air Force Base, Va. The fleet -- as a whole -- is worth more than $6 billion. The Airmen perform avionics, electronic weapons, egress, pneudraulics,

  • ANG security forces protect Ardent Sentry participants

    While more than 250 participants of Exercise Ardent Sentry '10 are here honing their skills to protect American citizens against threats from the air, Airmen of the Georgia Air Guard's 165th Security Forces Squadron are protecting them on the ground. Sgt. Andrew Bryant is team chief for 'Talon 1,'

  • Master sergeant saves choking lieutenant

    By all accounts, Master Sgt. Robert Johnson is pretty unflappable. So when a lieutenant next to him began choking on his lunch, the sergeant calmly got up and performed the Heimlich Maneuver, successfully dislodging the obstruction."It happened so fast, I barely knew what happened," said Tech. Sgt.

  • Ardent Sentry '10 scans Savannah skies

    More than 250 Soldiers, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen in the Coastal Empire, along with 380 sailors on a destroyer off the Georgia coast, have begun 24-hour operations as a major air defense exercise kicked off May 17. Ardent Sentry 10 is a major North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, air

  • Team Holloman supports DOD Marrow Donor Program

    If you were given the chance to potentially save a life, would you take it? This is the question that hundreds of Team Holloman members asked themselves during a basewide bone marrow donor drive May 3 through 7. More than 1,000 of those patrons answered "yes."In an effort headed by the 49th

  • Airmen support successful space shuttle launch

    The Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, or CONR, and Air Forces Northern provided crucial airspace control and manning support to the successful launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis, May 14.CONR ensured airspace sovereignty by enforcing the Federal Aviation Administration's

  • Ironmen accomplish first active-duty flight using new radar system

    The 71st Fighter Squadron launched the first active-duty F-15 Eagle equipped with Boeing's Active Electronically Scanned Array radar system, May 12.Boeing technicians installed the AESA radar, known as the V3, on the first of eight F-15s to receive the upgrade. Lt. Col. Joel Cook, 71 FS commander,

  • The making of an A-10C pilot: First refueling

    Editor's note: Curious about what it takes to become an A-10 pilot? Follow along as this series showcases 1st Lt. Daniel Griffin's journey to becoming a fully qualified A-10C attack pilot.In the days leading up to his first airborne refueling mission, 1st Lt. Dan Griffin said he felt excited ... yet

  • Nellis breaks ground for two new child development centers

    The 99th Air Base Wing held a groundbreaking ceremony May 12 to mark the beginning of construction for two new child development centers which will support Airmen, joint partners and their families in the Nellis community.The two facilities are key components in helping to build a spirit of

  • Last TF34 engine leaves Shaw

    The last TF34 engine built at Shaw rolled onto a truck bound for Moody Air Force Base, Ga., May 11. The movement marked the close of an era at Shaw. The 20th Component Maintenance Squadron's Propulsion Flight at Shaw began working on the TF34-GE-100A engine that powers the A-10 Thunderbolt in 1992,

  • 822nd SFS Airmen train for, compete in annual ranger competition

    Two Airmen from the 822nd Security Forces Squadron recently competed in the 27th annual David E. Grange Jr. Best Ranger Competition at Fort Benning, Ga.Master Sgt. Michael Miller, 822nd SFS Bravo Flight sergeant, and 1st Lt. Daniel Norwood, 822nd SFS Charlie Flight commander, began training in

  • Air Force Rescue Coordination Center helps rescue aviator trapped in trees

    The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center here worked with local authorities to rescue an individual who crashed his glider near Altoona, Pa., the afternoon of May 9."After the Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking system picked up the pilot's 406 personal locator beacon signal, we tried to

  • Air Forces Northern readies for cyber inspection

    Just as failure is not an option when it comes to 1st Air Force's homeland defense mission, neither is it an option when it comes to the upcoming Command Cyber Readiness Inspection, May 17 through 21."This inspection is going to have a lot more teeth than previous ones, along the intensity lines of

  • Photos: Aircrew flight equipment technicians compete

    In the tradition of the "Turkey Shoot" competition, the 4th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technicians competed amongst each other to determine who could prepare an aircrew member for flight the fastest with the least amount of errors here, May 7. During the competition,

  • Airmen work hand-in-hand to make Shaw air show a success

    Despite the hot weather, thousands of people flooded the gates here to see the mission and capabilities of today's Air Force at Shaw's biennial air show, May 8 and 9.From the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, to static aircraft displays and many aerial performances, ShawFest 2010 had something for

  • 705th CTS captures three awards in April

    During April, the 705th Combat Training Squadron and its Airmen garnered one Air Force-level award and two command-level awards.705th CTS earns third modeling and simulation training awardThe 705th Combat Training Squadron was awarded the Air Force Modeling and Simulation Training Award for 2009 on

  • Air Forces Northern supports oil containment efforts

    At the request of U.S. Northern Command, and to assist the U.S. Coast Guard's efforts to contain the oil spill in the western Gulf of Mexico, Air Forces Northern is providing units to help disperse the spill and mitigate its impacts when the spill makes its way toward the shoreline.Under the command

  • Ellsworth establishes social media presence

    The 28th Bomb Wing launched its official presence on popular social media networks, May 7.The effort includes an Ellsworth Facebook page and Twitter account for both the 28th BW and its commander,  Col. Jeffrey Taliaferro, which provide additional channels for communicating the wing's messages."We

  • Photos: Fire up the engine

    The 4th Component Maintenance Squadron jet engine mechanics provide a unique service by ensuring the F-15E Strike Eagles here stay in the air.These Airmen receive every damaged jet engine removed from an aircraft. They spend their days receiving, inspecting, breaking down, repairing and rebuilding

  • ACC commander speaks to 552nd Air Control Wing Airmen

    The commander of Air Combat Command wrapped up a two-day visit here April 29 with an "all-call" assembly for 552nd Air Control Wing Airmen.During the event, Gen. William M. Fraser III spoke about the importance of dedicated, resilient and innovative Airmen.He also spoke about the 552nd ACW mission

  • JTF-Bravo provides medical care to 1,100 Nicaraguans

    Tucked away in the countryside of Nicaragua, more than 25 American, Nicaraguan and Honduran medical professionals provided healthcare May 3 through 6 to more than 1,100 residents in and around El Ayote. This team, made up of Soldiers, Airmen and civilians from Joint Task Force-Bravo as well as

  • ACC commander sends 'Critical Days of Summer' safety message

    Editor's note: The following message was written by Gen. William M. Fraser III, commander of Air Combat Command, to highlight the importance of safety throughout the "Critical Days of Summer."Commanders and directors,We will officially start the "Critical Days of Summer" May 28 with the Memorial Day

  • Boy Scouts celebrate 100 years of scouting at Beale

    Team Beale welcomed more than 7,000 Boy Scouts May 1 and 2 as part of their 100 years of scouting celebration.The Boy Scouts erected a colorful tent city in the Dragon Town area of Beale and explored the flightline as they learned about the mission of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing and the Air Force.

  • ShawFest offers historical perspective of aircraft

    ShawFest 2010 will offer spectators the chance to see a wide variety of military aircraft spanning the history of military aviation. Some of the planes that will be on display here include:The North American B-25 Mitchell will be one of the aircraft performing in the air show. The design for the

  • As mother battles cancer, son finds comfort with Air Force

    Ask a young child what he wants to be when he grows up, and you usually get responses like a teacher, a police officer, a firefighter, a doctor or even a pilot. But when a child responds with, 'I want to grow up with my mom at my side,' you know he is a child whose family bonds grow extremely

  • Photos: Seymour Johnson runs for Wounded Warriors

    The 4th Force Support Squadron hosted a Wounded Warrior Project half marathon and 10-kilometer race open to the entire Goldsboro community, May 1. The event raised awareness about the program, which helps honor and empower wounded servicemembers. The Wounded Warrior Foundation follows a set of core

  • Mountain Home launches Facebook and YouTube sites

    As of May 1, Gunfighters can visit and participate on the official Mountain Home Air Force Base Gunfighters page on Facebook and the 366th Fighter Wing channel on YouTube from their government computers.To view the official page on Facebook and channel on YouTube, users may visit

  • Offutt to observe National Police Week

    They defend the public around the clock. They respond to emergencies, domestic disputes and hostage situations. They're the warriors who keep the streets of America and the Offutt community safe.Offutt will observe National Police Week here May 9 through 15, with several events culminating in a

  • ACC chaplains discuss suicide prevention

    Air Combat Command chaplains gathered to discuss the problem of suicide during a Comprehensive Airman Fitness conference in Newport News, Va., April 27 through 29. During the conference, the event's keynote speaker, Dr. Thomas Joiner, the Robert O. Lawton distinguished professor of psychology at

  • Airmen 'Jump into Prevention'

    Airmen and civilians gathered at the Lincoln Regional Airport, April 30 to skydive as part of Sexual Assault Awareness month.The event, titled "Jump into Prevention," gave 38 people the chance to skydive while raising awareness about sexual assault.The idea came about more than 10 years ago when a

  • Air Combat Command opens access to social media sites

    Starting May 1, bases across Air Combat Command will have access to more than 30 social media websites.The decision to allow open access to the sites was based on a Department of Defense directive published in February, where officials highlighted the capabilities of social media. Testing began

  • Wingman Stand Down 2010 in May focuses on Airmen safety, well-being

    For a half day in May, Airmen will learn strategies to prevent suicides and private motor vehicle accidents as part of Wingman Stand Down 2010. The exact date for the stand down will be left to individual units to determine.In a jointly signed letter, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz

  • 74 FS produces record-breaking 205 sorties in three days

    The 74th Fighter Squadron recently conducted surge operations from April 26 to 28 with a goal at the end of the three days to fly 138 sorties.The squadron's main focus during the surge operations was to test their capability to produce as many sorties within the three-day span and to simulate

  • Seymour Johnson honor guard Airman earns ACC-level award

    The base honor guard noncommissioned officer in charge here took home a command-level award from the Air Combat Command 2010 Outstanding Airmen of the Year banquet in La Vista, Neb., April 21.Tech. Sgt. Stacey Hines, a native of Zanesville, Ohio, received the Honor Guard Program Manager of the Year