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  • Standards never changed and tough minds remain

    Maj. Gen. Roger Burg, 20th Air Force commander, visited Minot Air Force Base Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009 to discuss the nature of nuclear surety here. "The standards have not changed...did not change," General Burg said, but offered, "Our application of those standards has changed dramatically." One of

  • "Speed" comes to Ellsworth

    A production team and show host from The Speed Channel's motorcycle centric program, "American Thunder," visited Ellsworth Feb. 11 and filmed part of an upcoming episode at the S.D. Air and Space Museum. The future episode concentrates on the attractions and cultural icons in the Black Hills area

  • "Seven Habits" course helps families succeed

    Air Combat Command knows providing excellent family readiness support is critical to mission success, especially during these times of increased operations tempo. To provide this support, ACC has employed a course specifically adapted to the military called "Seven Habits of Highly Effective Air

  • B-52 accident report released

    An improper stabilizer trim setting caused the July 21 crash of an Air Force B-52 aircraft northwest of Guam, according to an Air Combat Command accident investigation board report released today. Analysis of aircraft parts found during salvage operations revealed the aircraft's stabilizer trim was

  • "Military Saves" campaign kicks off

    The 2009 Military Saves Campaign kicks off Feb. 22 and runs through March 1. Military Saves is a Department of Defense financial readiness program. It was adopted by the Air Force to promote personal financial readiness among all Airmen and their families to "build wealth, not debt." This year, the

  • Army, Air Force overhaul joint ISR training

    A key group of Army and Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance professionals met at McChord Air Force Base, Wash., in December for a working group to discuss what is needed to ensure America has the best ISR forces on the ground and in the air. The two-day conference was one of two

  • Holloman receives new communication device

    Government computer users here recently received the capability to view news channels streamed over the network courtesy of Internet Protocol Television. IPTV is a system which allows the user to view media from broadcast cable channels through their computer desktop by using the base network. "IPTV

  • Back to basic

    More than 50 Shaw Airmen gathered in the Airman Leadership School auditorium Feb. 10 to listen to the opportunities of going back to basic--training. Tech. Sgt. Danica Eusay, a Basic Military Training instructor on the MTI Recruiting Team, briefed the Airmen and answered questions about life as an

  • Maintainers battle wear and tear

    Flying at 500 mph against five times the force of gravity brings extra significance to the term "wear and tear." Keeping the 4th Fighter Wing's fleet of almost 100 F-15E Strike Eagles safe and strong, despite the intense wear and tear, is the job of 50-plus Airmen who work at the 4th Equipment

  • Command visit prompts tech upgrade

    A command visit to the Joint Task Force-Space Transportation System, operations center prompted a major overhaul in the force tracking system used during space shuttle launches. During previous shuttle launches, rescue teams, commanded by Air Forces Northern commander Maj. Gen. Hank Morrow, tracked

  • DMO conducts first-ever warfighter training

    Positive progress continues for the Air Forces Northern Distributed Mission Operations program as a first-ever individualized warfighter training event was held at the 601st Air and Space Operations Center Jan. 28. DMO is a complex and comprehensive series of interconnected, manned command, control,

  • New "Warrior Airman" exhibit opens at USAF Museum

    The Airman's Creed promises that members of today's Air Force will be the nation's, "Sword and shield, its sentry defender and avenger."That sentiment was duly reinforced Jan.12 when the National Museum of the United States Air Force opened its "Warrior Airmen" exhibit. The newest addition to the

  • NORTHCOM/AFNORTH receives NIUSR Eagle award

    The commander of Air Forces Northern will be accepting the National Institute for Urban Search and Rescue's Eagle award on behalf of United States Northern Command Feb. 10. Maj. Gen. Hank Morrow, AFNORTH commander, will be presented the award during the NIUSR "SMART POWER-The Front Line" conference

  • Creech hosts first-ever UAS Aeromedical Summit

    More than 20 individuals from various specialties came to Creech AFB to participate in an Unmanned Aircraft System Aeromedical Summit from Jan. 27 to Jan. 30. The purpose of the summit was for the participants to gain a better understanding of the UAS community, mission and aeromedical needs. The

  • HAP House provides hope

    The Handicap are Producers House, more commonly known as HAP House, is a non-profit organization on Barksdale Air Force Base, that provides mentally and physically disabled adults the opportunity to work and earn a paycheck. Barksdale is the only military installation that allows a program like this

  • 2d Bomg Wing conducts Global Power mission

    Last week Airmen from the 2d Operations Groups flew two B-52 Stratofortress bombers beginning a vital Global Power training mission. The Airmen flew nonstop across the Atlantic Ocean, over the Mediterranean Sea and the Middle East region en route to a base in the Indian Ocean. From there they will

  • Warbirds compete in load competition

    Airmen from the 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Minot Air Force Base, competed in a bomb-loading competition Feb. 2 to 3. The competition features the best load crews from five bomber bases, and is part of Giant Sword II, which is a weapons loading and security forces competition sponsored by

  • 552 ACW Airmen support CREW; protect lives

    Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Devices are a common threat to lives in deployed locations, yet the casualties due to these RCIEDs are becoming fewer as Airmen from Tinker Air Force Base step up to help. Several members from the 552nd Air Control Wing have voluntarily deployed to some of the

  • Wing and a prayer

    In a long overdue award ceremony Feb. 2, an American hero was presented the Army's Distinguished Service Cross for leading a formation of B-24s on an extremely dangerous mission during World War II. Then-Capt. Walter T. Holmes, operations officer for the 68th Bombardment Squadron, 44th Bombardment

  • MQ-1B Predator accident report released

    An ignition module failure caused the crash of an MQ-1B Predator east of Ali Air Base (AB), Iraq, May 2, according to an Air Combat Command Accident Investigation Board report released today. The $3.8 million Predator was assigned to the 432nd Wing at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. There were no

  • Weapons load crew members compete for Load Crew of 2008

    Spectators gathered from all over Holloman Jan. 30 to watch and participate in the first-ever F-22A Raptor Weapons Load Crew of the Year competition at Holloman Air Force Base. Two crews of three Airmen from the 7th Aircraft Maintenance Unit went head-to-head to earn the rights of being named the

  • The French connection: France's general visits Barksdale

    French Lt. Gen. Gilles Desclaux, France's commander in chief of air defense and air operations, visited Barksdale January 25 to 28 on behalf of the 8th Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Robert J. Elder, to discuss ongoing operations and to fly in a B-52. "France as a country is considering participating

  • Hunters fly Reapers here via New Mexico

    Members from the 432d Wing completed a successful test flight from New Mexico Jan. 15 after flying an MQ-9 Reaper over Fort Irwin, Calif., training air space using remote split operations. Remote split operations allowed 432d Wing Airmen to control the aircraft, via satellite link, from two separate

  • MICs provide vital support to Predator, Reaper mission

    MQ-1B Predator and MQ-9 Reaper crews at the 432d Air Expeditionary Wing fly combat operations 24-hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year in support of coalition ground and air forces operating in Iraq and Afghanistan. A Predator or Reaper crew consists of three Airmen: a pilot, sensor

  • Airmen get more than they bargained for in "yo-yo" car sales

    Airmen should be aware of car dealerships that are quick to approve vehicle purchases. The buyer may get much more than they bargained for. Consumers expect dealerships to uphold hold up their end of an agreement if timely payments are made, but what happens when they don't? A "yo-yo" sale is when a

  • ACC commander visits Barksdale

    Gen. John D. W. Corley, Air Combat Command commander, paid a visit to Barksdale Air Force Base Jan. 26 and 27. Senior leadership from Barksdale's 8th Air Force, 2d Bomb Wing and 917th Wing greeted their commanding officer before he set out to tour the base and meet with Airmen. Gen. Corley's

  • CONR TO FLY AIR PATROLS SUPPORTING SUPER BOWL XLIII

    Continental U.S. NORAD Region fighters will be busy for Super Bowl XLIII protecting the skies around Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Air Force fighter jets may be visible Sunday while enforcing the Federal Aviation Administration's temporary flight restriction zone during Sunday's big game. Maj.

  • General offers top perspective to Airmen here

    Air Combat Command's commander offered his perspective on current Air Force topics to 4th Fighter Wing Airmen here Jan. 23. "First of all, I want to thank you for your service," Gen. John Corley said. "And I'm genuine about it because I'm serving with you as an Airman." As the son, husband and

  • Blue Coach improves 5th SFS tactics, awareness, vigilance, survivability

    The 5th Security Forces Squadron is participating in a series of training classes, which began Jan. 5, in an Air Force-wide initiative to improve the tactics, awareness, vigilance and survivability of security forces here. "This training better prepares us for any situation we may come across," said

  • PTSD awareness is key to treatment

    After a trauma or life threatening event it's common to have upsetting memories of what happened, to have trouble sleeping, to feel jumpy, or to lose interest in things you used to enjoy. For some people, these reactions don't go away on their own, or may even worsen over time. These people may have

  • Langley presidential inauguration mission video available

    The 1st Fighter Wing, from Langley AFB, Va., flew a Noble Eagle mission supporting the Presidential Inauguration Jan. 20. A video highlighting the Airmen who flew and supported the F-22 Raptor during this historical event in the nation's history is available. You can view the Noble Eagle video here

  • ACC selects best comptrollers for 2008

    Air Combat Command announced selections Jan. 12 for the 2008 ACC Financial Management and Comptroller awards. The awards recognize the best financial management personnel and programs in ACC and encompass all facets of financial management from financial analysis to customer support. "Each award

  • 28 MXG, MSG strengths lead to LSET pass

    The Air Combat Command Logistics Standardization Evaluation Team wrapped up a week-long inspection of the 28th Maintenance and Mission Support Groups' logistical functions Jan. 16 during an out-brief conducted at wing headquarters. The commanders of both groups praised the members of their units for

  • ACC chief selects gather at Offutt for 2009 Chief's Orientation

    Approximately 130 chief master sergeant selects braved the sub zero temperatures of Nebraska's winter to attend the 2009 Chief's Orientation here Jan. 12-15. The orientation is an intense four-day course designed to build a cornerstone for the service expected of senior master sergeants who have

  • USAFCENT commander visits Creech

    The commander of U.S. Air Forces Central visited Creech Jan. 13 to get a first-hand look at MQ-1B Predator and MQ-9 Reaper Unmanned Aircraft Systems operations and thank Airmen assigned here for their contributions to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. This was Lt. Gen. Gary North's first visit to

  • 355th FW wraps up Phase II operational readiness exercise

    Today, the 355th Fighter Wing here ended its three-day Phase II operational readiness exercise, which began officially at 12:00 a.m. Jan. 13. Designed and planned by the 355th FW's Inspections, Plans and Programs office, the Phase II ORE practiced the wing's ability to generate combat sorties in a

  • Phase II prepares Beale for fall ORI

    Various members of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing participated in a Phase II Operational Readiness Exercise held Jan. 13 to 15. Unlike a Phase I exercise which readies Airmen for a deployment, a Phase II is set in the deployed environment. In this scenario, exercise participants were reassigned from

  • 301 FW, Det 1. commander takes to the skies

    With his historic flight on Jan. 7, Col. Donald "Louie" Lindberg became the first Air Force Reserve pilot of the 301st Fighter Wing to fly an F-22A Raptor mission at Holloman Air Force Base. The flight marked the operational arrival of the Air Force's Total Force Integration at Holloman. "It was a

  • Creech Air Force Base marks 67th year

    On Jan. 14, 2009, Creech Air Force Base reflects on 67 years of proud service to the nation. Today Creech is home to the 432d Wing and 432d Air Expeditionary Wing, 99th Ground Combat Training Squadron, 98th Southern Ranges Support Squadron and the Joint UAS Center of Excellence. Creech AFB was first

  • Soaring Heights opens new homes

    Soaring Heights Communities has opened the doors to the first series of new homes at Holloman AFB. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to commemorate this milestone and to officially hand-over the keys to the first new home. "This is more than a celebration of building new homes," said Ryan Kleinau,

  • Enemy rifle serves as reminder of airpower's impact

    An AK-47 assault rifle once used against American servicemembers now serves as a reminder of the Air Force's impact on the Global War on Terror. Within the 336th Fighter Squadron's heritage display case, the rifle lays front and center next to the squadron memorabilia from past wars and conflicts. A

  • CNE, OFDA, JTF-B partner to save lives of earthquake victims

    Four helicopters and 34 servicemembers from Joint Task Force-Bravo at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, began flying search and rescue missions Saturday in the vicinity of San Miguel and continued their search for victims Sunday after a magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck here Thursday. The crews evacuated

  • Financial roadshow targets money goals, worries

    Mutual funds, money market accounts, Roth or traditional individual retirement accounts, adjustable rate mortgages, income trusts. Just trying to keep track of the multitude of investment and financial terms out there can be overwhelming, let alone understanding how to invest or even just break even

  • ACC selects best communicators for 2008

    Air Combat Command announced selections Dec. 30, for the 2008 ACC Public Affairs Awards for Communication Excellence. The awards recognize the best public affairs programs in ACC, and they encompass all facets of communication from multimedia to band efforts. "We are so pleased with the

  • Holloman hosts Safety Day

    To kick off the New Year, Holloman hosted a Safety Day for all members who work on base to stress the importance of safety in all activities and encourage a culture of responsible choices. "Although we accept risk for mission accomplishment, I urge you to think about ways to risk manage the mission

  • 28 SFS increases snow rescue capabilities

    The 28th Security Forces Squadron installed a rubber track conversion system Dec. 19, 2008 on two of their all-terrain vehicles in order to improve their snow rescue capabilities.The idea to use the conversion system on vehicles is a method already employed by the 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron

  • 27th Fighter Squadron deploys to Western Pacific

    More than 200 personnel and 12 F-22A Raptors from the 27th Fighter Squadron departed for Japan Jan. 6 and 7 for their Air Expeditionary Force deployment. An additional 12 F-22A Raptors from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, are deploying to Guam. These deployments demonstrate the continued U.S.

  • 432d AMXS members return from Iraq deployment

    More than 40 Airmen recently returned from a three-month deployment to Joint Base Balad in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom where they formed the first MQ-9 Reaper Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Unit in support of Reaper Combat Air Patrols in Iraq. The deployed unit was comprised of Airmen

  • Rocketeers fire live missiles during evaluation

    The Rocketeers of the 336th Fighter Squadron returned here from a two-week air-to-air combat evaluation, called Combat Archer, at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Dec. 19. Combat Archer, which is conducted by the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group, exercises and evaluates the total air-to-air weapons system

  • 28th Bomb Wing sets FOD-free record

    The 28th Bomb Wing has gone more than a year without a chargeable FOD incident, marking another record for the B-1 community. "In the world of aviation, FOD can become a major contributor to maintenance costs," said Master Sgt. Larry Anderson, 28 BW FOD manager. "In order to fully understand how

  • 505th Command and Control Airmen help roll out new engines on Joint STARS

    America's combat edge got sharper this week, as the Air Force's first E-8C Joint STARS aircraft to be equipped with new engines was unveiled here Dec. 16. The new Pratt and Whitney JT8D-219 engines will make Joint STARS quieter, more reliable and more effective for the warfighter, and 505th Command

  • 'Angel Tree' flourishes with gifts

    Children from the Youth and Family Services Child Care Center lined the halls, waiting in a silent anticipation, for Santa and members of the 28th Bomb Wing to arrive. The anticipation was broken with sounds of joy as Santa, better know as Master Sgt. Cary Loeffler, 28th Operations Support Squadron

  • F-22As scheduled to deploy to Japan, Guam

    The U.S. Air Force is scheduled to deploy two contingents of F-22A Raptors to the Pacific theater in January 2009 for approximately three months. Current plans call for 12 of the fighters to deploy to Kadena Air Base, Japan, from Langley Air Force Base, Va., and another 12 to deploy to Andersen Air

  • Guard squadron dispatches Airmen into missile fields for the first time

    Two Airmen from the 219th Security Forces Squadron of the 119th Wing, North Dakota Air National Guard became part of history Dec. 18 as they became the first Air Guard Airmen deployed into missile fields here. Staff Sgt. John Chalupa and Airman 1st Class Erik Foss, both of the 219th SFS, each had

  • ACC leadership discusses current, future challenges with Balad Airmen

    The commander of Air Combat Command and members of ACC's A-staff spoke to 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Airmen about current and upcoming events surrounding Air Force combat operations during an Airman's Call here earlier this month. Gen. John Corley discussed the impact of current economic trends on

  • Offutt legend retires after 35 years of Air Force civil service

    More than 200 friends, family members, peers and current and former base firefighters gathered in the bay of the fire station here Dec. 12 to bid farewell to an Offutt legend - Fire Chief Robin E. Gullie. Recognizing a member who is retiring from a career of long and honorable service is one of the

  • Geothermal heating to save money, energy at MAFB

    Geothermal heating has been used since the time of the Romans as a way of heating buildings; now, it has come to Minot AFB. The 5th Bomb Wing headquarters building is currently undergoing construction to utilize geothermal heating by having 39 ground source heat pumps installed in the building along

  • Beale reservist designs ornament for White House Christmas tree

    A reservist with the 940th Air Refueling Wing was selected by California's second district congressman and the 9th Reconnaissance Wing commander to design an ornament for the White House Christmas tree. The theme for this year's White House Christmas celebration is "Red, White and Blue Christmas"

  • Nomads prove readiness during week-long exercise

    This week's Operation Noble Eagle exercise proves Nomads of the 33rd Fighter Wing are ready and able to respond, with a sense of urgency, anytime and anywhere to support in our nation's defense. "F-15s will be on alert, ready to scramble and launch against air threats to a simulated no fly zone that

  • General Schwartz sees full spectrum of fly, fight, win

    Gen. Norton Schwartz and his wife Suzie visited Creech and Nellis Air Force Bases, Dec. 13, to meet with Airmen and get a first-hand look at operations. This was General Schwartz's first visit to both bases since becoming the 19th chief of staff. He said it was important for him to visit Creech and

  • Airmen become first enlistees to join 301st Fighter Wing, Det. 1

    On Dec. 4, two Airmen re-enlisted as the first two reservists to join the 301st Fighter Wing, Detachment 1, at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. After taking the oath, reservists now have the option to further their career in the Air Force while pursuing their own goals outside of Holloman. "The biggest

  • Exercise Angel Thunder provides life-saving training

    The largest personnel recovery exercise in the world, which included joint, coalition, interagency and international players, ended Dec. 12, at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., with 773 hours and 262 sorties flown, 25 recovery events completed and 890 people trained. Dubbed Angel Thunder, this

  • Wanna make an Air Force commercial?

    Senior leaders are asking Airmen to get behind the camera and submit a video for the next Air Force advertising campaign. The contest has begun and runs until Jan. 9. Airmen are encouraged to create a video depicting what their unit or they do to support the Air Force mission, as well as highlight

  • Twelfth Air Force (Air Forces Southern) commander visits Creech

    The Twelfth Air Force (Air Forces Southern) commander visited Creech Dec. 8 to meet with Airmen of the 432d Wing and get a first-hand look at operations and quality of life here. This was the fourth time Lt. Gen. Norman Seip, has been to Creech. He said he's been impressed at how far the base has

  • Sacramento Kings player brightens Airmen's holiday

    For some Beale Airmen, the holiday season just got a little bit brighter. At a Best Buy in Natomas Dec. 7, 25 local military members, including 10 Beale Airmen and their families, received a $200 shopping spree courtesy of Spencer Hawes, a center for the Sacramento Kings basketball team. The event,

  • Chairman of the joint chiefs visits Langley

    The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen, visited Langley Air Force Base, Va., 8 Dec. and received several briefings, but his top priority was talking with Airmen and thanking them for their service. Admiral Mullen held an "All Hands" call, and covered his key priorities before

  • An advanced quality of life

    The United States Air Force is infamous for its great quality of life, but Holloman has taken its quality of life to a new level. In late July, Holloman started implementing new quality of life initiatives monthly, many of which have already been set in motion. "The quality of life initiatives were

  • Iron Falcon means air superiority, record-breaking maintenance for Nomads

    Remaining "Mighty Gorillas" of the 58th Fighter Squadron and their supporting Nomad team redeployed Dec. 6 after effectively deterring "red air" targets in a more than month-long exercise over Southwest Asia. "All together, with a lot of fantastic Nomad support, the Mighty Gorilla team of pilots,

  • Three planes, one mission: Producing high-altitude ISR pilots

    A vehicle is spotted in a remote location in Southwest Asia and the occupants inside have hostile intentions. The call comes in and an RQ-4 Global Hawk is tasked to find the vehicle. From a small shelter, thousands of miles away, a pilot maneuvers the aircraft via satellite to find the enemy. From

  • It's none of my business...or is it?

    We've all watched the news clips where people are standing around watching as someone is victimized by a criminal event or emergency situation. Most of the bystanders did nothing to intervene in the situation and have continued walking or driving with seemingly no regard for the victim. What

  • Outsmarting the enemy, one bomb at a time

    Imagine walking to your car in the morning on your way to work knowing that you would get into a life threatening accident that day. Would you get in anyway, or would you call off and stay home? For Explosive Ordnance Disposal Airmen, there is no choice. As the "bomb squad" of the Air Force, EOD is

  • F-15D accident report released

    A combination of human factors and aircraft anomalies caused the spin during the July 30, 2008, crash of a two-seat F-15D fighter during a Red Flag exercise at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., according to an Air Combat Command accident investigation board report released today. The pilot in

  • Preferred B-52 squadron location announced

    Gen. John D.W. Corley, commander of Air Combat Command, with concurrence from the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, recently announced that Minot Air Force Base, N.D., is the preferred location for a fourth B-52 squadron to meet Department of Defense requirements for a full rapid response commitment

  • 49 CES plays their own game

    The 49th Civil Engineer Squadron put their own twist on exercise Coronet Gold Rush 08-08, after recently being tasked to the U.S. Northern Command's first dedicated response force. Comprised of Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines, the force's main responsibility is to respond to potential

  • Exercise tests Airmen' s SABC skills

    While deployed, Airmen may find themselves in a situation where self-aid and buddy care (SABC) can mean the difference between life and death. Many Holloman Airmen were put to the SABC test recently with the start of the phase two exercise: Coronet Gold Rush 08-08. On Nov. 18, one individual

  • Remains of B-52 aircrew laid to rest at Arlington

    The remains of six B-52 Stratofortress aircrew members killed when their aircraft crashed off the northwest coast of Guam July 21 were laid to rest in a ceremony held Nov. 14 at Arlington National Cemetery. Dozens of family members, friends and Airmen gathered at the graveside to bury Col. George T.

  • Outstanding DelQuest students visit 552 ACW

    Airmen from the 552nd Air Control Wing spent an afternoon mentoring 25 gifted high school students from the Del City district November 13 as they toured the E-3 Sentry and mission simulators. The event was sponsored by the DelQuest Future Leaders of America Program, which selects deserving high

  • MQ-1B PREDATOR ACCIDENT REPORT RELEASED

    A catastrophic electrical system overload caused the crash of an MQ-1B Predator at Balad AB, Iraq, June 2 according to an Air Combat Command Accident Investigation Board report released today. The $4 million Predator, which was assigned to the 432nd Wing at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., was damaged

  • 2nd Bomb Wing completes NSI

    The 2nd Bomb Wing just completed the first no-notice nuclear surety inspection conducted in over fifteen years according to Air Combat Command officials. "Nuclear surety inspections are the most demanding inspections we conduct, and conducting them on a no-notice basis ensures ACC Airmen are

  • Team Eglin engineer on list of AF best

    After months of tough competition, a Team Eglin engineer was officially announced as winner of the 2007 Air Force Outstanding Mid-Career Civilian Engineer in September at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio in front of senior Air Force leadership. A surprised Lance Hofman, Lead B-1 Defensive Systems

  • Aerospace Physiology flight trains, protects pilots

    Tucked away in a corner of the flightline area sits Bldg. 1029, home of the 9th Physiological Support Squadron and one of the most unique operations in the Air Force. The building houses the Aerospace Physiological Training Flight, an 18 member flight entrusted with the lives of the pilots who fly