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  • 31st TES begins F-35 Initial Operational Test and Evaluation

    The 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron kicked off the DoD’s F-35 Initial Operational Test and Evaluation with a large force employment sortie from Edwards AFB, Calif. Dec. 5. During the IOT&E phase the 31st TES F-35 pilots will fly over 30 missions designed to fully evaluate the complete air system

  • AMMO keeps heartbeat

    While many Team Shaw members are sound asleep, some Airmen must continue to keep the heart of the base beating with 24-hour operations. The 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron is one of many squadrons that work throughout the night.

  • AIR FORCE TO CONDUCT FIRST POST HURRICANE AIR-TO-AIR EXERCISE AT TYNDALL,

    The 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group will conduct its first post-Hurricane Michael COMBAT ARCHER Dec. 3-14. This COMBAT ARCHER will exercise and evaluate the air-to-air weapon system capability of F-22s from the 27th Fighter Squadron from Langley AFB, Va and two F-35s from the 58th Fighter Squadron at

  • U.S. Air Force hydrazine team train Chilean Airmen

    A U.S. Air Force hydrazine Mobile Training Team traveled to Los Condores Air Base, Chile, to conduct classroom instruction and hands-on training with Chilean Air Force fuels technicians.Hydrazine is a back-up fuel used in F-16 Fighting Falcons that allows a pilot to regain control in the event of an

  • Teamwork leads to mission readiness

    In the military, many times the mission prevails through teamwork; teamwork throughout squadrons, organizations and internally within each shop. With some jobs, teamwork is much more crucial to the specific mission, which is why fire training is so important for the 20th Civil Engineer Squadron fire

  • Deploying mental health care downrange

    Deployed mental health providers play a vital role in delivering medical care downrange, ensuring the health of the warfighter and the mission.Even though service members who deploy are medically ready, both physically and mentally, the rigors of deployment can take a toll.

  • F-35A combat power exercise conducted at Hill AFB

    The active duty 388th Fighter Wing and Air Force Reserve 419th Fighter Wing conducted a combat power exercise Nov. 19, launching dozens of F-35A Lightning IIs within a condensed period of time.

  • 388th FW drops GBU-49 in combat training

    The 388th Fighter Wing’s 34th Fighter Squadron recently returned from a weapons evaluation exercise at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, where they employed the GBU-49 for the first time in F-35A combat training. The GBU-49 is a laser and GPS guided bomb that can be used in a variety of conditions

  • QF-16 delivered to Hurricane ravaged Tyndall AFB

    The recent delivery of a QF-16 from Boeing to the 82nd Aerial Target Squadron marks an important milestone on the road to Tyndall AFB’s recovery.The QF-16 enables live fire weapons testing in the Joint Gulf Range Complex, which is made up of 180,000 square miles that stretches from Key West to

  • 388th Fighter Wing completes combat exercise

    The 388th Fighter Wing’s 4th Fighter Squadron and 4th Aircraft Maintenance Unit recently completed a combat exercise where they tested and evaluated their capabilities to operate the F-35A Lightning II in a deployed environment.The units focused on combat operations and tactical scenarios – aircraft

  • ELRS Airmen open new Desert Depot

    Airmen assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron celebrated the relocation of the Desert Depot here during a ribbon cutting ceremony Oct. 30, 2018.

  • RC-135: Team Mildenhall Airmen enable mission

    The U.S. Air Force long ago recognized future wars would not solely be fought on air, ground, or sea, and to prepare for that reality, the use of electronic warfare was crucial.Electronic warfare is comprised of jamming communication systems, and electronic support protection tactics, such as

  • Langley firefighters rope way to preparedness

    Firefighters assigned to the 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron participated in a Rescue Technician One Course, here, from Sept. 24 to Oct. 18, 2018. Instructors from the 312th Training Squadron at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, taught 11 U.S. Air Force Airmen how to run emergencies during rescue

  • USAFSAM readies operational mental health care providers

    The U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine has set up Air Force’s first operational training program for embedded mental health care providers and technicians, preparing them to join Integrated Operational Support teams.Since May, Air Force mental health care providers, technicians and social

  • 53rd Wing brings future faster with largest LFTE

    The 53rd Test and Evaluation Wing conducted a large force training exercise (LFTE) with their Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) weapons systems on the Nevada Test and Training Range last month.

  • 563rd RQG realigns to the 355th FW

    The 563rd Rescue Group, a geographically-separated unit out of Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, was realigned from the 23rd Wing to Davis-Monthan AFB’s 355th Fighter Wing Oct. 1, 2018.The realignment brought all rescue squadrons and maintenance units that fall under the 563rd RQG, to include other

  • New tech to ease F-35A flight line maintenance

    Maintainers on Hill’s flight line are beginning to utilize new high-tech, hand-held tablets to work on the F-35A, America’s most advanced multi-role fighter aircraft. The handheld tablets will augment laptops, called Portable Maintenance Aids, currently used by Airmen to connect to the F-35A’s

  • Robotics key to medical Airmen recruitment, retention, readiness

    With surgical robots becoming the standard of care across many specialties, the Air Force Medical Service is keeping up with the latest advancements to provide the best patient care and maintain Airman readiness.Robotics has been the standard for years in the private sector, especially in OB-GYN and

  • Combat Support Wing exercise showcases agile lethality

    More than 150 Airmen from seven major commands participated in a Combat Support Wing proof-of-concept exercise Sept. 05-19 that tested a small team’s capability to conduct agile downrange operations. The exercise, conducted at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, with forward deployments to Moody Air

  • Air advisors teach Colombian air force to ‘Help Itself’

    The 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron (MSAS) recently conducted a Building Partnerships Capacity (BPC) mission in Bogota, Colombia.The 17-member mobile training team (MTT), including members of the Wyoming Air National Guard and the Colorado Air Force Reserves, executed a four-week joint

  • AF deploys metrics, quantifies value of medical readiness

    As the Defense Health Agency assumes management of Air Force military treatment facilities, one of the most important challenges facing the Air Force is its ability to maintain the readiness mission hospitals and clinics support.

  • Phase 1 of DHA transition set to begin

    The Defense Health Agency will assume responsibility for the administration and management of healthcare at all military medical treatment facilities through a phased approached starting Oct. 1, 2018. Seymour Johnson Air Force Base is also on the list of clinics to begin the first phase. Col. Craig

  • Va. National Guard Airmen prep communications gear for crisis

    A hurricane threatens to hit Virginia and Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen respond. Mission command centers are set up and task forces are assigned in various regions throughout the commonwealth before the storm makes landfall.

  • Firefighters feel the heat during training

    U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron participated in live-fire training exercises at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Sept. 19-20, 2018. The training tested the firefighter’s ability to communicate and work together to respond to mishaps in a timely manner. The

  • CMSAF Wright: The Airmen We Need must be resilient

    In order to win tomorrow’s war, defend the homeland and remain a safe and secure nuclear deterrent, Airmen must be well trained, well led, agile and resilient, according to the Air Force’s most senior enlisted leader.Building upon Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson’s discussion of the “Air

  • Central American firefighters graduate from exercise CENTAM SMOKE

    Joint Task Force-Bravo hosted Exercise Central America Sharing Mutual operational Knowledge and Experiences (CENTAM SMOKE) 2018-2 at Soto Cano Air Base, September 10-14, with firefighters from the 612th Air Base Squadron fire department and 30 participants from Honduras, Guatemala, Panama, El

  • TELMOC supports DoD operations

    Today’s Airmen must be able to fly, fight, and win in complex, multi-domain environments. U.S. partners and allies have come to expect that we will ensure freedom from attack, provide the ability to attack at the time and place of our choosing, and ensure we can operate freely in peace and war. Air

  • ANG medics maintain readiness with University of Kansas Health System

    Air National Guard Airmen are key to supporting Total Force readiness. Training agreements with civilian hospitals are vital to helping them achieve this support.The 190th Medical Group, part of the 190th Kansas Air National Guard Air Refueling Wing, has a partnership with The University of Kansas

  • COMACC visits 363rd ISRW

    U.S. Air Force Gen. Mike Holmes, commander of Air Combat Command, and his wife, Sara, visited the 363rd Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Wing here Sept. 5, 2018.

  • Honing skills: 366th EMS executes armament training

    The 366th Equipment Maintenance Squadron conducted in-depth F-15E Strike Eagle armament training Aug. 27-30 that will enhance the 366th Fighter Wing’s readiness down-range.EMS armament technicians trained on the Bomb Rack Unit-61, an F-15E equipment piece that houses the Guided Bomb Unit-39. The

  • 388th FW dialing-in cannon loading, firing in training

    The 388th Fighter Wing’s 4th Aircraft Maintenance Unit and 4th Fighter Squadron were the first operational units to load and fire the F-35A’s cannon during training Aug. 13, and what they learned will influence how they train and fight.Loading and firing the cannon was one of the few capabilities

  • Airmen of Lightning AMU; the forefront of readiness

    The F-35A Lightning II fighter jet is not only the newest addition to the Air Force’s arsenal of aircraft, but it is also one of its most advanced. With its improved stealth, avionics and logistical support, the aircraft can enter enemy radar, accomplish its mission and leave the hostile area

  • Capitalizing on Total Force Integration

    Fourteen members of the 655th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group’s 49th Intelligence Squadron joined with 11 members of the Nebraska Air National Guard and two active-duty Air Force personnel at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, for a historic training mission aboard an RC-135V/W

  • New strategy charts Air Force Medicine course

    The Air Force Medical Service is in a time of transition, with new leadership, evolving readiness requirements and congressional mandates all affecting its future. To address these changes and provide guidance and direction to Airmen, AFMS leaders met in July to chart a way forward for the

  • PHOTOS: 388th FW fires F-35A cannon for first time

    Pilots from the 388th Fighter Wing’s 4th Fighter Squadron were the first operational unit to fire the F-35A’s 25 mm cannon in a strafing run during training. The two-ship formation fired on two sets of ground targets on the Utah Test and Training range Aug. 13. Loading and firing the cannon was one

  • 388th Fighter Wing standing up final F-35A aircraft maintenance unit

    Hill’s 388th Fighter Wing recently began standing up the last of its aircraft maintenance units, a big step toward receiving the full complement of F-35A Lightning IIs by the end of 2019. The 421st AMU, which will support the 421st Fighter Squadron, is preparing to receive its first aircraft in

  • AFCYBER leader boasts mission at conference

    The CyberTexas Conference was recently held in San Antonio, Texas, Aug. 14, 2018. The conference was hosted to develop the next generation of cyber professionals.Mr. Robert Cole, Air Forces Cyber executive director, was a guest speaker.

  • Colombian Air Force steps up participation in Red Flag exercise

    The Colombian Air Force made history while participating in the U.S. Air Force’s premier air-to-air combat training exercise, Red Flag 18-3, July 16 to August 3.“In the last six years they’ve [the Colombian Air Force] made significant modifications to their aircraft hardware and software that has

  • Load crews train for deployment operations

    Imagine mission success laying on the shoulders of the individuals to your right and left. For one team of Airmen, the shortcomings of one can be catastrophic to the task at hand. These groups of professionals assigned to the 20th Maintenance Group, spanning three fighter squadrons, work in unison

  • Brazil leads Air Component in PANAMAX 2018

    U.S. service members from the 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) and the 612th Air and Space Operations Center participated in the U.S. Southern Command PANAMAX 2018 exercise July 30 – Aug. 10 alongside members from 12 partner nations.The Brazilian Air Force Chief of Joint Air Operations Center,

  • Revitalizing squadrons, Air Force outlines progress

    The task force conducted an Air Force-wide review, driven by Airmen in the field, to promote best practices and identify improvements. Consisting of Total Force Airmen from diverse backgrounds, they reviewed survey data and gathered inputs from across the Air Force through on-line crowd sourcing and

  • 20th MDG exercises in combat environment

    The 20th Medical Group Airmen rush to provide care to simulated patients through their deployed patient care exercise, Aug 2.The exercise tested Airmen on their ability to safely evacuate simulated wounded patients from a vehicle hit by a simulated improvised explosive device.

  • 9th SFS, 940th SFS epitomize total force to ensure readiness

    The 9th Security Forces Squadron Combat Arms Training and Maintenance shop works closely with its counterparts to ensure reserve instructors are ready to accomplish the fight and maximize mission effectiveness.Whether its active duty or the Reserve, providing an opportunity for combat arms training

  • Weekend-duty: Total Force Integration more than a buzz phrase at Offutt

    Innovation, which increases readiness, reduces costs, returns time back to Airmen and increases lethality, doesn’t have to involve software upgrades, new weapon systems or a rewrite of a regulation. Members of Team Offutt recently proved this when, for the first time, a RC-135V/W Rivet Joint flew a

  • Armament flight: Enhances falcon lethality

    Parked across the flight line at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, numerous F-16CM Fighting Falcons wait for a call to action. Airmen, assigned to the 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron armament systems flight’s gun work center, ensure the lethal, high-velocity M61A1 Vulcan 20 mm rotary cannons

  • Hill Airmen, aircraft progress together as F-35A program matures

    Two years after the Air Force declared IOC for the F-35A, pilots and maintainers at Hill’s active duty 388th and reserve 419th Fighter Wings are steadily erasing the word “initial” from in front of “operational capability.”Since the IOC announcement on Aug. 2, 2016, Airmen and the jet have grown

  • NATCF; eyes, ears of Red Flag 18-3 aircraft

    In a large dimly lit room located in the Nellis Air Traffic Control Facility (NATCF), faces are illuminated only by the reflection of air traffic control radar scopes. Airmen assigned to the 57th Operation Support Squadron monitor the airways of aircraft departing and landing at Nellis Air Force

  • SF Airmen compete in Defender Challenge Trial

    4th Security Forces Squadron patrolman from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, compete for a spot in the Defender Challenge in Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Texas., on July 30, 2018. Five security forces Airmen completed a four-mile ruck march for time, a M4 and M9 weapons

  • Robins begins JSTARS depot maintenance

    The Air Force initiated its own depot maintenance here for the E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System aircraft July 17, 2018, to deliver more aircraft faster, leading to increased readiness for warfighters. Officials with the JSTARS program office at Robins AFB want to increase the

  • Comms Check: 9th CS ensures radio communication

    For Recce Town, USA, radio communication plays a critical role in daily operations. From emergency responders, command post, and even flightline operations, the ability to communicate effectively is necessary to ensure the mission doesn’t stop.It’s the sole responsibility of the Airmen attached to

  • EOD: always fit to fight

    Surrounded by the sound of clinking metal and upbeat music, a group of Airmen work to exhaustion as the sun begins to rise.For this group of 20th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal Airmen, working hard can mean the difference between life or death.The safety of the team as well as

  • One team, one fight: part I

    When thinking about the F-16CM Fighting Falcon and its mission, many people only think about the pilot and their jet, but there are many more working pieces to the puzzle ensuring the mission is accomplished. In order to step into an aircraft and be cleared fit to fight, pilots must get a physical

  • Gunfighter Flag 18-3, Adaptive Basing

    Adaptive basing exercises require all levels of the squadron to deploy small teams of Airmen and aircraft for a short amount of time to hone their skills.Adaptive basing is the ability to rapidly refuel and re-arm F-15’s in an austere environment, a location we haven’t operated from before. It could

  • 633 CES slices into Prime BEEF training

    The 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron conducted Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force training here, July 19. The training focused on land navigation and individual movement techniques.“We have Prime BEEF Day every third Thursday of the month,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jon Colon, 633rd CES

  • 9th MXS AGE flight vital to reconnaissance operations

    High-altitude reconnaissance reaching 60,000 feet from the U-2 Dragon Lady and RQ-4 Global Hawk is the focus and mission of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing. As high as they can fly, their mission begins on the ground, and that starts with the 9th Maintenance Squadron aerospace ground equipment flight.

  • F-22 pilots fire live missiles at Combat Archer

    More than 200 pilots, maintainers and operations support staff from the 1st Fighter Wing are gaining firsthand experience in loading and firing live missiles at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida from July 6-20, 2018.Combat Archer as part of the Weapons System Evaluation Program, in conjunction with

  • JBLE conducts aircraft crash exercise

    Units from Joint Base Langley-Eustis participated in an aircraft crash exercise here July 17.Emergency responders faced a simulated crash in which a U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook experiencing electrical and mechanical failures was unable to reach the airfield and crashed into a boat near the

  • Colombian Kfirs fighters train with the A-10, F-16

    Six Colombian Air Force Kfir fighter jets on their way to Red Flag 18-3 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, stopped at Davis-Monthan AFB from July 5-16, to train with A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and F-16 Fighting Falcons. “This week is very important here at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base because our pilots

  • 355th MDG offers unique physical therapy experiences

    Though the safety of Airmen is of utmost importance, injuries, both in and out of work, are inevitable.To ensure Airmen heal faster from their wounds and receive the very best physical therapy, Dr. Richard Shumway and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brett Bishop, 355th Medical Group physical therapists,

  • Munitions flight performs 30mm processing, keeps A-10s shooting

    Airmen from the 476th and 23d Maintenance Squadron (MXS) performed a 30mm rounds processing, July 11, 2018, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. This total force integration training with the 23d and 476th MXS allowed Airmen to work together to identify more ways to efficiently and safely conduct their

  • From nothing to something – Cargo City takes shape

    Construction is nearly complete on ‘Cargo City,’ a new operating location for U.S. and coalition forces to conduct aerial port operations in Kuwait. This aerial port will continue to serve as a major-military logistics point, and also functions as the largest aerial port of debarkation in the Middle

  • Baltimore C-STARS partnership prepares Airmen for battlefield medicine

    Civilian partnerships are a vital readiness resource for the Air Force Medical Service, refreshing medics on trauma skills and taking lessons learned to deliver life-saving trauma care downrange.The Center for the Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills program in Baltimore, Maryland, prepares

  • Train like you fight: Recce MWDs receive new training area

    The 9th Security Forces Squadron military working dog unit recently completed a new training area designed to enhance the companionship between handlers and their dogsThe area provides a safer training environment and it features a shaded overhangs to keep it cool, a turf field, and a variety of

  • Creech child care: Taking care of the Hunter family

    In an effort to address child care needs for 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing families, Creech received its own Family Child Care coordinator. Understanding child care coordination and options available is an important priority. The base’s remote location and 24/7/365 mission demands

  • 633rd MDSS tests new Expeditionary Medical Systems equipment

    The Air Combat Command Surgeon General Office partnered with representatives from the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center to conduct an exercise testing new joint expeditionary collective protection tent systems at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, June 20, 2018.

  • A peek behind the curtain: The first step of PTSD care

    Perhaps the most difficult part of seeking help for post-traumatic stress disorder is making that first appointment, since Airmen are often unsure of what to expect. Not knowing what to expect from mental health providers can get in the way of effective PTSD treatment.

  • 20th FW, 72nd ARS team up to stay sharp

    An F-16 Fighting Falcon cannot fly around the world on one tank of fuel. When the mission demands keeping the jets in the air, pilots can refuel with one of the Air Force’s gas stations in the sky. Grissom Joint Air Reserve Base, Indiana.

  • Beale NDI team’s unique, time-saving RQ-4 inspection process

    9th Maintenance Squadron non-destructive inspection (NDI) Airmen are in the process of performing an inspection of the RQ-4 Global Hawk’s exterior and wings. Since the RQ-4 is made from composite material as opposed to metal the NDI requires ultrasonic inspection equipment. The Airmen use both

  • Tyndall Mission Defense Team conducts first exercise

    The 325th Communications Squadron Mission Defense Team participated in their first exercise since becoming the first operational MDT at Tyndall AFB June 11-15, 2018.The focus of the exercise was to test the ability of the 325th Fighter Wing to generate aircraft sorties in a simulated deployed

  • Air Advisors conduct first-ever BPC mission in Costa Rica

    The 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron recently conducted their first-ever AFSOUTH mission to the Central American country of Costa Rica. The nine member team, executed a three-week building partnership capacity mission with the air vigilance service, of SVA, from May 16 through June 9, 2018.

  • Empowering positive mental health through options

    The 379th Expeditionary Medical Group Mental Health Clinic offers services to help people handle the stressors of everyday life. These services include educational classes on sleep and stress management, goal setting, relationships, reintegration and tobacco cessation. The goal is to give members

  • Green Flag: Preparing for Close Air Support

    Since the 1980’s, the United States of America has been crowned with air superiority by using the F-15E Strike Eagle’s dual-role fighter capabilities in Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground missions. Preparing for those scenarios that happen down-range requires cooperation from both pilots and Joint

  • Bombs Away: Air Force Combat Operations Competition

    The 9th Munitions Squadron held the first-ever Air Force Combat Operations Competition (AFCOCOMP) June 12-14, 2018, here.AFCOCOMP is a unique munitions building competition designed to test participants on all of the aspects used by ammo troops in wartime operations.

  • 24/7 treaty monitoring center ready for contingency ops

    Recently, the nuclear treaty monitoring center here transferred its Contingency of Operations (COOP) and the Alternate U.S. National Data Center location from San Antonio, Texas to Millington, Tenn. For the past five years, AFTAC’s alternate site was located at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, in

  • Emerging infectious disease training event bolsters medical readiness

    A team of U.S. military doctors, public health specialists and members of various other career fields participated in a week-long Emerging Infectious Diseases Training Event June 4-8 in the Air Force Southern AOR. The event, aimed at enhancing attendee cultural competencies and professional

  • 12th AMU keeps Global Hawks flying

    The 12th Aircraft Maintenance Unit is responsible for keeping the RQ-4 Global Hawks here ready to fly. The RQ-4 is a remotely piloted aircraft, which is used to provide high-altitude intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance to commanders in wartime and contingency operations. The RQ-4 platform

  • Hammer dropped at Hill

    Evaluation exercise Combat Hammer concluded May 10 at Hill AFB and the Utah Test and Training Range. Both are part of the Air Force's Weapons System Evaluation Program, or WSEP.