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  • Qatari Mirages fly with U.S. B-52H and F-35As

    Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) Mirage 2000s, a U.S. B-52H Stratofortress, and U.S. F-35A Lightning IIs flew in formation over Southwest Asia, May 21, 2019. This flight was conducted to continue building military-to-military relationships and interoperability with the QEAF. The B-52H is part of the

  • AFCENT aircraft fly deterrence for region

    U. S. Air Force F-15C Eagles, F-35A Lightning IIs and B-52H Stratofortress aircraft flew deterrence missions in the U.S. Air Forces Central Command area of responsibility, supporting U.S. and Coalition aircraft in various operations conducted in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan.

  • U.S. Air Force's F-35A performs first sortie during Middle East deployment

    F-35A Lightning II pilots assigned to the 4th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron flew their first combat sortie in the U.S. Air Forces Central Command area of responsibility April 26, 2019, Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. The fleet of F-35s deployed from active duty 388th and reserve 419th

  • Leaders discuss Tyndall rebuild at second Industry Day

    The Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Energy reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to rebuild Tyndall Air Force Base during a symposium with industry representatives May 2 at Florida State University-Panama City.John Henderson told the more than 500 attendees

  • U.S. Air Force F-35As conduct first combat employment

    Two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft conducted an air strike at Wadi Ashai, Iraq, in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve on April 30. This strike marked the F-35A’s first combat employment.

  • Hill Airmen return from Middle East deployment

    The 729th Air Control Squadron welcomed home more than 120 warriors from a seven-month deployment to the Middle East. While deployed the 729th ACS members provided aircraft control and an air surveillance picture across 1.1 million square miles of U.S. Air Force Central Command airspace.

  • Soldiers’ air defense capability defends skies

    Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Battalion, 11th ADA Brigade, maintain and operate Patriot missile launchers here, in defense of Al Udeid’s skies, personnel and assets.Soldiers of the 1-43rd ADA Battalion can rapidly respond to a threat if needed and train regularly to

  • 22nd MEU at ADAB

    Al Dhafra Air Base hosts several units from across the world and recently began hosting the mission of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit.The composite squadron is making use of the base while their amphibious assault ship, USS Kearsarge, is in scheduled maintenance. The Black Knights brought

  • Depot Liaison Engineer – Why the middle man?

    The 380th Expeditionary Maintenance Group hosts one of only five Depot Liaison Engineer (DLE) positions within the Air Force Central Command area of responsibility. “I have a pretty boring job if there are no aircraft broken – which is fine, we accept that.” said 1st Lt. M. Rebecca Kretzer,

  • Vice President stops by Davis-Monthan

    U.S. Vice President Mike Pence visited with the Desert Lightning Team during prior to his immersion with Customs and Border Protection at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., April 11, 2019. This dynamic, cross-functional relationship with Customs and Border Protection broadens Davis-Monthan Air

  • Lt Col Dick Cole, last surviving Doolittle Raider, passes away at age 103

    A legendary chapter in Air Force history has come to a close. Retired Lt. Col. Richard “Dick” E. Cole, the last survivor of the “Doolittle Raid,” died April 9, in San Antonio.“Our last remaining Doolittle Raider has slipped the surly bonds of Earth, and has reunited with his fellow Raiders," said

  • Enlisted weapons school grad applies course fundamentals in Afghanistan

    One of the Air Force’s first Advanced Enlisted Mission Planning Course graduates is applying what he learned in the classroom to support combat operations in Afghanistan. The 455th Air Expeditionary Wing intelligence flight chief at Bagram Airfield completed AEMPC, which is now known as the Advanced

  • Air Combat Command announces 24 and 25 AF merger

    Air Combat Command is merging Twenty Fourth and Twenty Fifth Numbered Air Forces at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, this summer to better integrate cyber effects, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations, electronic warfare operations, and information operations.

  • Medical Airmen work to improve efficiency in patient care in Afghanistan

    Medical professionals at the Craig Joint Theater Hospital at Bagram Airfield are working to make positive impacts during their deployment so future patients and providers can benefit. The current trauma resuscitation documentation and data collection process in Afghanistan is very similar to the

  • Goldfein, Wright praise Team Offutt, community

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Dave Goldfein and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright visited Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, March 27, to see flood damage and to speak with hundreds of base personnel who helped with preparation and, now, recovery.

  • ACC commander grateful to Team Offutt

    The commander of Air Combat Command, Gen. Mike Holmes, visited Team Offutt March 25 to see the flood damaged installation up-close and to thank a few of the many men and women who worked to fortify the base before the water hit and those who are supporting its recover efforts.Offutt is the second

  • Offutt personnel enter damaged facilities

    Team Offutt personnel have regained access to buildings and facilities to begin assessing damage and recovering items which were underwater less than a week ago.Today, more than 20 buildings have been cleared for initial disaster recovery efforts, through a safe and methodical approach, with more

  • Secretary of the Air Force: We will rebuild Offutt

    Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson met with Team Offutt leadership and various elected officials March 22 to discuss rebuilding efforts for the base following recent flooding.Just a week earlier, the base began taking on water that eventually covered one-third of the installation

  • Communications Airmen stand-up cyber café

    More than 3,000 Team Offutt members have been displaced from their work centers due to flooding and are being rehoused in other facilities throughout the base.The base starting taking-on water March 15 and within 48 hours about one-third of the installation was flooded. While displaced units wait

  • Command post: the backbone of AUAB

    From aircraft maintenance to security forces traffic incidents, the base command post is the focal point for information gathering and distribution across Al Udeid Air Base.

  • XP: the base’s front door

    The 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Plans and Programs shop, also known as “XP,” is that first step. They are responsible for developing base’s plans, programs and policies; coordinating programming actions to resolve issues; and constantly analyzing the effectiveness of these programs.This shop

  • UTANG Airmen far from home, bringing the fight

    Whether sailor or soldier, active duty or Air National Guard, an enlisted member or a field-grade officer, military members are part of something bigger, and regardless of status, everyone contributes to the mission of the United States.Far from home in a deployed environment, many components make

  • Contracting, finance – integral for flood prep

    At 11 a.m. on March 15, Offutt stood-up the first Commander’s Action Team meeting in response to impending flooding.The base immediately went into 24-hour operations and the team agreed to meet again in three hours, giving key players an opportunity to come up with a plan of attack.With a very small

  • MacDill AFB accepts aircraft in response to Offutt AFB flooding

    Five RC-135 Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft assigned to the 55th Wing, Offutt AFB, Nebraska, relocated here over the weekend due to rising floodwaters at Offutt. The relocation to MacDill Air Force Base ensures the aircraft remain out of harm’s way until they can safely return to their home

  • Team Offutt battling flood waters

    Like large portions of Nebraska, Offutt personnel are battling flood waters which started to creep onto the installation March 15.An increase in water levels upstream due to a record-setting snowfall this winter, in addition to a huge drop in air pressure earlier in the week, has overwhelmed the

  • SECAF announces resignation

    Upon a favorable final vote by the regents, Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson announced her resignation March 8, after serving in her position as the service’s top civilian since May 2017, to accept the role as president of the University of Texas at El Paso.

  • VAQ-135 brings unique joint airpower to AUAB

    Sailors from U.S. Navy Electronic Attack Squadron 135 (VAQ-135) deliver a unique warfighting skill set to U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility.Through the use of EA-18G Growler aircraft, VAQ-135 brings electronic based airborne attack and defense capabilities to Al Udeid’s joint environment

  • Keeping ADAB operational all night long

    Even when the sun vanishes into the horizon, the mission does not stop. In order to provide 24/7 operations at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, 380th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron’s night shift members provides maintenance inspection to keep the E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control

  • Keeping ADAB operational all night long

    Even when the sun vanishes into the horizon, the mission does not stop. In order to provide 24/7 operations at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, 380th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron’s night shift members provides maintenance inspection to keep the E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control

  • AUAB power projection: ‘Viper’ team creates airborne uplink

    When senior leaders fly over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, a team comprised of six Airmen ensure they never lose the ability to communicate with others on the ground.To accomplish this, U.S. CENTCOM and their subordinate commands rely on the 379th Air Expeditionary Squadron’s

  • COMACC tours AFCYBER during visit

    U.S. Air Force Gen. Mike Holmes, commander of Air Combat Command, visit to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, March 4, 2019. During his visit Holmes toured several Air Forces Cyber units to meet Airmen and gain knowledge about the cyber mission including the 67th Cyberspace Wing and the 346th

  • Welcome Home Gen. Holmes

    Members of Team Seymour provided a warm welcome for the commander of Air Combat Command during his trip back to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Feb. 24-27, 2019.

  • 2018 Air Force Safety Awards announced

    Air Force Chief of Safety Maj. Gen. John T. Rauch Jr. recently announced the recipients of the five Secretary of the Air Force and Chief of Staff Safety Awards, as well as the Chief of Safety Awards for 2018.

  • Air Force tour lengths change for two European locations

    Air Force military tour lengths for unaccompanied assignments to Papa Air Base, Hungary, and Moron Air Base, Spain, will change effective April 1. Currently, both locations are 15 months unaccompanied. However, Papa Air Base will become an 18-month unaccompanied tour, while Moron will become a

  • Controlling Aircraft ‘Beyond Line of Sight’

    One of the assets flying missions from Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, is the EQ-4 Global Hawk. This remotely piloted aircraft required coordination with other bases to control it in air but, by utilizing technology this process can now be conducted locally.

  • COMACC visits Airmen in Afghanistan

    Air Combat Command’s top leadership visited deployed Airmen and mission partners at Bagram and Kandahar airfields, Afghanistan, Feb. 12-14 as part of a weeklong trip to the Middle East and Southwest Asia.

  • New guidance for travel to Mexico

    The United States Army North Force Protection division has new guidelines regarding travel to Mexico to ensure that our service members are kept safe.

  • Air Force formalizes policy on retention of non-deployable Airmen

    In accordance with Department of Defense policy on military retention of non-deployable service members, the Air Force implemented its guidance in a memo signed Feb. 19. Airmen who have been non-deployable for more than 12 consecutive months will be notified by their chain of command and evaluated

  • Phase dock keeps F-16s in top shape for Operation Inherent Resolve

    With each strike, coalition partners move a step closer to the defeat of ISIS’ so called physical caliphate. The 55th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron’s relentless pursuit supporting Operation Inherent Resolve comes with an insatiable maintenance need for the F-16C Fighting Falcons at the 407th Air

  • Command Post: Eyes and Ears of the Commander

    There’s a room tucked away in the corner of a building at Bagram Airfield, where the ‘eyes and ears of the commander’ lives. The room features ample desk space, a few computer monitors, and binders full of checklists. When the phone rings, a command and control specialist picks up. This time it’s a

  • Desert Depot: Equipping and Supplying the Fight

    Desert Depot's mission is to provide exceptional customer support and to ensure that organizations at ADAB have the necessary supplies to effectively and efficiently perform their mission.

  • FARP: Land, refuel, leave

    In the darkness of night, forward area refueling point team members wait for an HC-130J Combat King II to land – marking the start of training. FARP, a specialty within the petroleum, oils and lubrication career field, trains Airmen to effectively refuel aircraft in remote locations when air-to-air

  • Top ACC leaders visit Al Udeid

    Air Combat Command’s top leaders traveled to Al Udeid Feb. 11, 2019, to visit deployed Airmen and discuss ACC support to the U.S. Air Forces Central Command mission delivering decisive air and space power on behalf of U.S. Central Command for the security and stability of the region.Gen. Mike

  • MQ-1B PREDATOR ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION RELEASED

    An MQ-1B Predator remotely piloted aircraft lost connection to operating flight crew systems and subsequently crashed in the Central Command’s area of responsibility August 21, 2017, according to an Air Combat Command Accident Investigation Board report released today.

  • Father & son’s first and last deployment

    Oftentimes in the Air Force, the phrase, “It’s a small Air Force,” is said due to the chances people have of running into one another again throughout their careers. This duo’s chances were smaller than usual, but it happened anyway.From father and son, to Senior NCO and Airman, Master Sgt. Jonathan

  • Protecting the force day in and day out

    It takes Airmen from every base and job to execute the deployed mission at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. This same concept applies to the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron’s Force Protection unit, where Airmen from every Air Force specialty code to help carry out the mission.

  • 732nd OSS activates, sets RPA group up for success

    The 732nd Operations Support Squadron activated during an assumption of command ceremony at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 23, 2019.The new unit, dubbed the “Archers,” will provide the support required for the MQ-9 Reaper attack squadrons within the 732nd Operations Group to seamlessly execute

  • MQ-1B PREDATOR ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION RELEASED

    An MQ-1B Predator remotely piloted aircraft crashed August 17, 2017, in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility while forward-deployed and participating in a combat support mission. At the time of the mishap, the aircraft was being operated by an aircrew from the 432d Air Expeditionary

  • US Air Force Academy advertises new enlisted academic instructor positions

    For the first time in Air Force Academy history, enlisted Airmen will be deliberately hired for faculty teaching positions. The Air Force Personnel Center began announcing Jan. 23 the need for senior noncommissioned officers to fill enlisted academic instructor positions at the school. While

  • Weather Airmen provide critical mission impact

    Predicting something that is ever changing can be a daunting task, especially when that prediction can have a significant impact on a mission. For weather forecasters this is their job, to sift through the countless factors that can change in no time and directly impact the safety of pilots and

  • Tyndall to host first Industry Day in rebuild effort

    The Air Force will host the first industry day for the Tyndall Air Force Base rebuild at Florida State University, Panama City, Florida, on January 31, 2019, from 8:00 am-12:00 pm. This “state of the installation” presentation will inform the Air Force’s potential partners in industry and elected

  • CONFINED SPACE MISHAP, GROUND ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REPORT RELEASED

    An Air Combat Command ground accident investigation board report was released today on the July 12, 2018, death of an Air Force staff sergeant assigned to the 4th Civil Engineer Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. The Airman was deployed to the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing,

  • Fuels lab keeps AUAB combat ready

    Airmen from the 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels lab work around the clock to help aircraft deliver decisive air power in the Air Forces Central Command area of responsibility.As the largest fuel operation in the Department of Defense, Airmen from the fuels lab must work

  • Airmen and Soldiers build bombs together at combat shadow event

    Airmen from the 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron AMMO Flight taught Soldiers from the 495th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion how to assemble GBU-54 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munitions. The 500-pound bombs will be added to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing’s built-up weapons stocks and

  • Creech Showcases RPA enterprise to AFCENT leadership

    Lt. Gen. Joseph Guastella, U.S. Air Forces Central Command commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Shawn Drinkard, AFCENT command chief, visited Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 16, 2019.Guastella and Drinkard visited different operational flying squadrons on base and the Persistent Attack and

  • Force protection Airmen vital to base security

    U.S. military bases throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility rely on local and other non-U.S. contractors to support base construction and maintenance needs. To ensure the safety and security of base personnel and assets at Bagram Airfield, Airmen assigned to the force protection

  • Medical Airmen, volunteers keep blood supply flowing

    Al Udeid Air Base’s Blood Transshipment Center is a one of a kind place. While it is the only blood transshipment center in U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility, it also houses one of the few missions on base that regularly uses volunteers from other career fields.

  • ‘Eye in the sky’ surveillance at Al Udeid

    According to Air Force doctrine, air superiority requires basic freedom of movement – the ability to operate anywhere without opposition. Twenty three Airmen from the 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron, Detachment 3, here, enable this level of control, ensuring no aircraft within 240 nautical

  • FITNESS ASSESSMENT FATALITY ACCIDENT REPORT RELEASED

    An Air Combat Command ground accident investigation board report was released today on the June 3, 2018, death of an Alabama Air National Guard airman first class assigned to the 187th Civil Engineer Squadron, 187th Fighter Wing, Dannelly Field, Alabama.

  • ACC leaders talk Creech future with RPA Airmen

    Gen. Mike Holmes, commander of Air Combat Command, and Chief Master Sgt. Frank Batten, command chief of ACC, visited Creech to speak with Remotely Piloted Aircraft Airmen about the future of their enterprise, Jan. 10, 2019.

  • Air Force Vice Chief of Staff visits 53rd Wing

    Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Stephen W. Wilson toured the 53rd Wing, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida to gain a better understanding of 53rd Electronic Warfare readiness. The 53rd Electronic Warfare Group has 28 labs that replicate the hardware for over 30 weapon systems where all EW

  • FEATURE: A Typical Monday Morning

    Taking a single-seat fighter across the ocean can prove exceptionally challenging when faced with compounding emergency procedures. The mantra of aviate, navigate and communicate takes on a whole new meaning when faced with engine and electrical malfunctions at night, over the ocean, far from divert

  • AF Year in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This annual feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.

  • Beneath the Skies: Aircraft Maintainers

    One of the largest support structures here at the 332d Air Expeditionary Wing can be broadly defined as aircraft maintainers. This not only includes those individuals who perform pre-flight, thru-flight (where an aircraft returns from a mission then embarks on another mission within a couple hours)

  • MQ-1B ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION RELEASED

    An MQ-1B Predator remotely piloted aircraft crashed September 4, 2017, in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility while forward-deployed and participating in a combat support mission. At the time of the mishap, the aircraft was being operated by an aircrew from the 432d Air Expeditionary

  • SAF Deputy Chief Information Officer surveys Tyndall

    In the weeks following Hurricane Michael’s landfall over Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., various members of Air Force senior leadership and their representatives have come to survey the damages and coordinate with Tyndall leadership for a plan for the installation. The most recent visitor was

  • Uniform code of military justice changes

    Effective Jan. 1, 2019, the Military Justice Act of 2016 will instate the most reform to the Uniform Code of Military Justice and Manual for Courts-Martial in decades, modernizing dated aspects of the military justice system while also providing transparency.

  • Digital Guardians: Installation Cyber Security

    Due to technology’s exponential growth, access to powerful computers and dynamic software has become increasingly easier for a wide margin of people to obtain.As a result of sensitive information being distributed digitally, cyber attacks have become more prevalent as technology progresses further.

  • Air Force begins work on Tyndall AFB rebuild with PMO

    Following Hurricane Michael, the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center and its partners established a program management office at Tyndall to lead redevelopment and reconstruction efforts.The Air Force initiated several task forces to aid in recovery. One goal is to focus on installation

  • 421st Fighter Squadron and AMU receive first F-35A

    The 421st Fighter Squadron here received its first F-35A Lightning II Dec. 12. The squadron is the last of three squadrons in Hill’s 388th Fighter Wing to take possession of combat-ready aircraft, bringing the 388th Fighter Wing closer to full strength. The arrival of the first jets in the 421st

  • Army general reflects on ISIS annihilation with RPA Airmen

    U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Paul Funk, III Armored Corps and Fort Hood, Texas, commanding general, visited Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, Dec. 10, 2018.Funk was the commanding general of the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve for U.S. Central Command.This visit was an opportunity for Funk

  • Hanscom lays groundwork for comms at Tyndall

    Program managers in the Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence and Networks Directorate here are exercising every one of the words in their five-word title by reconstituting a communications network almost totally wiped out by winds, flooding and infrastructure damage. First responders have

  • Chief Wright to Airmen: Know your retirement options

    The opt-in deadline for the Blended Retirement System is December 31, 2018.Make your decision knowing only you can determine which system is best for you, and understand that if you opt into BRS, it is irrevocable. You only have one chance to make this choice, so it’s imperative you and those

  • Tributes Flow in as Nation Mourns Passing of George H.W. Bush

    President Donald J. Trump has declared Dec. 5 as a national day of mourning for former President George H.W. Bush, who passed away at age 94.Trump joined countless others in paying tribute to Bush and his lifetime of service as a Navy pilot in World War II, congressman, ambassador to the United

  • October summary highlights partnerships, airpower contributions

    Today, U.S. Air Forces Central Command published its October Airpower Summary outlining airpower operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.In October, the Afghan Air Force played a pivotal role in the country’s parliamentary elections, delivering and retrieving voting materials

  • Policy changes for Post-9/11 GI Bill transfers

    Additional changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill Transfer of Benefits policy were announced Nov. 14, 2018.The Department of Defense postponed their previous effective date of July 12, 2018, to July 12, 2019. Since the policy change was effective immediately, service members who were previously eligible

  • 380th Expeditionary Medical Group: Providing Care to the Fight

    The 380th Air Expeditionary Wing consists of four groups executing the warfighting mission. One of these groups, the 380th Expeditionary Medical Group, provides various medical care and services supporting more than 3,500 deployed personnel at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. To achieve

  • COMBAT POWER: Our best photos

    Hill Air Force Base's 388th and 419th Fighter Wings conducted a combat power exercise Nov. 19 and launched 35 F-35A Lightning IIs within a condensed period of time. Here are the best photos of the day.

  • Holiday safety: To drink, or not to drink

    Parties and special occasions usually involve games, music, and alcoholic beverages. They are times of festivity and fun. For someone concerned about alcohol intake or battling substance abuse, social events may seem threatening. But it is possible to participate in activities that include alcohol.

  • Task Force Raptor completes mission

    Within five days of Hurricane Michael devastating Tyndall, the five-person Task Force Raptor leadership team from Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., and Tyndall Air Force Base conducted an initial assessment on the remaining F-22 Raptors.Following this assessment, the team was confident the Raptors

  • Deployed security forces Airmen ensure safety of DOD assets at Bagram

    In a deployed environment, security forces Airmen perform a unique mission that differs from their traditional roles at home station. From patrolling the flightline in armored tactical vehicles to providing security for all personnel and Department of Defense assets going to austere locations in

  • 325 Munitions Flight : Moving ordnance and the mission forward

    In the four weeks since Hurricane Michael swept through the gulf coast and Tyndall Air Force Base, the 325th Maintenance Squadron Munitions Flight, with the help of munitions Airmen from across the Air Force, have assessed their munitions facility for damage and are now moving their mission

  • One month after Michael

    A month ago, Hurricane Michael upgraded from a category two to a category four hurricane overnight. In an effort to keep the base’s most important assets safe, its people, Col. Brian Laidlaw, 325th Fighter Wing commander released an evacuation order. With exception of the ride-out team, comprised of