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  • The duty station of brotherly love

    Joining a military branch of service usually means that one will leave their hometown and move far away from friends and family. But in rare cases, the opposite can occur. Brothers Capt. Eric Fleming and Capt. Michael Fleming, two A-10C pilots with the 357th Fighter Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air

  • Shaw's oldest squadron bids farewell

    In light of Shaw Air Force Base's 70th anniversary, the installation's oldest squadron began its official farewell to the base July 22.The 682nd Air Support Operations Squadron was originally designated the 682nd Direct Air Support Center Squadron and was activated on December 1, 1971 at Shaw AFB,

  • 'Kabulki Dance' aircraft makes history, becomes permanent historic display

    The 391st Fighter Squadron F-15E Strike Eagle, Tail Number 87-173, was dedicated as a static display during a ceremony at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, July 29.Now Col. Mark Slocum, pilot, and Lt. Col. Paul Knapp, weapons system officer, were both captains when they flew in support of

  • A dream to fly, battle to fight, hope to win

    For his mother, the signs were there early."While we were stationed here [at Mountain Home Air Force Base], he would hear the F-111 fly overhead, crawl over to the window and pull himself up to look at the jets flying over," Cindy McClaskey said. "That's when I knew he liked airplanes and had a

  • WWII glider pilot recalls most fatal day in airborne history

    The morning of March 24, 1945, found U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Lou Brough flying a glider over the Rhine River straight through enemy lines as part of the largest single-day airborne operation in history.Operation Varsity, although successful, put nearly 4,000 aircraft and 14,000 Allied troops in an

  • 'Best of the best': A look inside the 77th Weapons School

     Like a thief, creeping under the cover of nightfall, your senses are heightened and your heart is racing as you cross into enemy airspace. It's not a matter of if you will be seen, but when. Your palms are sweating and muscles tense. At any moment the spotlights could be on you followed by a

  • WASP flies through memories as trail-blazing aviator

    It was 1944 and with America in the midst of World War II, female aviators were being accepted as Women's Airforce Service Pilots to test aircraft and fly support missions in the U.S., freeing up men for combat roles overseas. Barry Vincent-Smith, now 91, began her journey to becoming one of

  • Global Strike Challenge 2011: Meet the operations group team members

    Editor's Note: This is part one in a three-part series highlighting the 2011 Global Strike Challenge teams. Next month will feature the Maintenance Group teams.After taking home three of the four trophies from last year's Global Strike Challenge, the 7th Operations Group, represented by the 7th

  • The Xeriscape Project

    It sounds like an evil plot by a mad scientist bent on world domination involving lasers and possibly the moon.However, the Ellsworth community need not fear the Xeriscape Project."This project is about reducing energy consumption by saving water," said Larry Herges, 28th Civil Engineer Squadron

  • The fire inside: an Air Force chef's journey to culinary excellence

    As he handled a yellow bell pepper, Staff Sgt. Ghil Medina gazed inquisitively at its smooth, golden exterior."There's more to the ingredients than meets the eyes," the 633rd Force Support Squadron services journeyman said, motioning a hand over the pepper. "It's about unlocking the potential of