Raptors in Alaska:
It was a big day at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, when the Pacific Air Forces base received the first of its F-22A Raptors. Ultimately the base will have 40 of the new stealth fighters, which the active duty 3rd Wing will...
Good to Go:
The Air Force declares that the Fischer-Tropsch fuel blend is OK for operational B-52H use. The service completed testing a mix of FT and JP-8 on a B-52 bomber—selecting it as first test subject because it has eight engines—and already...
Making Over Spang:
US Air Forces in Europe is continuing to revamp Spangdahlem AB, Germany, part of an effort that included absorbing some of the airlift activity from the former Rhein-Main. Scott Schonauer of Stars and Stripes reports that the portion of the...
In-Demand Predator:
The Air Force’s Predator unmanned aerial vehicle fleet deployed to support operations in Iraq in June flew 3,279 hours and more that 175 combat sorties, reports MSgt. Steve Horton. The airmen of the 46th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron at Balad AB,...
Jump In, or Else:
The Air Force once again needs to find a few more good enlisted aviators. The service has opened retraining opportunities for airmen who want to move into one of eight aviator fields. Those fields open to first-term airmen are flight...
The Tie That Binds:
US Air Forces in Europe airmen have been training with Romania and Bosnia in recent weeks. Just last week, an aircrew from the 37th Airlift Squadron at Ramstein AB, Germany, flew their C-130 for US and Bosnian military members to...
What We Can Do For You:
Both Boeing and Northrop Grumman are pulling out all stops to engage politicians and other supporters as they try to capture the Air Force’s KC-X tanker replacement program, now slated for contract award at year’s end. Recent news releases from...
On the Way to a Better B-2 Comm:
Lockheed Martin has gotten the green light—and a $23 million contract from Northrop Grumman—to proceed with the upgrade of the B-2 bomber’s satellite communications system. Earlier this year, the Air Force approved the plan presented by B-2 prime contractor Northrop....
That Spectrum Issue, Again:
This time the Air Force must modify data link equipment on F-15 fighters to enable them to continue using GBU-15 and AGM-130 weapons now that the Commerce Department has reallocated the spectrum from DOD to commercial users. Lawmakers got concerned...
CAP Chief Suspended:
The Board of Governors for the Civil Air Patrol has suspended CAP’s national commander, Maj. Gen. Antonio Pineda. The suspension is to last up to 180 days, while the board completes its actions regarding an allegation that Pineda had enlisted...
Air Sorties in the Global War on Terrorism
Aug. 8, 2007 Sortie Type OIF OEF OIF/OEF Total ISR 16 12 28 CAS/Armed Recon 49 40 89 Airlift 149 149 Air refueling 51 51 Total 65 52 200 317 OIF=Operation Iraqi Freedom OEF=Operation Enduring Freedom ISR=Intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance Airlift includes Horn...