Mission success depends on refuelers

The B-1 Lancers that drop bombs on targets cannot get to those targets without the support of the KC-135 Stratotankers and KC-10 Extenders that refuel them en route. The general premise of the missions seems simple: refuel the B-1s on the way to and from the area of responsibility. In reality,

Air Force turns to old standby for Army re-supply

The U.S. military has turned to an old workhorse as the delivery method for supplies and humanitarian cargo needed to sustain Operation Enduring Freedom. The C-130 Hercules has been around, in one form or another, since the 1950s. It is the aircraft of choice for inter-theater airlift in

18th ASOG Airman praised for selfless service

A tactical air controller was recognized by the secretary of the Air Force with the presentation of a Silver Star in a ceremony June 26 for heroic duties while deployed to Southwest Asia in support of the war on terrorism. Tech. Sgt. Travis Crosby, a terminal attack control-qualified TACP assigned

Japanese military key member of coalition

For the first time since its formation in 1954, members of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force are actively deployed to a combat zone. They are helping with humanitarian relief and reconstruction efforts in Iraq. "I feel the responsibility of this valuable work for the world and am proud to take part

Air Force, Army agree on plans for joint cargo aircraft

With the signing of a memorandum of agreement June 20, the vice chiefs of staff of the Air Force and the Army have agreed on a way ahead for converging the service's independent acquisition programs for a joint cargo aircraft. Both the Air Force and the Army independently pursued options for a

Military Kids Face Off at White House T-Ball Event

President Bush honored military children June 23 as he kicked off the 2006 "T-Ball on the South Lawn" series at the White House with two teams of military Little Leaguers. Five- and 6-year-olds from McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., and Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., competed in a

AMC to begin command-wide streamlined competition

Lt. Gen. Christopher A. Kelly, vice commander, Air Mobility Command, announced Wednesday a streamlined competition of command-wide aerial delivery functions. The streamlined competition has a potential impact on 93 enlisted positions at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C.; Dyess AFB, Texas; McChord AFB,

Mighty Hercules

Tankers keep 'em flying at Valiant Shield

C-130 aircrew evacuates girl on Father's Day

When Maj. Wayne Vaughn looked down at the injured 12-year-old girl clinging to life on a litter loaded in his C-130 Hercules, he thought, "How can they do this? How can they try and kill a little girl?" Taliban extremists had bombed a girls school in Herat in eastern Afghanistan on June 18, killing