Features

Sept. 26, 2006
AFSO21 requires Airmen to work smarter, not harder

In the March 2006 Letter to Airmen, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne articulated Air Force Smart Operations as a dedicated effort to maximize value and minimize waste in our operations by looking at each process from beginning to end. It doesn't just look at how we can do each task better,
Sept. 18, 2006
An agent of change -- Expert speaks candidly in one-on-one interview and gives Airmen an in-depth look at AFSO 21

In a recent interview with Col. Robert Hamm, 436th Maintenance Group commander and self-proclaimed Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century "zealot," I had the opportunity to get an in-depth look at AFSO 21 and the Lean philosophy, as well as a chance to learn about the man who is striving to
Sept. 7, 2006
For a dedicated group of Air Force veterans, working at McChord's Heritage Center is ... A labor of love

The McChord Heritage Center not only connects visitors to decades of rich aviation history, but it also connects them to those who work behind the scenes. Retired Air Force Col. Herman Wood is an expert on the legacy of the enlisted pilot. Mr. Wood, who is an 87-year-old docent at the museum, was
Sept. 7, 2006
Remembering September 11, 2001: 5 years later, Airmen reflect upon personal experiences

Monday, it will be five years since four airliners were hijacked by Al-Qaeda terrorists and used as weapons against America, killing and injuring thousands and launching a Global War on Terror that is still being fought today, both at home and abroad. Sept. 11, 2001 is a date that will forever be
Aug. 24, 2006
Combat Aerial Delivery Flight: Delivering the fight to the enemy

(Editor's note: This is the last in a four-part series on the 317th Airlift Group's C-130 operations.) The light in the C-130 just turned green, and the loadmaster just released more than 5,000 pounds of equipment rushing to the earth. The 317th Operations Support Squadron Combat Aerial Delivery
Aug. 18, 2006
Brothers in arms

June started a new chapter in the Anderson Air Force family history when Lt. Col. Tom Anderson took command of the 714th Training Squadron. Tom is the third active-duty Anderson to become a lieutenant colonel and squadron commander, but what makes this noteworthy is that the brothers are all
Aug. 18, 2006
Eyes, ears of the flightline: MOC takes control

(Editors note: This is the third in a series about the 317th Airlift Group's operations.)On the job nearly 365 days a year and 24 hours a day, the 317th Airlift Group's Maintenance Operation Center keeps a watchful eye of the flightline.The MOC is the center of all maintenance operations for the
Aug. 15, 2006
C-130 crew chiefs: Taking the fight to the enemy

(Editor's note: This is the second in a series on the mission of the 317th Airlift Group.)There may be dirt, sweat or oil on their uniforms, but please don't look down on these hard working Airmen. For crew chiefs in the 317th AG, this is a mark of pride and hard work. The maintainers here take
Aug. 15, 2006
C-130s: Backbone of the GWOT

(Editor's note: This is the first in a series on the mission of the 317th Airlift Group.) They're able to work in Antarctica, in 144 degree weather, on dirt runway strips, in sandstorms and off runways with less than 3,000 feet of space. If a sortie is needed in the world's toughest and austere
Aug. 10, 2006
Lonely Eagle recounts service

Signing copies of his book, retired Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson jovially spoke to all who approached his table. He took a few moments to share how his early years were shaped by his experience as a Tuskegee Airman, fighter pilot and POW. Colonel Jefferson, who was one of 32 Tuskegee Airmen who were

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