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DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE — In the early 1940s, Art Benko of Bisbee was trained at this airfield, which was then out in the desert near Tucson. Benko was a top turret gunner on a B-24 Liberator bomber during World War II and would become known as the top bomber gunner in the Army Air Force. His exploits included the downing of seven Japanese planes on one mission over then-French Indochina. On May 22, officials at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base will dedicate the installation’s fitness and sports center in honor of Tech. Sgt. Art Benko. Honoring Benko sits well with...

The driver of a dark sport utility vehicle smashed into a gate outside Davis Monthan Air Force Base near South Swan Road Monday night, an official said. The SUV sustained front-end damage and the driver fled after ramming into the fence about 8:30 p.m. outside the entrance to the base at South Swan Road, said Tech Sgt. James Fisher, a base spokesman. The gate was damaged and will have to be replaced, but the SUV wasn't able to smash through it, he said. "I don't think it was their intention to enter" the base, Fisher said. The Swan gate is...

Hundreds of Davis-Monthan personnel are off to war again with the base's A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. About 300 airmen from the 354th Fighter Squadron and the 355th Maintenance Group are due to start leaving for Afghanistan this weekend. The pilots, navigators, mechanics and other personnel likely will be overseas for four to six months, though the exact length of their deployments isn't certain, officials said. "America's airmen from Davis-Monthan are ready for combat," the base's wing commander, Col. Kent Laughbaum, said in a statement announcing the departures. The A-10 provides close air support to U.S. ground troops. The aircraft "has...

Tucson's night skies will be buzzing with more military traffic for the next several days. Some jet flights will run as late as midnight as personnel at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base test their war readiness. A series of drills simulating real combat conditions began Tuesday and will run until next Friday, base officials said in a news release. Midnight flying deadlines are scheduled for Tuesday through Thursday. D-M officials have pledged to "minimize flight operations that cause undue stress to the community," the news release said. Airmen serving overseas typically work 12- to 14-hour shifts, so the training exercises will...

Two workers hired for construction jobs at Randolph AFB used counterfeit papers to get on base. "The two individuals that we have detained right now are Mexican nationals," said Jerry Robinette of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The suspects provided documents that looked real enough to fool the Air Force guards who let them on base. "In this situation, that's one of the things that we've been looking at, is the use of unauthorized or counterfeit Social Security numbers," Robinette said. The search for the workers caused a back up at the Randolph gate as airmen and ICE agents checked the...

12/6/2006 - LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFPN) -- A Luke AFB pilot killed in action Nov. 27 in Iraq was remembered by Air Force leaders and friends as a warrior-patriot who made a difference in everything he did in a ceremony Dec. 6 here. Maj. Troy L. Gilbert's F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed while flying a combat mission in support of ground forces in Anbar Province, 20 miles northwest of Baghdad. Major Gilbert was deployed to Balad Air Base, Iraq, in September from the 309th Fighter Squadron at Luke AFB. "The 56th Fighter Wing extends its heartfelt condolences to the...

9/29/2006 - MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. (AFPN) -- At any given time the Air Force has thousands of personnel deployed supporting the war on terrorism. Decades ago, it was the Vietnam conflict and the Korean War. What happened to the veterans who fought for our nation then? Some of those veterans who now find themselves homeless made their way to downtown Wichita, Kan., Sept. 29 to receive aid provided by the Wichita Stand Down for Homeless Veterans, assisted by Airmen from McConnell Air Force Base and members of the Department of Veterans Affairs. During the Vietnam conflict, most servicemembers...

9/12/2006 - MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho (AFPN) -- More than 160 Airmen from the 726th Air Control Squadron here deployed Sept. 10 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Their mission is to monitor the airspace over a battlefield and provide military leaders with a clear and accurate picture of that area, allowing commanders to make informed, real-time decisions. "We are self-sufficient and are comprised of 27 Air Force specialty codes. We are capable of going into the middle of nowhere and supporting ourselves," said Master Sgt. Todd Kern, the 726th ACS first sergeant who did not deploy with...

8/18/2006 - MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFPN) -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers broke training camp Thursday and in an unprecedented move for the team, held its day-before-game walk-through at MacDill AFB, Fla. The Buccaneers, who play their second pre-season game against the Miami Dolphins Saturday, have a long-standing relationship and community partnership with the military here. "You guys have no idea what a great morale booster it is for you to come out and do this," said Col. Maggie Woodward, 6th Air Mobility Wing commander. "It means a lot that you think enough of us to do this." Friday's...

7/11/2006 - SAN ANTONIO (AFPN) -- Lights, camera, action! Airmen at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., home to the Air Force's only operational F-117 wing, got to experience a new kind of rush as Hollywood invaded their base. The DreamWorks/Paramount Pictures live-action film "Transformers," set to release in July 2007, will feature several different aircraft including the F-117 Nighthawk from Holloman and the CV-22 Osprey from Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. More than 300 Airmen participated as extras in the movie and providing logistical support during the filming. "It's a thrill to know my face will be seen in a...

Two helicopters from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base were called Saturday to rescue an American who suffered what appeared to be a stroke about 500 miles off the California coast. The helicopters, from the 943rd Rescue Group, were chosen because the Navy and Coast Guard cannot refuel in the air, said Capt. Eric Simon, of the 943rd. While there is a rescue group stationed at Moffett Federal Airfield in the San Francisco area, Capt. Simon said the holiday made it difficult to activate that group. The man was aboard the cargo ship Horizon Pacific when he began suffering stroke symptoms, according...

WASHINGTON, June 16, 2006 – Dads of the Offutt Air Force Base community in Nebraska are in for a special Father's Day treat, the Spirit of America Tour founder and president said. Country music favorite Charlie Daniels (left) and Spirit of America founder and president Robert Rosenthal chat on stage at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., during Daniels' concert in 2003. Courtesy photo  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Thanks to Spirit, and a well-timed break in her tour schedule, country music star Jo Dee Messina will have a "meet and greet" with the troops before performing a free concert...

6/15/2006 - HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii (AFPN) -- The delivery of the seventh of eight C-17 Globemaster IIIs here June 14 brought 15th Airlift Wing and Pacific Air Forces Airmen together with World War II veterans. The aircraft, christened "The Spirit of 'Go For Broke,'” is a tribute to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. The 442nd fought in Europe in World War II, and was the most decorated unit in the history of the U.S. military for its size and length of service. The unit was composed of Japanese-American soldiers intent on proving their loyalty to the U.S. Many...

6/13/2006 - KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. (AFPN) -- As this base struggles with housing shortages from Hurricane Katrina's wake, Airmen being assigned here accompanied by family members need to have a plan before they leave their current assignment. Due to Katrina, permission for servicemembers to bring their family members to Keesler has become much like those for an overseas assignment. Airmen now must obtain authorization for their dependents' concurrent travel before coming here. For concurrent travel to be approved, Airmen must have a feasible housing plan for their families, due to the lack of affordable housing on the Mississippi...

ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md., May 19, 2006 – The military showcased its personnel and equipment for its own today as the annual Joint Service Open House kicked off here. Duluth, Minn., Air National Guardsman Maj. John Klatt poses for photos with Abreanna Ball, 9, at the Joint Service Open House at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., May 19. Abreanna was touring the military displays with students from Benjamin D. Foulois Elementary School near the base. Photo by Samantha L. Quigley  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The festivities, open today for military and civilian defense security badge holders...

5/8/2006 - VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. (AFPN) -- The U.S. commander in chief stopped here May 6 en route to Oklahoma State University in Stillwater to give the commencement address. President George W. Bush was greeted by more than 300 servicemembers, civilians and their families. While the event was special for the base, it was the "best 17th birthday present in the world" for Betsy Kriner, daughter of Col. Kevin Kriner, 71st Operations Group commander, and his wife, Mary. “It was a once in a lifetime experience,” said the Enid High School junior, who received a hug and had...

4/18/2006 - HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFPN) -- A new era is under way for members of the 309th Maintenance Group here as they modify their first F-22A Raptor. This was the first of 12 to 14 aircraft scheduled to visit Hill this year for minor modifications. A total of 18 are contracted to undergo work here. "We're excited," said Guy Phillips, F-22 maintenance squadron director for the 309th MXG, about its new customer. "Most of us are a little apprehensive, but are well prepared and have lots of experience on aircraft. We're also confident that, with the experienced...

How do you figure out whether a foam firefighting system in an air force hangar is set up correctly and works? Well you turn it on for a few seconds, to make sure it's got pressure and everything. First you set up a scaffolding so you can record the event and show the flow coming out of all nozzles. And then you let 'er rip. After 15 seconds you can see foam is covering all areas it has to, so the test is successful. Shut 'er off. Uh, guys? Shut 'er off? Aw crap. Whatever was meant to shut off...

3/23/2006 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFPN) -- Nine servicemembers and one enlistee had the privileged opportunity to raise their right hand and receive the Oath of Office from the vice president of the United States. During a recent visit to Scott Air Force Base, Ill., Vice President Richard Cheney assisted 375th Airlift Wing commander Col. Raymond Rottman in performing a mass re-enlistment March 21, for Airmen, Soldiers and one soon-to-be Air Force member. Cheney’s visit to Scott came on the day the U.S. observed the third anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom. This is the first time Mr. Cheney...

/23/2006 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. (AFPN) -- This base continues to absorb people and planes from hurricane-ravaged Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, La., accepting the second to last A-10 Thunderbolt II March 16. Falling in line with Base Realignment and Closure committee recommendations, the original plan had the naval base delivering aircraft and people to Whiteman over three years. Hurricane Katrina shortened that plan considerably. “We’re cramming three years of work into the next eight months,” said Col. Patrick Cord, 442nd Fighter Wing commander. “I’m confident the wing is up to the challenge. We’re professional, we’re experienced...

Authorities are trying to determine why two men in a pickup truck ran a checkpoint at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base this morning, crashing into a traffic barrier aimed at stopping unauthorized base entry. Terrorism is not thought to be a motive at this point, but military officials and civilian police hope to learn what prompted the pair to speed past the control gate at Swan and Golf Links roads without stopping for required identification checks. Both occupants of the 1999 Dodge truck were taken to University Medical Center with serious injuries. The men were not carrying identification and were unconscious...

3/7/2006 - KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. (AFPN) -- After the devastation from Hurricane Katrina left the base and the surrounding area in dire straits, the community desperately needed help to recover. Airmen here have answered that call. “We were in crisis mode right after the hurricane trying to make sure people had the bare minimum to survive,” said Maj. Teresa Roberts, director of the family support center. Since Hurricane Katrina, the center has logged more than 38,000 volunteer hours supporting all facets of the rebuilding effort. They are still handling about 10 requests per week with assisting in clearing...

This weekend be sure to look up into the sky and catch a glimpse of modern and historic military aircraft. The event allows pilots to practice formation flying for the 2006 Air Show Circuit. From historic warplanes, to advanced and sophisticated jets. The F-22A Raptor is the Air Force's newest fighter aircraft. It's only been in circulation a few months and there are only 62 in the world like it. Lieutenant Colonel Jim Hecker says luck was on his side when he was picked to fly a Raptor. Hecker said, It's a stealth aircraft and has the ability to super...

3/2/2006 - KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. (AFPN) -- In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, people here don’t take things like electricity, drinking water, housing, offices and plumbing for granted. Thanks to a team effort, each day brings improvements in base infrastructure, facilities and utilities, as the base braces for the next hurricane season. “Infrastructure is the blood and guts of the base,” said Maj. Jeff Szatanek, 81st Civil Engineer Squadron Operations Flight commander. Alfred Watkins, base infrastructure manager, described the challenges civil engineers faced both during and after Katrina’s fury struck Keesler nearly six months ago. “When the base...

2/8/2006 - HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii (AFPN) -- When “The Spirit of Hawaii Ke Aloha” landed on the flightline here it delivered a new era of air operations for the Pacific Air Forces and the U.S. Pacific Command. Hickam is the first base outside the continental U.S. to permanently host the strategic airlifters. By the end of the year the base will be home to eight C-17 Globemaster IIIs. Gen. Paul V. Hester, Pacific Air Forces commander, said the C-17 is a key tool for providing humanitarian relief. “The C-17, as amazing as it is, is nothing more than...

2/1/2006 - LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFPN) -- Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band received rave reviews from the more than 1,500 Luke Airmen who attended a free United Service Organizations concert Saturday night. Well known for his “Forrest Gump” character “Lt. Dan”, Gary Sinise and his band, the Lt. Dan Band, played a variety of music from classic rock to current popular tunes. "I was surprised they covered so many awesome songs," said Staff Sgt. David Velasquez, 56th Aerospace Medicine Squadron medical technician. This was the second tour at Luke for Mr. Sinise and the band. "Incredible...

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - The Air Force's new F-22A Raptor is such a dominant fighter jet that in mock dogfights its pilots typically take on six F-15 Eagles at once. Despite the favorable odds, the F-15s, still one of the world's most capable fighters, are no contest for the fastest radar-evading stealth jet ever built. "The F-15 pilots, they are the world's best pilots," said Lt. Col. David Krumm, an F-22A instructor pilot. "When you take them flying against anyone else in the world, they are going to wipe the floor with them. It's a startling moment for...

12/1/2005 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFPN) -- Two 21st Security Forces Squadron teams placed near the top in the tactical obedience and top agency areas at a national competition for working dogs. This is the sixth consecutive year squadron’s military working dogs and their handlers from here competed at the Tucson Area Police K-9 Trials in Tucson, Ariz. “Peterson teams have always done well at the trials. This year was no different,” said Master Sgt. Mark Dedrick, the squadron kennel master. He said Staff Sgt. Jesse Frank and Staff Sgt. Jesse Tames lead the way. After qualifying at...

July 2005: A spectacular up close and personal look inside Andersen Air Force Base located on Territory of Guam (USA), the "tip of the spear" for U.S. forces in the Pacific region. Also visible (and not from afar) are three airborne, fearsome and very deadly modern arrows from U.S. DoD's diverse quiver: the B-2 Spirit Stealth bomber and a pair of F-15E Strike Eagle fighters. They, as well as the base, are looking very fit and very prepared. (Related: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1492277/posts and http://www.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/photos/060707-F-3961R-003.jpg) The Very Large Imagehttp://www.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/photos/060707-F-3961R-001.jpgThe PhotographerTechnical Sgt. Cecilio M. Ricardo, 36th Communication Squadron, 36th Air Expeditionary Wing, United...

11/18/2005 - ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFPN) -- Anchorage police are calling two Airmen heroic for their actions in helping catch a truck thief. Staff Sgts. Joseph Harder and William Young, of the 3rd Equipment Maintenance Squadron’s aerospace ground equipment section, pulled off the feat. The two were on their way to a restaurant, for a going-away luncheon, when a delivery truck crossed their path Nov. 9. “We had just pulled into the parking lot when the truck cut us off,” Sergeant Harder said. “Then we noticed the delivery driver running after his truck with his hands in the...

11/15/2005 - ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFPN) -- President George Bush stopped here on the first leg of his week-long Asia tour and thanked servicemembers and civilians for volunteering to serve and continuing the fight the global war on terrorism. It was the president’s second visit here. He spoke for nearly 45 minutes with more than 4,500 servicemembers and civilian workersfrom all the services . Army Staff Sgt. Joshua Ferguson was one the nearly 3,500 military members at the event. The Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment troop from Fort Richardson, Alaska, was excited to see the...

11/2/2005 - EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFPN) -- Airmen here gave up their free time help their neighbors during Make a Difference Day Oct. 22 and 28. Residents of Bob Hope and Theresa villages and Eglin’s Thrift Shop benefited from these Airmen’s labors. The annual event is the most encompassing national day of helping others -- a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. In 2004, three million people cared enough about their communities to volunteer on that day, accomplishing thousands of projects in hundreds of towns. Staff Sgt. Jeff Henson, 68th Electronic Warfare Squadron’s Intelligence Directorate, said Make A Difference...

10/24/2005 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz -- The Air Force broke ground on a new combined air operations center here. There was the sound of sledgehammers swinging when workers started the conversion of an old ground-launched cruise-missile facility into the new Falconer CAOC facility Oct. 17. The new operations center -- scheduled to open in July 2006 -- will be the only “continuously operational” facility in the United States and one of only five Falconer CAOC weapon systems used to support combatant commanders worldwide. The CAOC -- an $11.35 million construction project -- is part of an Air Force...

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFPN) -- The purple force isn't just for joint operations at deployed locations. Technicians with the 95th Aerospace Medical Squadron, the 95th Medical Operations Squadron and the 95th Medical Support Squadron here helped out a Marine detachment recently by making sure their physical examinations were current after returning from deployed locations. "After the Marines had returned from a prolonged deployment, many of their physical exams had expired," said Lt. Col. James Elliott, commander of the 95th AMDS flight. "And because they currently have limited organic medical support, they requested our help in updating their physicals....

NEW ORLEANS (AFPN) -- For an Airman at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., his first deployment came at a record-setting pace in support of the relief effort in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Airman 1st Class Brandon Calderon, of the 60th Aerial Port Squadron, left home at 4 a.m. and arrived here at 9 a. m. on Sept. 3 expecting the worst possible conditions. "The floodwaters, the death toll, the violence, everything on the news, that's what I was expecting," Airman Calderon said. Although he found himself somewhat removed from the chaos, he was heavily involved in the mission, loading...

SAN ANTONIO -- Part of the huge medical center at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. -- closed by Hurricane Katrina damage -- could open sooner than base officials estimated less than a week ago. The section, on the hospital’s first floor, could open in as little as two months, said Brig. Gen. (Dr.) James J. Dougherty, 81st Medical Group commander. But it will still take at least six months to completely reopen the Air Force’s second largest medical center, he said. The hurricane knocked out the center’s ability to provide tertiary care -- highly specialized skills, technology and support services....

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFPN) -- Nineteen aircraft from Langley Air Force Base, Va., found shelter from the storm on the runway here Sept. 13. The 1st Fighter Wing jets, along with a crew of 90 support Airmen, arrived here midafternoon, evacuated from Virginia because of the expected arrival of Hurricane Ophelia. Providing shelter for the jets is a chance for the 46th Test Wing to be on the receiving end for a change, instead of evacuating its own aircraft -- a task that flying wings here are all too familiar with. Planes here fled the base three times...

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Training in five key career fields restarts for 400 Airmen here Sept. 19, six months sooner than base officials forecasted more than a week ago. Then, more students will start training the following week, said Col. Jessie Canaday, 81st Training Group commander. And more students will gradually enter training each week after that as this base continues to recover from the pounding it took from Hurricane Katrina. Air Force officials determined what training would start based on the service’s critical needs, said the colonel, commander of the Air Force’s largest training group. “We’re taking...

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Staff Sgt. Art Hughes brushed wood chips and sawdust from his black T-shirt, which smelled of sweat and fresh pine. After cutting down trees all morning, it was break time, so he grabbed a bottle of water and gulped it down. Across the street, the rest of “Youngblood’s Crew” kept working. The crew, led by Master Sgt. Randy Youngblood, was clearing part of the mess Hurricane Katrina left behind on Pinelawn Street in this base’s Bayview Housing Area. “We have other crews working at some other housing areas,” said Sergeant Hughes, a pavements and...

LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. (AFPN) -- The first international aid for Hurricane Katrina victims touched down in Arkansas on Sept. 5, and more international flights are on the way. The base was tapped as the hub and clearinghouse for all international aid air shipments for Hurricane Katrina victims. "Little Rock Air Force Base is proud to be participating in the relief effort for Hurricane Katrina," said Brig. Gen. Joseph M. Reheiser, 314th Airlift Wing commander. "Serving as the hub for international aid, Little Rock Air Force Base stands ready and able to take on the incoming relief supplies....

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala., Sept. 6, 2005 – Some airmen of the 908th Airlift Wing are returning to their home base today after participating in an overseas deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The troops aren't even back yet, but their commander says they're ready to serve again, only this time, in disaster-relief operations. "A lot of folks have been chomping at the bit to help," Air Force Lt. Col. John Stokes said. He said that his crews sent him e-mails that said, "As soon as we get back, we're ready to turn around and do hurricane-support missions."...

SAN ANTONIO -- For the first time since Hurricane Katrina forced them into shelters, 6,000 people at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., ventured outside for a breath of fresh air. That was late in the day on Aug. 30, just after eating their first hot meal since the devastating hurricane nearly blew the base and that section of the Gulf Coast off the map. People stood in line for up to two hours to get their first hot food in days, said Lt. Col. Claudia Foss, the 81st Training Wing spokesperson. “We were able to feed 6,000 people at one...

SAN ANTONIO -- Hurricane Katrina smashed “a good 95 percent” of Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., turning it into a pile of debris and mud, said a base spokesperson. Lt. Col. Claudia Foss, 81st Training Wing public affairs officer, said water surges from the Gulf of Mexico and the Bay of Biloxi reached depths of five to six feet at times. “Whether it was five feet, one foot or a few inches, at one point everything was covered with bay or Gulf water,” she said. Fortunately, there have been no reports of people killed or injured at Keesler, she said....

Airman 1st Class Ashley Webb doesn't normally crawl on the ground with a gun in her job as a military medical clerk. But these days, even desk jobs can be dangerous overseas. That's why Webb is preparing for the worst as she readies to deploy to the Middle East next month from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. Borrowing moves normally used by soldiers and Marines, she and hundreds of other Tucson airmen are learning basic ground-combat skills, such as how to repel a convoy attack, how to spot a land mine and how to move in a zigzag pattern when dodging...

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz., Aug. 4, 2005 — An environmental engineer here won $2,500 from “Good Housekeeping” magazine as a runner-up for the magazine’s Women in Government award. “I was on a bike ride with my son, Alex, (when I) was contacted by ‘Good Housekeeping’ magazine on my cell phone,” said Karen Oden, 355th Civil Engineer Squadron. “I am fortunate to have a job that I really enjoy, and find meaningful and challenging. To be recognized for my effort is an honor.” “I am fortunate to have a job that I really enjoy, and find meaningful and challenging. To...

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFPN) -- Moving wounded American servicemembers from the frontlines in Southwest Asia to hospitals in the United States is no easy task. The effort requires everything from treating patients in forward-deployed locations to airlifting and caring for them as they move from overseas to stateside locations. One Air Force Reserve Command unit involved in this effort is the 445th Airlift Wing here. Since Oct. 10, 2001, U.S. military aircraft have moved more than 26,000 patients from Southwest Asia to Europe, and more than 18,000 of them went on C-141 Starlifters -- most belonging to the...

SAN ANOTNIO -- Guardsmen and reservists are used to international situations that call for them to put out fires. Now, they are doing it here at home -- literally. More than 60 guardsmen and four specially equipped C-130 Hercules from North Carolina and Wyoming Air National Guard units are battling blazes in the western United States, saving private property and lives during a perilous wildfire season that is keeping firefighters working around the clock. Aircrews from the 145th Airlift Wing and the 153rd Airlift Wing have flown more than 70 sorties this past week over Idaho, Oregon and Utah spraying...

Pope AFB Loses Nearly Half Of C-130 Fleet To Grounding Delegation Hopes To Update Fleet POSTED: 8:09 am EST February 15, 2005 FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. -- Nearly half of the aging C-130 airplanes at Pope Air Force Base have been grounded because of safety concerns, military officials said. Col. Darren W. McDew, 43rd Airlift Wing commander, said Monday 14 of the 31 four-propeller C-130 Hercules have at Pope are prevented from flying. The planes are used for missions as diverse as dropping Fort Bragg paratroopers on training exercises and hauling cargo around the Persian Gulf. Some members of the North Carolina...

Kathy Sperry first saw the giant C-141 Starlifter as it taxied in the rain Thursday morning along the runway at Scott Air Force Base. Inside, among the 77 wounded, was her son, Marine Pfc. James Sperry. As she and her husband, Steven, waited, she remembered the deep-seated need to see her son again, to see for herself what had happened. The only words she had from him directly since he was wounded on Veterans Day were from a voice mail. The voice was faint. The only words she could make out were "head injury" "fracture" and "Germany," which was among...

MISSILE LAUNCH WEDNESDAY A Titan II missile is scheduled for launch this Wednesday morning from Vandenberg AFB. The vehicle is slated to leave SLC-4W at south base at 09:17 PDT, the start of a 10-minute launch window. Several minutes later the Titan will place a DMSP military weather satellite into a low altitude polar orbit selected to give the spacecraft's sensors global coverage. For up-to-date countdown status and further information regarding this launch, go to the Spaceflight Now web site at: http://www.spaceflightnow.com/titan/g9/status.html http://www.spaceflightnow.com/titan/g9/031012saga.html http://www.spaceflightnow.com/titan/g9/031010ascent.html ---------------------------------------------------------------------- TITAN II SET TO LAUNCH Vandenberg AFB News Release (Vandenberg AFB, OCT 10) The era...