Daily Report

Aug. 16, 2010

Air Force Launches First AEHF Satellite

The 45th Space Wing at Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., and its industry partners have successfully placed AEHF-1, the first advanced extremely high frequency military communications satellite, in space. “This is an historic launch of an important asset to our nation’s...

Air Guard Unit is First Convert to C-27J

: The Ohio ANG’s 179th Airlift Wing in Mansfield has become the first of eight Air Guard combat-ready units to convert to the C-27J transport, the Air Force’s newest airlifter. Army Maj. Gen. Gregory Wayt, Ohio adjutant general, joined wing...

Airmen Deliver Firefighting Gear to Russia

Two Air Force C-130s from the 37th Airlift Squadron at Ramstein AB, Germany, have delivered the first loads of US firefighting equipment to Russia. The US is providing about $4.5 million of gear to help the Russians battle huge raging...

Spangdahlem Activates New Fighter Unit

: The 480th Fighter Squadron is the newest combat unit at Spangdahlem AB, Germany. The new squadron consolidates the base’s F-16 operations formerly conducted by the 22nd and 23rd Fighter Squadrons, both of which were inactivated at the same Aug....

New Cargo Ramp Opens at Bagram

Airmen at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, now have a new, 90,000-square-foot concrete cargo-handling ramp to speed the movement of material at USAF’s busiest air hub. “We are the busiest aerial port squadron in the world,” said Lt. Col. Kirk Peterson, commander...

Airman Fights ‘Don’t Ask’ Dismissal

Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach, one of the highest-ranking officers investigated for violating the Pentagon’s “don’t ask-don’t tell” policy, is fighting his potential removal by the Air Force. Fehrenbach announced Aug. 11 that he had filed an injunction in federal court...

Israel Closer to Acquiring F-35s

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Sunday approved the Israeli Air Force’s request to purchase the F-35 strike fighter, according to press reports. The next step is for the Israeli cabinet to sign off on the acquisition. Back in September...

Patrick Medical Clinic Gets Upgrade

: An outpatient medical clinic at Patrick AFB, Fla., will get an $18.5 million makeover. The 45th Space Wing Medical Group last week held a ground-breaking ceremony for the new facility, which will be updated in phases to eliminate as...

Arizona Airman logs 10,000 Flight Hours

: SMSgt. Timothy O’Donnell, a veteran flight engineer and superintendent of the 43rd Electronic Combat Squadron at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., recently logged his 10,000th flight hour. “Even a bad day in an airplane is better than a good day at...

Forbes Ranks Academy 11th Best College in America

: In its newly issued 2010 America’s Best Colleges list, Forbes magazine last week ranked the Air Force Academy the 11th best college in the nation. “I’m proud to see a respected publication such as Forbes recognize the integrity, service,...

Air Sorties from SWA 080810

Air Sorties in Southwest Asia, August 8-9, 2010 Sortie Type OIF OEF OIF/OEF Total YTD ISR 53 124 177 15,470 CAS/Armed Recon 38 141 179 21,043 Airlift 344 344 38,352 Air refueling 95 95 10,228 Rescue 54 54 4,698 Total...