Eielson Named Preferred Alternative PACOM’s First F-35As

The Air Force has selected Eielson AFB, Alaska, as the preferred alternative to host the first F-35A squadrons in the Pacific area of responsibility, the service announced Aug. 7. The airbase, located in Fairbanks, was selected due to its ability...

Kadena Rescue Airman Awarded DFC

SSgt. Zach Hoeh, a pararescueman with the 31st Rescue Squadron at Kadena AB, Japan, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor for his “heroism” retrieving a wounded soldier from a mine-laden ambush site in Kandahar, Afghanistan, in 2011. On...

AFGSC to Add 848 Airmen to Nuclear Force

Air Force Global Strike Command will add 848 airmen to its missile and bomber wings beginning this fall, as part of the program to improve the culture and mission effectiveness of the nuclear force, officials announced Aug. 7. “We’ve been...

New Installation and Mission Support Center Activated

The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center was activated on Aug. 8 at JB Andrews, Md., which will serve as a temporary headquarters until officials can find a permanent home for the newly established center, the Air Force announced...

50 More Former ICBM Sites Destroyed Under New START

The last of 50 deactivated Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile launch facilities once operated by the 564th Missile Squadron at Malmstrom AFB, Mont., were demolished Aug. 5, another step toward US compliance with the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, signed...

USAF Implements Intelligence Retention Bonus Program

Intelligence officers in certain Air Force Specialty Codes may be eligible for a retention bonus up to $30,000, according to an Aug. 7 release. Eligible officers have until Sept. 22 to apply for the critical skills retention bonus, which is...

SOUTHCOM Launches Annual Panama Canal Exercise

US Southern Command launched its annual Panamax 2014 on Aug. 8. Air Forces Southern airmen based at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., along with personnel from Marine Corps Forces South, Navy Forces South, and SOUTHCOM, joined 16 allied nations in the seven-day...