The Outstanding Airman Program annually recognizes 12 enlisted members for superior leadership, job performance, community involvement, and personal achievements. The Air Force Association drove the creation of the Outstanding Airmen of the Year program, which debuted at AFA’s 10th annual convention in...
Air Force
Tell us who you think we should highlight here. Write to letters@afa.org Flooding from persistent July thunderstorms devastated the communities of Mescalero and Ruidoso, N.M., leading more than 90 Airmen from the 29th Attack Squadron and 7th Air Support Operations...
How the U.S. can counter China’s size and other advantages. Decades of force cuts and deferred modernization have left the U.S. Air Force unable to simultaneously deter nuclear attacks, defend the U.S. homeland, and defeat Chinese aggression at acceptable levels...
Thank You For Your Service I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve as the 23rd Air Force Chief of Staff and I’m thankful for Secretary Meink, Secretary Hegseth and President Trump’s faith in me to lead our service. … More...
Inside a Vietnam War aircrew’s shootdown and the fight to honor their courage. The 10 Airmen of Stinger 41 knew the risks of flying their AC-119K gunship in daylight over enemy anti-aircraft gunners—a rare mission for an aircraft designed for...
Were Vets Exposed to Toxins on Nevada Test and Training Range? By Rachel S. Cohen In 1983, Dave Crete graduated from technical school bound for one of the Air Force’s most unusual postings for security forces Airmen: the Nevada Test and...
Spain Takes Charge at ACC By Chris Gordon Gen. Adrian L. Spain succeeded Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach Aug. 11, marking his ascension to the four-star ranks at one of the Air Force’s largest and most far-reaching commands. In a ceremony...
Allvin’s Retirement Casts Shadow on ‘Re-Optimization’ With his Aug. 18 announcement that he would retire this fall, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin ended months of speculation about his future and marked his tenure as among the shortest...
“Willie the Whip” revolutionized airlift transport. Bill Tunner was an airlift genius who was formative in shaping America’s worldwide power projection capability. Airlift may not always be glamorous, but it is usually essential in achieving the nation’s political objectives. ...
Stealth was a gamble 50 years ago. It’s still a good bet. S tealth technology has given the U.S. military an air of near invincibility for the past 35 years. Overwhelmingly successful in the 1991 Gulf War, and heavily refined...
Natalie Crawford, whose analysis helped shape and build Air Force modernization for decades, has died at 86. Crawford, who joined RAND Corp. in 1964 and spent more than 60 years as an analyst and expert there, was an influential and instrumental voice in the development ...
Growing up, Troy Meink wanted to be a pilot, then an astronaut. He joined the Air Force, but his eyesight wasn't up to pilot standards, and the pilot dream was dashed. He began as a navigator, shifted into acquisition and space. He built airplanes in ...
