DISTANT DETONATION - U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Nyx Zaid Nieves Lopez rolls tape while a U.S. Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal team uses a radio detonation unit to explode charges set on unspent munitions that were left over from the Iran-Iraq war along with other weapons seized from insurgents by the Iraqi police in Kirkuk, Iraq, Dec. 13, 2008. Lopez is a videographer with Joint Combat Camera at Forward Operating Base Warrior in Iraq. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Brian L. Short

Labels: Explosive Ordinance Disposal, FOB Warrior, Iraq, Joint Combat Camera, Kirkuk, military cameramen, military photographers, photos, USAF

Burning the midnight oil
Airman 1st Class Jessica Guinn tightens clamps around an actuator on an F-16 Fighting Falcon Oct. 6 during some late-night maintenance at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Airman Guinn, an aerospace propulsion apprentice with the 332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, is deployed from Misawa Air Base, Japan. Her hometown is Flint, Mich. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jason Epley)

Labels: 332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Iraq, Joint Base Balad, photos, USAF

WING WALKER
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Phillip Bean performs a preflight inspection on a C-130 Hercules aircraft at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Sept. 18, 2008. Bean is assigned to the 86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron as a crew chief. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kenny Holston

Labels: 86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, aircraft, C-130, Hercules, photos, USAF

OSAN AIM
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class David Armes aims his M240B machine gun during a base-wide exercise on Osan Air Base, South Korea, July 21, 2008. Armes is an entry controller assigned to the 51st Security Forces Squadron. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Boitz

Labels: 51st Security Forces Squadron, M240B, Osan Air Base, photos, USAF

HORNET REFUEL - U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft refuels a Canadian Air Force CF-18 Hornet as part of Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2008 over the Pacific Ocean, July 23, 2008. The multinational exercise includes troops from the United States, Australia, Chile, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands, Peru, South Korea, Singapore and the United Kingdom. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Daniel N. Woods

Labels: aircraft, Canadian Air Force, CF-18, Hornet, KC-135, photos, Stratotanker, USAF

BALAD BLAZE - U.S. Air Force firefighters battle to control a blaze that destroyed six metal-framed buildings used as workspace, storage and living quarters at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, July 22, 2008. No injuries were reported from the fire, but a high temperature of 117 degrees forced three firemen to be treated at the Air Force Theater Hospital for heat -related injuries. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Gary Hawkins

Labels: Balad, Iraq, Joint Base Balad, photos, USAF

FALCON FIREWORKS
An F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft sits on the runway during an early Independence Day celebration and fireworks display in Madison, Wis., June 28, 2008. The Falcon aircraft is assigned to the 115th Fighter Wing, Wisconsin Air National Guard. U.S. Air Force photo by Joe Oliva

Labels: 115th Fighter Wing, Air National Guard, aircraft, Fighting Falcons, Independence Day, photos, USAF, Wisconsin Air National Guard

THROUGH THE SMOKE
A student in the Air Force Phoenix Warrior Training Course participates in a combat first aid class on a Fort Dix, N.J., range, June 19, 2008. The course is taught by the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center's Expeditionary Operations School and 421st Combat Training Squadron. U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol

Labels: 421st Combat Training Squadron, combat first aid, photos, USAF

Shulla Search
Iraqi Army Soldiers watch as U.S. Army Soldiers check an AK-47 handed off to them by the owner during a joint patrol conducting a weapons search in Shulla, Iraq, June 19, 2008. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Manuel J. Martinez.


Weapon Cleaning
Fire Controlman 3rd Class Randy Sorensen, assigned to Combat Systems CS-7 Division, performs maintenance on a close-in weapon system (CIWS) aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), May 28, 2008. U.S Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Johndion Magsipoc.

THUNDERING OVERHEAD
Four Air Force Thunderbird F-16 Fighting Falcons fly in formation behind an F-22 Raptor for more than 6,000 spectators during the June 24, 2008, air show at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The "Soaring into Solstice" air show provided an opportunity for the local community to visit and get a close-up view and demonstration of the capabilities of the Air Force's aircraft.
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Eric T. Sheler


STALLION PICKUP
A U.S. Marine CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter lands in the Jazeerah Desert, Iraq, to pick up Marines taking part in Operation Defeat al Qaeda in the North, June 24, 2008. They are part of the 3rd Marine Air Wing's Heavy Helicopter Sqaudron 462. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jason W. Fudge


Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf transits through Chesapeake Bay
PORTSMOUTH, Va.- A 45-foot Coast Guard Response Boat-Medium from Station Little Creek, Va., transfers passengers from the Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf as it transits through the Chesapeake Bay, Va., today. The Bertholf, the 1st National Security Cutter to be built, hosted media and VIPÕs while on its maiden voyage transiting to Baltimore, Md., before it heads out to its permanent home port in Alameda, Ca. (Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathan Henise)

Labels: aircraft, At Work In..., Combat Systems CS-7 Division, CVN 72, Eielson Air Force Base, F-16, Iraq, Iraqi Army, photos, ships, US Army, US Navy, USAF, USMC, USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Bertholf

CEDAR RAPIDS RELIEF - Members of the Iowa Air National Guard's 185th Air Refueling Wing unload their gear at the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, June 15, 2008. State officials activated the National Guard to the help with recovery efforts after massive flooding caused evacuations from towns along major rivers.U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jack Braden
More Photos - Story

Labels: 185th Air Refueling Wing, flooding, Iowa Air National Guard, photos, USAF

EAGLE EXERCISE
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Chester Johnson performs a post flight inspection on an F-15 Strike Eagle during a Maple Flag exercise at Cold Lake, Canada, May 26, 2008. The exercise provides Canadian and allied aircrew with realistic training in a simulated air-combat environment and emphasizes air operations involving large package coalition forces. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo

Labels: aircraft, F-15, Maple Flag, photos, Strike Eagle, USAF

A C-17 Globemaster III is loaded, in preparation for airdrops in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The C-17 plays a key role in the delivery of supplies to forward operating bases that prevent convoys from reaching safely. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Joshua T Jasper)


Story

Labels: Afghanistan, aircraft, C-17, Globemaster, Operation Enduring Freedom, photos, USAF

ELLSWORTH WATCH - U.S. Air Force airmen watch the flag being lowered to half-staff during a Memorial Day retreat on Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 15, 2008. U.S. Air Force photo Senior Airman Marc I. Lane

Labels: Memorial Day, photos, USAF

SHARED SALUTE - U.S. Air Force Maj. Anthony Davis, a member of the Air National Guard, exchanges salutes with Chinese Army Senior Capt. Guan Youfei, deputy director of the Chinese Ministry of Defense's Foreign Affairs Office, at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, May 18, 2008. Also pictured are Chinese Army Maj. Wu Qian, staff officer, Chinese Ministry of Defense's American and Oceanic Affairs Bureau, and U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Charles W. Hooper, U.S. defense attache. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Chris Vadnais

Labels: Air National Guard, China, photos, USAF

ALL EYES & EARS
U.S. soldiers assigned to the 101st Airborne Division, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, stand in formation and wait for further orders before an air assault mission on May 11th, 2008. U.S. Army Photo by Specialist Richard Del Vecchio



ROUTINE VISIT
The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Albany arrives for a routine port visit, May 10, 2008. Albany is on a scheduled six-month deployment as part of the NASSAU Expeditionary Strike Group conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Paul Farley



PRECISION FLYING
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly in formation over California, May 2, 2008. The Thunderbirds are the Air Force's premier demonstration squadron and represent the Air Force throughout the nation and abroad. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Matthew Smith



TRAINING FIRES
The Marine Corps Base Japan Fire Department and emergency medical technicians work quickly to remove simulated victims from overturned vehicles while simultaneously putting out fires before they could enter the building to save any survivors during Constant Vigilance 2008 on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, May 6, 2008. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Ricardo Morales

Labels: 101st Airborne Division, At Work In..., Constant Vigilance 2008, Marine Corps Base Japan, NASSAU Expeditionary Strike Group, photos, Thunderbirds, US Army, US Navy, USAF, USMC, USS Albany

From Defenselink:

Air Force Staff Sgt. Kevin Nelson, 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron military working dog trainer, practices techniques with his dog Charlie during a recent training event. Air Force dog handlers at Kirkuk are assigned to either 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron or 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. Both squadrons have separate kennels and missions. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Eric Schloeffel



By Air Force Senior Airman Eric Schloeffel
Special to American Forces Press Service

KIRKUK REGIONAL AIR BASE, Iraq, May 12, 2008 – Prompted by a few words of command by his handler, military working dog Charlie sprints ahead and attacks a simulated enemy during a training session here.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Kevin Nelson, 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron military working dog trainer, practices techniques with his dog Charlie during a recent training event. Air Force dog handlers at Kirkuk are assigned to either 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron or 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. Both squadrons have separate kennels and missions. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Eric Schloeffel
(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

For Charlie, a German shepherd deployed here, this attack is no less a priority than if it were a real insurgent attempting to harm coalition forces. Despite temperatures hovering near the century mark, Charlie makes no bones about pushing his paws to the limit for the seemingly small reward of some praise from his handler.

"The dog sees everything he does here as a game," said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Patrick Carroll, 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler. "Even when the dog does have a big find, the dog never sees it as work. Seeking a reward and praise from their handler is the primary reason the dogs do the work for us."

While these military working dogs may be unable to comprehend their important contribution to the global war on terrorism while playing "the game," their capabilities are vital to the safety of coalition forces both inside and outside the base perimeter.

Air Force dog handlers at Kirkuk are assigned to either 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron or 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. Both squadrons have separate kennels and missions.

The 506th ESFS military working dog team conducts missions with the goal of protecting the more than 5,000 coalition forces personnel who reside at the base. While working inside base confines, 506th ESFS military working dogs conduct frequent patrols and assist security forces airmen at entry control points.

"Explosive detection is one of the main things we do with the dogs," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Kevin Nelson, 506th ESFS military working dog trainer. "The dogs are also trained to protect, deter, identify and apprehend any unauthorized personnel or contraband. Basically, the dogs prevent anything from getting on base that isn't supposed to be here."

The 732nd ESFS team typically works with the U.S. Army's 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, during the brigade's missions outside the wire in the city of Kirkuk and surrounding areas.

Similar to the 506th ESFS, the 732nd ESFS military working dog team frequently is on the lookout for explosives during its missions. The team is composed of airmen filling "in-lieu of" taskings -- U.S. Army positions augmented by the Air Force.

"Everything we do in this capacity is outside the wire," said Carroll, who is deployed from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.

The 732nd ESFS team conducts a wide range of missions that include raids, cache searches and vehicle searches. The team's missions can last for more than 10 days outside the wire, Carroll said.

Carroll is not new to the military working dog career field, but he said he feels his current deployment is unlike anything he's ever seen.

"People can tell you what you're getting into, but after leaving that gate you realize it's different than anything you've ever seen," he said. "But I build on each and every mission, and it's been satisfying to help assist the Army mission with Air Force canines."

Carroll, who volunteered for the position, said soldiers have helped his transition into the Army's working environment.

"The Army has made me very comfortable incorporating the dogs into their mission," he said. "I've been working with canines for more than 12 years now, but nothing comes close to what I've seen here. Working outside the wire with the Army has been a very rewarding opportunity."

To accomplish such a wide variety of missions both on and off the base, dog handlers rely on the keen senses of their canines, Air Force Tech. Sgt. Andrew Esparza, 506th ESFS kennel master, said.

"A dog's scent is far more advanced than a human's," said Esparza, who is deployed from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. "In comparison, humans can't distinguish the individual ingredients when we smell a pizza. [Dogs] can smell the cheese, pepperoni, oregano and all of the other ingredients individually."

Each handler typically has his or her own assigned dog during a deployment. These dogs often travel with their handler from the United States, and spend much of their deployment patrolling and sharpening their skills.

Since handlers spend so many of their hours with the dogs, the commonly known bond between "man and his best friend" often forms, said Nelson, who is deployed from Hill Air Force Base, Utah.

"You can't help being attached to the dogs; they depend on you," he said. "You are completely responsible for the dog's health and safety. But you also always have a partner that will lay down their life for you - these dogs aren't scared of guns, knives or anything else. They are extremely loyal.

"For us, a dog is similar to another person on the team," the sergeant added. "The dog is treated the same as if they are an airman, because the dog won't be any good at his job if we don't take great care of him."

Carroll's dog sleeps in his bedroom, thus making their relationship an around-the-clock endeavor, seven days a week.

"There is definitely a bond that forms when you live with a dog every day for six months," Carroll said. "My dog, Jack, makes the time away from my family not as bad."

While military working dogs will never receive retirement checks or re-enlistment bonuses for their abilities to sniff out weapons caches, these canines are a vital and valued capability in the deployed environment.

"These dogs are basically tools that we use to help save lives," Carroll said. "I know for a fact that my dogs have found weapon caches that would've otherwise been used against coalition forces. Whether it's protecting the base from within or going off base, these dogs play a major part in helping to keep us safe."

(Air Force Senior Airman Eric Schloeffel serves with 506th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs.)



Airman 1st Class Ryan Wasson, 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, holds his dog Charlie back from Staff Sgt. Kevin Nelson, 506th ESFS military working dog trainer, during a recent training event here. Air Force dog handlers at Kirkuk are assigned to either 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron or 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. Both squadrons have separate kennels and missions. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Eric Schloeffel



Related Sites:
Multinational Corps Iraq
Multinational Force Iraq

Labels: 506th ESFS, 732nd ESFS, Iraq, Kirkuk, military working dog, photos, USAF

An MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle takes off in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 432nd Wing at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., marked its first year May 6 as the Air Force's only MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle wing. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Rob Valenca)

Read the Story Associated with this Photo

Labels: 432nd Wing, aircraft, Creech AFB, MQ-1, photos, Predator, USAF

Combat control students maneuver the "teamwork" log April 9 during a "monster mash" event of the combat control school field training exercise at Fort Bragg, N.C. The monster mash is an endurance event to build individual stamina and encourage teamwork. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Scott Reed)

Labels: Fort Bragg, Military Training, monster mash, USAF

The wheels on the plane go round and round
Staff Sgt. Joshua Banner replaces retaining rings on an F-16 Fighting Falcon's main landing gear wheel at Balad Air Base, Iraq. The 332nd Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron provides combat-ready aircraft and munitions to the air component commander in support of coalition forces throughout Iraq. Sergeant Banner is a 332nd EMXS crew chief deployed from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C.

Labels: 332nd Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron, aircraft, Balad Air Base, F-16, Fighting Falcons, Iraq, photos, USAF

Balad trauma doctors gather to hone skills
Lt. Col. (Dr.) John Mansfield and Maj. (Dr.) Greg Hughes work together on a procedure to remove kidney stones from an Iraqi man March 26 at Balad Air Base, Iraq. The doctors met during the Joint Theater Trauma System conference where they learned how each other's medical facilities function. Colonel Mansfield is a 332nd Expeditionary Medical Operations Squadron urologist deployed from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England and Major Hughes is a 332nd EMDOS surgeon and an Iraqi surgeon from Balad General Hospital deployed from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Mareshah Haynes)

Labels: Balad Air Base, Iraq, medical assistance, photos, USAF

EVACUATION FLIGHT - U.S. Air Force Col. William Venanzi plays with a 3-year-old Iraqi burn victim on board a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft during a medical evacuation flight to the U.S. from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, March 21, 2008. Venanzi is a part of a critical care air transport team assigned to 88th Medical Group. The child and his mother flew from Balad Air Base, Iraq, to the U.S. to obtain treatment and physical therapy for second- and third-degree burns covering 45 percent of the boy's body. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Allen

Labels: 88th Medical Group, C-17, children, Globemaster, Humanitarian Aid, photos, USAF

DJIBOUTI JUMP - U.S. Air Force pararescuemen conduct a parachute training jump from an HC-130 aircraft over Djibouti, Africa, March 13, 2008. The airmen are assigned to the 82nd Search and Rescue Squadron from Moody Air Force Base, Ga. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeremy T. Lock

Labels: 82nd Search and Rescue Squadron, Djibouti, photos, USAF

CLEARING THE TARGET - U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Daniel String puts his radio and gear on after a B-1B Lancer successfully dropped six GBU-38 munitions onto an al Qaeda in Iraq prison in northern Zambraniyah, Iraq, March, 10, 2008. String, a joint terminal attack controller, is deployed with the 3rd Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Andy Dunaway

Labels: 3ID, Iraq, photos, USAF, Zambraniyah

Staff Sgt. Michael Ragsdale reviews daily weather inputs with the Tactical Meteorological Observing System at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan. (U.S Air Force photo/Senior Airman Tabitha Kuykendall)

Labels: Kyrgyzstan, photos, USAF

Senior Airman Lisa Long directs the loading of a Japan Ground Self Defense Force CH-47J Chinook helicopter onto a C-17 Globemaster III cargo plane Feb. 23 at Yokota Air Base, Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Osakabe Yasuo)

Labels: C-17, CH-47J, Chinook, Globemaster III, Japan, photos, USAF

737th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron transporting coaliition forces
Senior Airman Ian Hunt marshals a 463L cargo pallet onto a C-130 Hercules at an air base in the Persian Gulf Region. The cargo pallet is bound for a base in Iraq. A part of his duties as loadmaster is to ensure cargo is loaded and unloaded in a safe manner and that it's secured to the aircraft, so it doesn't move during flight to bases throughout the theater. Airman Hunt is a C-130 loadmaster deployed with the 737th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Patrick Dixon)

Labels: 737th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, aircraft, C-130, Hercules, photos, USAF

C-130 Hercules aircraft stand by for missions at an air base in Southwest Asia. These aircraft move coalition forces and equipment throughout the areas of responsibility in Iraq and Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Patrick Dixon)

Labels: aircraft, C-130, Hercules, photos, USAF

VALENTINE'S DAY SURPRISE
U.S. Air Force Airmen 1st Class Kathleen Sullivan and Lindsay Judkins are surprised to receive Valentine's Day cards from Texas elementary school students, Feb. 13, 2008, at a Southwest Asia air base. Both airmen are assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Security Forces. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Domonique Simmons

Labels: 379th ESFS, photos, Suporting Our Troops, USAF, Valentine's Day

Pilots walk to their F-15A Eagles Jan. 9, 2008, at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, to begin currency training after Air Combat Command cleared the planes for flight. The pilots, from the 199th Fighter Squadron, 154th Wing, Hawaii Air National Guard, have not flown since the Air Force grounded their F-15 fleet Nov. 3, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo


Air Force Capt. Philip “Buddah” Mallory climbs into his F-15A Eagle Jan. 9, 2008, at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, to begin flying for his currency training. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo


Air Force Capt. Philip “Buddah” Mallory settles into his F-15A Eagle cockpit Jan. 9, 2008, at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, to begin flying for his currency training. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo


A weapons loader marshals an F-15A Eagle into position Jan. 9, 2008, at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo


An F-15A Eagle takes off Jan. 9, 2008, from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo


An F-15A Eagle returns to Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, Jan. 9, 2008, after flying a mission for currency. The F-15s, from the 199th Fighter Squadron, 154th Wing, Hawaii Air National Guard, have not flown since the Air Force grounded their F-15 fleet Nov. 3, 2007. Air Combat Command cleared a portion of its F-15 A-D models to begin flying. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo


An F-15A Eagle returns to Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, Jan. 9, 2008, after flying a mission for currency. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo


Maj. James “Saw” Sage gets down from his F-15A Eagle Jan. 9, 2008, at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, after flying a training mission for currency. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo



More Photo Essays at DefenseLink

Labels: aircraft, F-15A, photo essays, photos, USAF

FALCON REFUELING
An F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft is refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker as it flys from Kunsan Air Base, Korea, to Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Jan. 20, 2008. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eric T. Sheler

Labels: aircraft, F-16, Fighting Falcons, KC-135, photos, Stratotanker, USAF

Getting ready for a big bang
Senior Airman Justin Mecias, with 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's explosive ordnance disposal team, gets ready to destroy captured ordnance Dec. 18 found in Ruwaydah Village, Iraq. The ordnance is destroyed to prevent it from being used against coalition troops. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Samuel Bendet)

Labels: 506th ECES, Iraq, photos, Ruwaydah Village, USAF

SOUTHWEST ASIA SANTA - Santa Claus, also known as U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Joe Ennen, helps himself to a cookie Dec. 25, 2007, after visiting troops at a Southwest Asia air base. Ennen is a member of the 379th Expeditionary Services Squadron. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Douglas Olsen

Labels: 379th Expeditionary Services Squadron, Christmas, holidays, photos, USAF

TARGET PRACTICE - U.S. Air Force airmen of the 354th Fighter Wing walk down range to set up their targets prior to a shooting exercise firing at the snow-covered small arms range on Eielson Air Base, Alaska, Nov. 29, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Griffin

Labels: 354th Fighter Wing, Eielson Air Force Base, photos, USAF

THANKSGIVING DINNER
Airmen at Forward Operating Base Hero in Kandahar, Afghanistan, stand in line to receive their Thanksgiving lunch. Several high-ranking servicemen and women took time to serve meals to the younger airmen and soldiers to show gratitude to them for the sacrifices they made to serve in Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Mike Andriacco

Labels: Afghanistan, holidays, Kandahar, Operation Enduring Freedom, photos, Thanksgiving, USAF

BUDDY SYSTEM
Staff Sgt. Curtis Huffman and Airman 1st Class Matt Sleeper demonstrate a buddy sniper position as one of the ways to set up an attack Nov. 14 in Iraq. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Angelique Perez

Labels: Iraq, photos, sniper, USAF

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Joy Flumerfelt, a medical technician assigned to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, provides medical care to a small village outside of Bagram Airfield Oct. 4, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua T. Jasper


U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Joy Flumerfelt, a medical technician assigned to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, provides medical care to a small village outside of Bagram Airfield Oct. 4, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua T. Jasper


Afghan children watch as a 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Airman arrives to provide aid during a medical engagement near Bagram Airfield Oct. 4, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua T. Jasper


U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Joy Flumerfelt, assigned to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, provides medical care to a small village outside of Bagram Airfield Oct. 4, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua T. Jasper


U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Joy Flumerfelt assigned to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, provides medical care to a small village outside of Bagram Airfield Oct. 4, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua T. Jasper


U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Joy Flumerfelt, a medical technician assigned to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, provides medical care to a small village outside of Bagram Airfield Oct. 4, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua T. Jasper




More photo essays at DefenseLink

Labels: 455th AEW, Afghanistan, Bagram Airfield, Humanitarian Aid, photo essays, photos, USAF

RUGBY AT LEJEUNE
Army defenders tackle Air Force rugby player Ryan Dombrock is during the 2007 Armed Forces Rugby Tournament Oct. 27, 2007, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. The Airmen won 22-5 for a fourth consecutive championship victoryPhoto By: U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Greg C. Biondo

Labels: Armed Forces Rugby Tournament, photos, US Army, USAF

In the Hole
A U.S. Soldier feels inside a tunnel for hidden weapons during a joint cordon and search with Iraqi National Police at a brick factory in Narhwan, Iraq, Nov. 6, 2007. The Soldiers are from Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Timothy Kingston.




PORT HUENEME, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2007) - Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 warm up with a set of jumping jacks before going on a two and a half mile march in full battle gear on board Port Hueneme. NMCB 3 is training in preparation for their upcoming deployment to the Middle East. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Carmichael Yepez




A Marine with third platoon, Company L, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 6, patrols his neighborhood in Fallujah's Nazaal district, Nov. 6. The leathernecks with third platoon moved into a house soon after they arrived in country and began assimilating into the neighborhood. This increased proximity to ordinary Iraqi folks in the city has brought them to the point of inclusion in the community. Photo by: Sgt. Stephen M. DeBoard , 2nd Marine Division Read the story associated with this photo




5th International Working Dog Breeding Conference
Tech. Sgt. David Adcox holds his military working dog Samo, as decoy Staff Sgt. Jeremy Toliver agitates the dog during a demonstration Nov. 7 for the 5th International Working Dog Breeding Conference at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. The conference was attended by 140 people from 16 countries, representing military, government and non-government programs, academia and industry. The conference focuses on the improvement of dogs through selective breeding for working occupations such as military, police, detection and assistance. The sergeants and Samo are from the 341st Training Squadron at Lackland. (U.S. Air Force photo/Robbin




Coast Guard Rescues Passengers from Grounded Cruise Ship
PORTSMOUTH, Va. - A Coast Guard rescue crew from Station Portsmouth ferries passengers of the cruise ship SPIRIT OF NANTUCKET to shore after the ship ran aground in the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway approximately 8-miles north of the Virginia, North Carolina stateline,Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007. The Coast Guard is investigating investigating the cause of the grounding. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Kip Wadlow)

Labels: 10th FAR, Fallujah, Iraq, military working dog, photos, Regimental Team 6, Seabees, US Army, US Navy, USAF, USCG, USMC

JTF-Bravo deploys to support Tropical Storm Noel relief in Dominican Republic
Soldiers and Airmen from Joint Task Force-Bravo here check for clearance as a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter is loaded onto a C-5 Galaxy from the New York Air National Guard. A team of 19 Airmen and Soldiers and two helicopters from Joint Task Force-Bravo departed here Nov. 5 heading for the Dominican Republic to assist with recovery efforts in the wake of Tropical Storm Noel. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Austin M. May)

Labels: aircraft, Black Hawk, C-5, Galaxy, helicopter, JTF-B, New York Air National Guard, UH-60, USAF

AFGHAN BOY
A young Afghan boy waits outside the entry control point of Kabul International Airport, Oct. 22, 2007, after receiving a toy plane from a group of Air Force members. The toy planes were given out along with soccer equipment to a group of local children from the Kabul Youth Soccer League . The equipment was donated from businessmen and supporters from Tennessee, Georgia and California. Photo By: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson

Labels: Afghanistan, children, Kabul, photos, USAF

ARMY EQUIPMENT FIGHTS FIRES
U.S. Army equipment is unloaded from an Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at March Air Force Base, Calif., Oct. 24, 2007. The equipment is part of a federal support package used to assist federal, state and local agencies responding to the California wildfires. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Troy Latham

Labels: aircraft, C-17, California wildfires, Globemaster, US Army, USAF

Tech. Sgt. Sherry Burt dances and sings with people from the village of Damerjog, Djibouti after performing with the U.S. Central Command Air Forces Expeditionary Band, the Desert Ramblers. Sergeant Burt is a vocalist and Irish flute player. (U.S. Navy photo/Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Regina L. Brown)

Labels: Desert Ramblers, Djibouti, photos, US Central Command Air Forces Expeditionary Band, USAF

TOP COP — U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Mary Kay Hertog visits with deployed airmen to discuss deployment tempos, training and the future of the career field at Camp Bucca, Iraq, Oct. 10, 2007. Hertog is the Air Force Security Forces director. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tia Schroeder

Labels: Air Force Security Forces, Brigadier General Mary Kay Hertog, Camp Bucca, Iraq, photos, USAF

FLIGHT LINE PHOTOGRAPHER — U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jonathan Snyder, of 407th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs, captures photographs of flight line operations on Ali Air Base, Iraq, Oct. 3, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Rob Wieland

Labels: 407th Air Expeditionary Group, Iraq, military photographers, photos, Public Affairs, USAF

A student in the Air Force Phoenix Warrior Training Course 07-6 participates in convoy training Aug. 21 on a range at Fort Dix, N.J. The course is taught by the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center's 421st Combat Training Squadron where Air Force security forces airmen practice expeditionary combat skills. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol


Students in the Air Force Phoenix Warrior Training Course 07-6 practice convoy operations Aug. 29 at Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst, N.J. The course, which recently marked its first anniversary, is taught by the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center's 421st Combat Training Squadron at Fort Dix, N.J. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol


Students in the Air Force Phoenix Warrior Training Course 07-6 practice convoy operations Aug. 29 at Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst, N.J. The course is taught by the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center's 421st Combat Training Squadron at Fort Dix, N.J. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol



Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Goligowski and his military working dog, Endy, participate in a scenario Aug. 28 during Air Force Exercise Eagle Flag 07-6 during Phoenix Warrior training at Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst, N.J. The exercise is operated by the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center's 421st Combat Training Squadron from Fort Dix, N.J. Goligowski and Endy are assigned to the 319th Security Forces Squadron at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol


Students in the Air Force Phoenix Warrior Training Course 07-6 conduct a dismounted patrol during training Aug. 21 on a range at Fort Dix, N.J. The course is taught by the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center's 421st Combat Training Squadron where Air Force security forces airmen practice expeditionary combat skills. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol


Air Force Staff Sgt. Pamela Lowande and her military working dog, Ziko, join other Phoenix Warrior students during a scenario Aug. 28 as part of Air Force Exercise Eagle Flag 07-6 at Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst, N.J. The Phoenix Warrior program is a year old. Lowande and Ziko are from the 81st Security Forces Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol



More photo essays at DefenseLink

Labels: 81st Security Forces, Keesler Air Force Base, military working dog, Phoenix Warrior, photos, Training, USAF

Airpower Summary for Sept. 27, 2007
An F-16 Fighting Falcon approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker over central Iraq to refuel while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Erik Hofmeyer)

Labels: aircraft, F-16, Fighting Falcons, Iraq, KC-135, Operation Iraqi Freedom, photos, refueling, Stratotanker, USAF

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kirby Pyka and Senior Master Sgt. Elma Taylor, both with the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan's logistics directorate, help raise the Air Force flag during a ceremony as part of the service's 60th Anniversary celebration at Camp Eggers in Kabul, Sept. 14, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Cortchie Welch

Labels: Afghanistan, Camp Eggers, Kabul, photos, USAF

REFUELING — An F/A-18C Hornet, assigned to the "Knighthawks" of Strike Fighter Squadron 136, receives fuel from an Air Force KC-135 tanker over southern Iraq during a close-air support mission in support of U.S. and coalition ground forces, Aug. 27, 2007. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Peter Scheu

Labels: "Knighthawks", aircraft, F/A-18C, Hornet, Iraq, KC-135, photos, Strike Fighter Squadron 136, USAF

Volunteers and airmen assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group load a soldier into an ambulance bus at Balad Air Base, Iraq, Aug. 3, 2007. When wounded servicemembers and Iraqi military members and civilians are brought to the Air Force Theater Hospital, they are treated and then taken to the contingency aeromedical staging facility to await transportation to either a military or Iraqi hospital. U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Shannon Collins

Medics assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group emergency room and contingency aeromedical staging facility bring Army Cpl. Erick Rodriguez into the Air Force theater hospital's emergency room, Aug. 3, 2007. Rodriguez sustained abdominal injuries from an improvised explosive device. U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Shannon Collins

2nd Lt. Christine Duro and Staff Sgt. Derick Tibbetts, both assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group, draw blood as Master Sgt. Nancy Quemuel, assigned to the contingency aeromedical staging facility, discusses air evacuation and treatment for Army Cpl. Erick Rodriguez, a cavalry scout assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division, Aug. 3, 2007. Rodriguez assigned to the Forward Operating Base Warhorse, sustained abdominal injuries from an improvised explosive device. He was the last patient to be treated in the Air Force theater hospital's tent facility at Balad Air Base, Iraq, Aug. 3, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Shannon Collins

Maj. Julie Zwies and Capt. Kathy Betts inventory equipment at the new Air Force theater hospital at Balad Air Base, Iraq, Aug. 3, 2007. Starting at 4 a.m., about 150 base volunteers and 380 332nd EMDG airmen moved patients and equipment to the newly upgraded, pre-engineered facility. U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Shannon Collins

Senior Airman James Ray and Tech. Sgt. Christopher Harwell move operating room equipment from the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group's Air Force theater hospital's tent facility to its newly upgraded, pre-engineered facility at Balad Air Base, Iraq, Aug. 3, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Shannon Collins

Volunteers and airmen assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group remove sandbags from part of the Air Force theater hospital's tent facility Aug. 3, 2007. The tent hospital was around 63,100 square feet which was made up of more than 30 tents. The upgraded former Iraqi Air Force Academy hospital is about 97,000 square feet. It has 20 intensive care units, 40 beds and up to eight operating tables. U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Shannon Collins

Volunteers, airmen and soldiers assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group move equipment and patients from the Air Force theater hospital's tent facility to the newly upgraded, pre-engineered facility at Balad Air Base, Iraq, Aug. 3, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Shannon Collins

Staff Sgt. Tanja Green, Senior Airman Jacklynn Levasseur and Army Spc. Ivan Nazario finish moving the last pieces of equipment from the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group's Air Force theater hospital's tent facility to its newly upgraded, pre-engineered facility at Balad Air Base, Iraq, Aug. 3, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Shannon Collins




More photo essays at DefendAmerica

Labels: 332nd Medical Group, Air Force Theater Hospital, Balad Air Base, Iraq, military hospitals, photo essays, photos, USAF, Wounded Heroes

Over Iraq
An Air Force MQ-1B Predator unmanned aerial vehicle goes out on patrol from Balad Air Base, Iraq. Predators fly intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions for operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Eight MQ-1s flew missions in the area of responsibility Aug. 10. U.S. Air Force photo

Labels: Balad Air Base, Iraq, MQ-1B, photos, Predator, USAF

NEW FRIENDS — U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher Luedtke talks with locals living in the Anaba district of Panjshir Province, Afghanistan, Aug. 6. Luedtke, commander of the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team, brought members of his PRT to Anaba to provide training to Afghan National Police serving in the area. Luedtke is deployed from Hill Air Force Base, Utah. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jim Varhegyi

Labels: Afghanistan, Panjshir province, photos, USAF

U.S. Air Force Maj. Mark Campbell, right, greets the commanding pilot of an MI-17 helicopter flight crew assigned to the Afghan National Army Air Corps prior to "Operation Shukran" at Kabul International Airport, in Afghanistan, July 26, 2007. Campbell is assigned to the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan out of Camp Eggers, Kabul, Afghanistan. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jim Varhegyi


Helicopter maintainers from the Afghan National Army Air Corps check over the maintenance records for an MI-17 helicopter prior to a mission at Kabul International Airport, in Afghanistan, July 26, 2007. U.S. Air Force members acted as mentors to the Afghan National Army Air Corps soldiers and are assigned to the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan headquartered at Camp Eggers, Kabul, Afghanistan. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jim Varhegyi


Helicopter crew members assigned to the Afghan National Army Air Corps mount a door gun on their MI-17 helicopter prior to "Operation Shukran" at Kabul International Airport, in Afghanistan, July 26, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jim Varhegyi


U.S. Air Force Capt. Ronald Stencel, left, talks about maintenance issues with Lt. Col. Abdul Shafi, of the Afghan National Army Air Corps, at Kabul International Airport, in Afghanistan, July 26, 2007. Shafi is the Afghan National Army Air Corps senior aircraft maintenance engineer operations group commander. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jim Varhegyi


An MI-17 helicopter flight engineer assigned to the Afghan National Army Air Corps gives a status report to his commanding pilot during a mission flown from Kabul International Airport, during "Operation Shukran" in Afghanistan, July 26, 2007. U.S. Air Force members acted as mentors to the Afghan National Army Air Corps soldiers and are assigned to the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan headquartered at Camp Eggers, Kabul, Afghanistan. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jim Varhegyi


An MI-17 helicopter door gunner assigned to the Afghan National Army Air Corps keeps a watchful eye during a mission flown from Kabul International Airport, in Afghanistan, July 26, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jim Varhegyi


U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Frank Padilla congratulates members of an MI-17 helicopter flight crew assigned to the Afghan National Army Air Corps at Kabul International Airport, in Afghanistan, July 26, 2007. The Afghan National Army Air Corps MI-17 flight crew successfully completed a mission during "Operation Shukran," where for the first time an Afghan National Army Air Corps flight crew successfully in-filled and ex-filled Afghan National Army Air Corps commandos during the joint Afghan National Army Air Corps International Security Assistance Force operation. Padilla is the Combined Air Power Transition Force commanding general, which is part of the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan headquartered at Camp Eggers, Kabul, in Afghanistan. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jim Varhegyi




More photo essays at DefendAmerica

Labels: Afghan National Army, Afghanistan, aircraft, Camp Eggers, Compbined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan, helicopter, MI-17, photo essays, USAF

Air Force Academy basic cadet Sarah Bangley's first task during a two-week training exercise in Jacks Valley at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., was to set up tents. Once the housekeeping chores are done, however, the real challenges begin. (U.S. Air Force photo/Joel Strayer)

Labels: Jacks Valley, photos, US Air Force Academy, USAF

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Rain Albertson drills holes in the framework of the first of four tactical operations centers in order to run wires which will provide electrical service in the building June 22, 2007, at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq. Albertson is an electrician assigned to the 557th Expeditionary RED HORSE Squadron deployed from Pope Air Force Base, N.C. He and his fellow Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers, or RED HORSE, airmen are forward deployed from Balad Air Base, Iraq, to build four tactical operations centers for the Army's 2nd Brigade combat team, 3rd Infantry Division. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jim Varhegyi


U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Chris Belknap adjusts the spacing between roof trusses June 22, 2007, at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq. Belknap is the site foreman assigned to the 557th Expeditionary RED HORSE Squadron, one of the Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers, or RED HORSE, airmen who are forward deployed from Balad Air Base, Iraq and tasked to build four tactical operations centers for the Army's 2nd Brigade combat team, 3rd Infantry Division. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jim Varhegyi


U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Tyler Peterson cuts truss pieces for the roof of a tactical operations center June 22, 2007, at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq. Peterson is a utilities journeyman assigned to the 557th Expeditionary RED HORSE Squadron deployed from the 319th Civil Engineer Squadron at Grand Forks, N.D. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jim Varhegyi


Airmen assigned to the 557th Expeditionary RED HORSE Squadron work on the roof of a tactical operations center June 22, 2007, at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq. The Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers, or RED HORSE, airmen are forward deployed from Balad Air Base, Iraq, to build four tactical operations centers for the Army's 2nd Brigade combat team, 3rd Infantry Division headquarters. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jim Varhegyi


U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Albert Turner and another airman carry their tools to their compound after a day of laying roofing material on the first of four tactical operations centers June 22, 2007, at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jim Varhegyi


U.S. Air Force Capt. Kelvin Haywood (right) signs for a shipment of 17 trailers full of supplies from Army Staff Sgt. Chad Kollar June 22, 2007, at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq. Haywood is the engineering flight commander assigned to the 557th Expeditionary RED HORSE Squadron and Kollar is logistical convoy commander assigned to the 1207th Transportation Company attached to the 82nd Airborne Brigade. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jim Varhegyi


U.S. Air Force airmen assigned to the 557th Expeditionary RED HORSE Squadron work on the roof of a tactical operations center June 22, 2007, at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jim Varhegyi


U.S. Air Force airmen assigned to the 557th Expeditionary RED HORSE Squadron scrounge for scrap material to cobble together a compound for securing equipment and material which will be used to build tactical operations centers, at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jim Varhegyi


Staff Sgt. Sean Gann reads data from a total station used to position offset corner markers for the placement of a tactical operations center June 22, 2007, at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq. Gann is an engineer assistant assigned to the 557th Expeditionary RED HORSE Squadron deployed from the 820th RED HORSE Squadron at Nellis Air Force, Nev. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jim Varhegyi


Master Sgt. Lori Bordman runs electrical wires up into the rafters in the first of four tactical operations centers June 22, 2007, at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq. Bordman is an electrician assigned to the 557th Expeditionary RED HORSE Squadron and a reservist deployed from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jim Varhegyi



More photo essays at DefendAmerica

Labels: 557th Expeditionary RED HORSE Squadron, FOB Kalsu, Iraq, photo essays, photos, USAF

Firefighters perform a pre-entry safety check before attempting to battle a fire in the Army Motor Pool, June 19, 2007, on Camp Adder, Iraq. Due to munitions contained in the building and no potential for loss of life, the firefighters switched to defensive operations for the blaze using six trucks to keep it under control and confined to the building. The firefighters are assigned to the 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron at Ali Air Base, Iraq. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Robert W. Valenca


Firefighters head in to put out a blaze in the Army Motor Pool, June 19, 2007, on Camp Adder, Iraq. Due to munitions contained in the building and no potential for loss of life the firefighters switched to defensive operations for the blaze using six trucks to keep it under control and confined to the building. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Robert W. Valenca


Firefighters rest after attempting an exterior attack on a fire in the Army Motor Pool on Camp Adder, Iraq, June 19, 2007. The firefighters are assigned to the 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron at Ali Air Base, Iraq. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Robert W. Valenca


Firefighters attempt to control a fire in the Army Motor Pool on Camp Adder, Iraq, June 19, 2007. Due to munitions contained in the building and no potential for loss of life, the firefighters switched to defensive operations for the blaze using six trucks to keep it under control and confined to the building. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Robert W. Valenca


Firefighters perform an exterior attack on a fire in the Army Motor Pool, June 19, 2007, on Camp Adder, Iraq. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Robert W. Valenca


Two firefighters perform an exterior attack on a fire in the Army Motor Pool, June 19, 2007, on Camp Adder, Iraq. The firefighters are assigned to the 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron at Ali Air Base, Iraq. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Robert W. Valenca


A fire burns out of control in the Army Motor Pool, June 19, 2007, on Camp Adder, Iraq. Due to munitions contained in the building and no potential for loss of life, firefighters assigned to the 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron at Ali Air Base, Iraq, switched to defensive operations for the blaze using six trucks to keep it under control and confined to the building. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Robert W. Valenca


More photo essays at DefendAmerica

Labels: 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, Ali Air Base, Camp Adder, Iraq, photo essays, photos, USAF

Welcome to the Air Force
Basic cadet trainees meet inspiring upper classmen as they exit the bus to begin inprocessing as the Class of 2011 June 28 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado. The 1,304 members of the U.S. Air Force Academy's Class of 2011 arrived to inprocess and begin basic cadet training here. (U.S. Air Force photo/David Armer)

Labels: Air Force Academy, photos, USAF

WHEELCHAIR GAMES
U.S. Air Force veteran Daniel Young masters the slalom course, June 19, 2007, at the 27th National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Milwaukee, Wis., held June 19 to 23. More than 500 disabled veterans were at the games, sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Paralyzed Veterans of America. National Veterans Affairs Office photo - More Photos

Labels: National Veterans Wheelchair Games, Paralyzed Veterans of America, photos, USAF, Veterans Affairs, Wounded Heroes

F-15E Strike Eagles, similar to this one refueling over Iraq, play a critical role daily in providing close-air support to ground forces in contact with anti-Iraqi forces as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Brian Ferguson)

Labels: aircraft, F-15E, Iraq, Operation Iraqi Freedom, photos, refueling, Strike Eagle, USAF

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Margaret Wilson connects two lengths of concertina wire together, June 8, 2007, on a wall to protect one of the compounds on Ali Air Base, Iraq. Wilson is assigned to the 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron's Force Protection Flight. The flight is responsible for monitoring local and third country nationals to detect suspicious activity, augmenting security forces during increased threat levels, as well as monitoring and maintaining installation security measures. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Robert W. Valenca


U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Brian Brewster carries stakes used to hold up the concertina wire his team is installing on a wall to protect one of the compounds on Ali Air Base, Iraq, June 8, 2007. Brewster is assigned to the 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron's Force Protection Flight. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Robert W. Valenca


U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Mark Davis carries concertina wire that he and his crew are installing on a wall to protect one of the compounds on Ali Air Base, Iraq, June 8, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Robert W. Valenca


U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Brian Brewster installs concertina wire, June 8, 2007, on a wall to protect one of the compounds on Ali Air Base, Iraq. Brewster is assigned to the 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron's Force Protection Flight. The flight is responsible for monitoring local and third country nationals to detect suspicious activity, augmenting security forces during increased threat levels, as well as monitoring and maintaining installation security measures. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Robert W. Valenca


U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Hunter Lescoe pounds a stake in while installing concertina wire on a wall to protect one of the compounds on Ali Air Base, Iraq, June 8, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Robert W. Valenca


A member assigned to the 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron's Force Protection Flight carries concertina wire, June 8, 2007, that his team is installing on a wall to protect one of the compounds on Ali Air Base, Iraq. The flight is responsible for monitoring local and third country nationals to detect suspicious activity, augmenting security forces during increased threat levels, as well as monitoring and maintaining installation security measures. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Robert W. Valenca


More photo essays at DefendAmerica

Labels: 407th ESFS, Ali Air Base, Iraq, photo essays, photos, USAF

Maj. Pauline Lucas gives a child medication during a Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Medical Civic Action Program in May in Kenya. CJTF-HOA servicemembers conducted the MEDCAP in the villages of Shimbir and Balich through a partnership with the Kenyan department of defense, which provided additional medical providers and logistical support. More than 1,000 people received healthcare as part of the project. Lucas is a CJTF-HOA public health officer. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Carrie Bernard


People prepare different stations during a Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Medical Civic Action Program in May in Kenya. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Carrie Bernard


Kenyan department of defense servicemembers unload medical supplies during a Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Medical Civic Action Program in May in Kenya. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Carrie Bernard


A child picks up medication during a Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Medical Civic Action Program in May in Kenya. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Carrie Bernard


A family waits to be seen by a doctor during a Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Medical Civic Action Program in May in Kenya. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Carrie Bernard


A child holds a box of medication during a Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Medical Civic Action Program in May in Kenya. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Carrie Bernard



More photo essays at DefendAmerica

Labels: CJTF-HOA, Humanitarian Aid, medical assistance, photos, USAF

Nations at Combined Endeavor combat cyberspace security
Tech. Sgt. Wendee Marshall observes Scott Thomas (sitting) and Quintin Quinn as they build a tool to share data among nations during the Combined Endeavor 2007 exercise held in Baumholder, Germany. Combined Endeavor is the largest security cooperation and communications and information systems military exercise in the world, with more than 1,200 military and civilian personnel from 42 countries and two multinational organizations. Sergeant Marshall is assigned to the 1st Combat Communications Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Labels: 1st Combat Communications Squadron, Combined Endeavor 2007, Germany, photos, USAF

Family, friends and media wait for 44 Airmen to disembark a KC-135 Stratotanker April 30, 2007, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. The Airmen returned after their deployment to support Operation Enduring Freedom at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jocelyn Ford


Capt. Brendan Voitik embraces his wife, Amy, after disembarking a KC-135 Stratotanker April 30, 2007, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. Captain Voitik returned with 44 other Airmen after their deployment to support Operation Enduring Freedom at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jocelyn Ford


Jasmine Hernandez receives a big hug from her father, Tech. Sgt. Juan Hernandez, just minutes after his return April 30, 2007, to Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. Sergeant Hernandez returned with 44 other Airmen from Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jocelyn Ford


Kole and Kade Turner stick close to their dad, Tech. Sgt. Kevin Turner, after going months without seeing him April 30, 2007, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. Sergeant Turner returned with 44 other Airmen after their deployment to support Operation Enduring Freedom at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jocelyn Ford


Staff Sgt. Michael Overman tickles his 2-year-old daughter, Miquela, after disembarking a KC-135 Stratotanker April 30, 2007, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. Sergeant Overman returned with 44 other Airmen after their deployment to support Operation Enduring Freedom at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan.U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jocelyn Ford



More photo essays at DefendAmerica

Labels: Fairchild Air Force Base, USAF, Welcome Home

Interagency exercise kicks off
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFNEWS) -- The annual exercise Alaska Shield/Northern Edge 2007 got under way May 7 and runs through May 18. It is part of the U.S. Northern Command-sponsored, national-level Ardent Sentry/Northern Edge 2007 exercise. Ardent Sentry is designed to hone coordination between the Department of Defense as well as federal, state, local and private agencies in a series of challenging scenarios ranging from natural disasters to terrorist incidents. More

Labels: Alaska Shield/Northern Edge 2007, Ardent Sentry/Northern Edge 2007, photos, USAF

An Air Force B-1B Lancer flies a mission over Afghanistan. In recent weeks, the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron has maintained a persistent presence in Iraq and Afghanistan to support increased operations. The B-1B can rapidly deliver massive quantities of precision and non-precision weapons against any adversary, anywhere in the world, at any time. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Lance Cheung)

Labels: 34th expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Afghanistan, aircraft, B-1B Lancer, photos, USAF

AFGHAN AIR CORPS
Afghan National Air Corps MI-17 helicopters take off in a formation practice. Air Force mentors assigned to Defense Reform Directorate Air Division under Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan provide guidance to soldiers with the Afghan Maintenance Operations Group. U.S. Air Force photo Tech. Sgt. Cecilio M. Ricardo Jr.

Labels: Afghan Air Corps, Afghan Maintenance Operations Group, helicopter, MI-17, Operation Enduring Freedom, photos, USAF

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Ed Franco plays with local refugee children in Dar Ul Aman, Kabul, Afghanistan, April 8, 2007, in support of a volunteer community outreach program. The program has set up a children diversion tactic that allowed volunteers to distribute 200 bags filled with clothes, shoes and toys without distraction and is provided every month with the help of donated items from U.S. citizens. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Cecilio M. Ricardo Jr.


U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Shawn Haney, a religious cultural affairs mentor at the Human Resource Division within the Combined Security Trainng Command Afghanistan, plays with a local refugee child in Dar Ul Aman, Kabul, Afghanistan, April 8, 2007, in support of a volunteer community outreach program. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Cecilio M. Ricardo Jr.


A Department of Defense civilian employee plays with local refugee children in Dar Ul Aman, Kabul, Afghanistan, April 8, 2007, in support of a volunteer community outreach program. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Cecilio M. Ricardo Jr.


A local refugee child stands in front of his home, a building filled with approximately 1,000 refugees in Dar Ul Aman, Kabul, Afghanistan, April 8, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Cecilio M. Ricardo Jr


A U.S. Air Force airman holds a local refugee child in Dar Ul Aman, Kabul, Afghanistan, April 8, 2007, in support of a volunteer community outreach program. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Cecilio M. Ricardo Jr.

Labels: Afghanistan, children, Dar Ul Aman, Humanitarian Aid, Kabul, photos, US Army, USAF, USMC

Master Sgt. Mitchell Lefler hugs his daughter, Sarah, after arriving back home April 6 from supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Lefler is a C-130 Hercules maintenance technician assigned to the 145th Airlift Wing for the North Carolina Air National Guard, and is returning from a tour of duty in Afghanistan. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Brian E. Christiansen


Maj. Kevin Mountcastle talks with his family after giving them a tour of a C-130 Hercules, April 6 in Charlotte, N.C. Mountcastle is a C-130 Hercules pilot assigned to the 145th Airlift Wing for the North Carolina Air National Guard, and is returning from a tour of duty in Afghanistan. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Brian E. Christiansen


Master Sgt. David Lee hugs his girlfriend, Crystie Wilkins, as he arrives back home April 6 from supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Lee is a C-130 Hercules loadmaster assigned to the 145th Airlift Wing for the North Carolina Air National Guard. He and his unit were deployed in Afghanistan. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Brian E. Christiansen


Maj. Kevin Mountcastle walks with his son after arriving back home April 6 from supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Mountcastle is a C-130 Hercules pilot assigned to the 145th Airlift Wing for the North Carolina Air National Guard, and is returning from a tour of duty in Afghanistan. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Brian E. Christiansen



Welcome Home, Job Well Done, and THANK YOU!! to all of these brave Heroes.


More photo essays at DefendAmerica

Labels: 145th Airlift Wing, North Carolina Air National Guard, photos, USAF, Welcome Home

An Afghan National Army trainee provides perimeter security during training at the Kabul Military Training Center (KMTC) in Kabul, Afghanistan, March 15, 2007. Approximately 19 U.S. Air Force members provide guidance and mentorship for the instructors, officers and trainees at KMTC. The Internation Security Assistnae Force and the U.S. military provide the maximum amount of guidance for the Afghan National Army to independently sustain the security of its own country. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Cecilio M. Ricardo Jr.


Senior Master Sgt. Robert Spaulding provides mentorship to Capt. Abdul Rahman, Military Police commander, during training at the Kabul Military Training Center (KMTC) in Kabul, Afghanistan, March 15, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Cecilio M. Ricardo Jr.


Afghan National Army trainees prepare to learn perimeter security during training at the Kabul Military Training Center (KMTC) in Kabul, Afghanistan, March 15, 2007. Approximately 19 U.S. Air Force members provide guidance and mentorship for the instructors, officers and trainees at KMTC. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Cecilio M. Ricardo Jr.


Afghan National Army trainees learn how to secure a perimeter during training at the Kabul Military Training Center (KMTC) in Kabul, Afghanistan, March 15, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Cecilio M. Ricardo Jr.


An Afghan National Army trainee learns how to provide perimeter security during training at the Kabul Military Training Center (KMTC) in Kabul, Afghanistan, March 15, 2007. Approximately 19 U.S. Air Force members provide guidance and mentorship for the instructors, officers and trainees at KMTC. The International Security Assistance Force and the U.S. military provide the maximum amount of guidance for the Afghan National Army to independently sustain the security of its own country. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Cecilio M. Ricardo Jr.


More photo essays at DefendAmerica

Labels: Afghan National Army, Afghanistan, Kabul, KMTC, photos, USAF

Airmen tackle increased operations tempo
Jet engine technicians, Staff Sgt. Shaun Bennet (left) and Senior Airman Maurice Williams, inspect a B-1B Lancer's internal compressor blades during an engine borescope inspection. This inspection is accomplished every 100 engine operating hours. The Airmen are assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron's 34th Aircraft Maintenance Unit in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. David Miller) Story

Labels: 34th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, 379th Expeditinary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, aircraft, B-1B Lancer, photos, USAF