According to Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah), the Air Force has taken the “not totally unexpected” step of assigning depot-level maintenance work for the new F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter to the Ogden Air Logistics Center at Hill AFB, Utah....

The Air Force Secretary designate, Michael Donley, is officially on the job as Acting Secretary, according to a June 23 USAF press release. The service has updated its Web site, putting Donley’s name in place of Michael Wynne who formally...

Headlines across Europe and in the US proclaimed over the weekend that an internal Air Force investigation shows the service's nuclear weapons in Europe lack proper security. The various articles stemmed from a Federation of American Scientists blog report about the full report of the Air Force Blue Ribbon Review of Nuclear Weapons Policies and Procedures, conducted after last August'sinadvertent shipment of nuclear-equipped cruise missiles. USAF released a portion of the BRR led by Maj. Gen. Polly Peyer in February, but FAS secured a copy of the complete report, formerly marked "For Official Use Only." In reviewing that report, we find that the BRR does state "most sites require significant additional resources to meet DOD security requirements." It also states that "areas noted in need of repair at several of the sites include support buildings, fencing, lighting, and security systems." However, the BRR report places responsibility for those issues largely on the host-nations, noting: "Inconsistencies in personnel, facilities, and equipment provided to the security mission by the host nation were evident." And, the report further notes that the host-nations often use conscripts "whose total active duty commitment is nine months" to provide security manpower. What does the BRR say about US Air Forces in Europe munitions airmen? It says, "Munitions squadrons … have a solid nuclear-capable experience base," but it also noted that many airmen serve in one-deep positions, which can cause shortfalls. During a recent visit to some of his munitions units, USAFE boss Gen. Roger Brady said: "I have no questions about our security. I have concerns because of our mission, and I have concerns because it's human beings doing it. We're still the best Air Force in the world, but there's always room for improvement." (Includes 52nd Fighter Wing report by SrA. Logan Tuttle)

According to the Air Force and prime contractor Lockheed Martin, the second highly elliptical orbit payload in the Space Based Infrared System constellation has passed its on-orbit checkout successfully. The HEO-2, states a June 20 company release, “meets or exceeds...

At least that is the word from a US State Department official touring the Kyrzyz Republic. Apparently there have been news reports circulating that the purpose of his visit was to discuss expansion plans. George Krol said in a statement posted on Website of the US Embassy in Bishkek: "Those reports are patently false. The US government has no plans to expand the territory of Manas Air Base." Remember the US had to negotiate for months over the rent it would pay the Kyrgyz government for the use of Manas, which serves as a major air mobility hub for coalition forces operating in Southwest Asia.

According to the Air Force, enlisted airmen who serve in chronically short critical skills have a “greater opportunity for promotion” than airmen serving in other fields. For 2008 there are 37 specialties that are considered chronic critical skills because they...

We almost missed this one, but SSgt. Dennis Davis has received a Bronze Star for his work with a Weapons Inspection Team in Iraq. Davis, who is with the 67th Network Warfare Wing at Brooks City-Base, Tex., received his medal...

An accident investigation board has concluded that pilot error led to the crash of an F-16 on April 2 at Gila Bend Auxiliary Airfield in Arizona that caused “substantial damage” to the aircraft, according to a June 23 release from...

Air Sorties in War on Terrorism, Southwest AsiaJune 20-21, 2008 Sortie Type OIF OEF OIF/OEF Total YTD ISR 51 23 74 5,204 CAS/Armed Recon 140 100 240 15,428 Airlift 275 275 21,726 Air refueling 115 115 7,242 Total 704 49,600...