Category: US Air Force

Source: United States Air Force

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) —  

Roughly 120 service members and five KC-46A Pegasus tankers assigned to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, participated in JB MDL’s first certification event for the KC-46A during Neptune Series exercise at Travis Air Force Base, Oct. 21-Nov. 2.

Throughout the two-week exercise, 305th Air Mobility Wing Airmen certified the KC-46 Mission Generation Force Element in preparation for the upcoming Air Force Force Generation deployment cycle. Evaluations on the ability to successfully accomplish Air Mobility Command competencies, maximize joint air interoperability, and strengthen global warfighting capabilities, were priorities during the exercise.

“Our team did not disappoint. [The Neptune Series] accomplished the first AFFORGEN model proof of concept in the KC-46 enterprise and set the framework for future certification events on this airframe,” said 1st Lt. Britton Beasley, KC-46 Aircraft Maintenance officer in charge during the exercise. “We showed that we’re capable of executing an entirely organic large force movement to a deployed location. We proved that we can generate, recover and perform up to intermediate-level maintenance on deployed aircraft for the 2nd ARS to execute their certification in the air.”

The joint air interoperability exercise was composed of multiple JB MDL squadrons, including the 605th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 305th MS, 305th Operations Support Squadron, 2nd Air Refueling Squadron, and 87th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

Jointly, these squadrons sharpened their skills to generate, fly and deliver airpower superiority. Airmen implemented agile combat employment concepts in simulated deployed scenarios, testing their proactive and reactive responses with limited personnel and equipment.

“The most challenging part of this exercise is being away from home station without home-station support,” said Staff. Sgt. Daniel Myers, 605th AMXS KC-46A crew chief. “This Neptune Series, for maintenance, has proved that we can all be muti-capable Airmen in the generation of this aircraft.”

Flexibility, adaptability and endurance were vital to mission success. JB MDL Airmen increased proficiency by applying cross-functional training to scale down the number of participants while also preserving high-end readiness essential for training to win today and tomorrow.

“Our Airmen and our aircraft are ready,” said Lt. Col. Joshua Crockett, 2nd ARS commander and MGFE commander. “This experience tested and validated our ability to rapidly project global airpower from home station anywhere at any time. Throughout this certification event I’ve witnessed the team’s ability to deliver with high levels of precision, consistently and over an extended duration. Without a doubt, our MGFE will fuel the joint force mission and maneuver at the tempo required to win.”

Multiple aspects of real-life deployment scenarios were incorporated to simulate a realistic atmosphere for the exercise, aiding in crew preparation for future missions. This training opportunity strengthened warfighter capabilities and successfully integrated AMC priorities.

“My primary role as intel was to integrate with the mission planning cell and provide knowledge of potential threats to our tankers, ensuring the safety and success of the mission,” said Airman 1st Class Antonio Ramirez, 305th OSS KC-46 Intelligence Support. “We contributed to this certification by providing a threat picture, which allowed our tankers to conduct strategic maneuvers to avoid said threats while conducting air refueling.”

The Neptune Series of events invested in readiness and strengthening global warfighting capabilities. This joint air interoperability exercise ushers JB MDL into a new era of rapid air mobility.

Source: United States Air Force

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —  

Newly appointed Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin released his first letter to Airmen.

In the letter, Allvin expresses humility, pride, and a sense of urgency in assuming the role and lays out the need for follow-through on key readiness and innovation initiatives while also acknowledging the challenges faced by the Air Force.

The letter serves as a rallying call for Airmen to continue their exceptional service and adapt to the evolving demands of national security.

To read the full letter, click here.

Source: United States Air Force

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —  

On Nov. 8 from 1-3 p.m. EST in the Pentagon Courtyard in Arlington, Virginia, a joint National American Indian Heritage Month celebration is scheduled to take place.

The event is organized by the Indigenous Nations Equality Team, or INET, and is one of the seven Department of the Air Force Barrier Analysis Working Group teams, the Air Force Protection Agency and the Department of the Army hosting the event.

National American Indian Heritage Month is observed Nov. 1-30 annually. The observance month recognizes the rich and diverse cultures, traditions and histories of American Indians and Alaskan Natives and honors their many distinct and important contributions to the United States.

American Indians and Alaskan Natives have served with valor in the nation’s conflicts since its inception. This includes Native women who served in the armed forces as members of the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, Women Army Corps and the Army Nurse Corps.

NAIHM’s origin began when Cherokee American Indian, J.C. Elliott-High Eagle, authored the legislation for American Indian Awareness Week. It was signed in 1976, making Oct. 10-16 the first official week of national recognition for the American Indians. This set a precedent which was followed by later public laws expanding the observance to what is now known as National American Indian Heritage Month.

There are over nine million American Indian and Alaskan Natives living in the United States, across 574 federally recognized tribes, and more than 100 state-recognized tribes. Each tribe has their own unique native history, beliefs and governance structure.

Source: United States Air Force

ORLANDO, Fla. (AFNS) —  

The Secretary of the Air Force Diversity and Inclusion office leadership recently participated in the Gartner ReimagineHR Conference Sept. 23 to 25 in Orlando.

SAF/DI’s leadership attendance at the conference underscores the team’s dedication to staying at the forefront of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility best practices, innovation and technology trends.

The three-day conference provided attendees the opportunity to hear keynote speakers and attend breakout sessions pertaining to SAF/DI’s ongoing commitment to enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility initiatives within the Department of the Air Force.

Marianne Malizia, SAF/DI director, highlighted the importance of the conference as a catalyst for advancing the DAF’s DEIA goals, and she emphasized the critical role diversity and inclusion play in maintaining the world’s best Air Force and Space Force.

“Our mission requires the DAF to be representative of the diverse nation we serve,” she said. “To address complex national security challenges, we must continue to build strong teams where all employees feel valued by the DAF. Our diversity distinguishes our Force and provides us with unique advantages on today’s battlefield and the battlefield of the future.”

Dr. Andrew Duffield, SAF/DI Strategy, Policy and Governance Division program manager, echoed the sentiment.

“Inclusive teams create environments where teammates not only take more responsibility and contribute exponentially, but they dare to think more creatively and are enabled to apply moral courage to lead decisively,” he said. “We are actively working toward an environment where all members feel valued, included and have unhindered opportunities for personal and professional growth, contributing to the DAF’s mission and responsibility to the nation.”

According to Maliza, SAF/DI’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is rooted in the DAF DEIA Strategic Plan, which emphasizes the importance of leveraging diversity in recruiting and retaining the best talent.

“The DAF’s Strategic Plan recognizes the combination of backgrounds, attributes and cultures in our Total Force that are consistent with our values and reflective of the nation we serve,” she said. “We strive daily to ensure equal opportunity for everyone. After all, equal opportunity is the right of every Airman and Guardian, military or civilian, which serves to bolsters innovation, operational excellence and readiness.”

For more information about SAF/DI and the Department of the Air Force’s DEIA initiatives, please visit here.

Source: United States Air Force

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS) —  

In this week’s look around the Air Force, the 119th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron is in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to help deter aggression in the region, AFWERX agrees to share flight test data with the Federal Aviation Administration, and gamers are helping to develop combat tactics through a unique event (Hosted by Staff Sgt. Stephani Barge).

Watch on DVIDS | Watch on YouTube For previous episodes, click here for the Air Force TV page.

Source: United States Air Force

WASHINGTON (AFNS) —  

The U.S. Senate confirmed Gen. David W. Allvin Nov. 2 to be the 23rd Air Force chief of staff, partially breaking through a blockade on all military confirmations to install the decorated commander, strategist and pilot as the service’s highest-ranking officer and uniformed leader.

The vote was 95 to 1.

Speaking moments after his confirmation was final, Allvin said, “It is truly an honor to be confirmed as the 23rd Chief of Staff of the Air Force. My wife, Gina, and I are humbled by this opportunity, and we are eager to continue to serve our Air Force, our Airmen, and their families.”

Allvin, who was nominated for the job by President Biden, formerly served as Air Force Vice Chief of Staff. He succeeds Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., who is now serving as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

“We are grateful for the stellar examples set by General CQ Brown, Jr., and his wife, Sharene. Gina and I look forward to continuing to serve with them in our new roles,” Allvin said.

Allvin also echoed sentiments expressed during a hearing in September when the Senate Armed Services Committee was considering his nomination.

“In today’s dynamic environment, our service faces both significant challenges and tremendous opportunities — the world’s greatest Air Force will meet them head-on just as innovative Airmen have done for generations,” he said.

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall praised Allvin’s confirmation, history and qualifications to lead the service at a turbulent moment in history.

“On behalf of the Department of the Air Force, we welcome General Allvin as the 23rd Chief of Staff of the Air Force,” Kendall said. “He has guided many of our most important initiatives to improve the Air Force, including recruiting and operations. Kristyn Jones and I have full confidence in his leadership, integrity, and ability to lead the Air Force as we continue our efforts to modernize and overcome the challenges that threaten our continued security and prosperity. We also express our gratitude to Gina and the Allvin family as they have supported him through numerous challenging assignments and frequent moves.”

Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman joined Air Force leaders in celebrating the confirmation.

“The dynamic challenges we all face will require strategic thinking like General Allvin’s to overcome, and I consider the Space Force fortunate to have him as a teammate,” Saltzman said. “Partnerships like ours will remain a key component to our shared success, and I look forward to continuing our work together.”

With confirmation comes the full legal authority to organize, train and equip Airmen to meet the current and emerging security needs of the nation, allies, and partners. Allvin told the Senate Armed Services Committee that he would push to continue modernizing the service and refine policies and practices that touch on everything from operations to quality of life for Airmen and their families.

“Our nation is coming to grips with the rapid pace of change that is upon us, and with those intending to act out against our national interests while aggressively seeking the means to do so,” Allvin told the committee. “America’s national security focus is crucial as we navigate this new global landscape with our allies and partners, especially as opportunities for distraction and confusion are increasingly exploited.”

Allvin has a deep and accomplished record as an Air Force officer with 37 years of experience in a wide variety of important and demanding roles.

A 1986 graduate of the Air Force Academy, Allvin is a command pilot with more than 4,600 flight hours in over 30 aircraft, including 800 test flight hours and 100 flight hours in combat.

He has commanded at the squadron and wing levels, which included serving as the commander for the 97th Air Mobility Wing and 618th Air and Space Operations Center. He also held major command staff assignments and served in several Joint Staff positions, including as commanding general for the NATO Air Training Command – Afghanistan and NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan/Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, and commander for the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing.

Allvin has served as the director for Strategy and Policy for Headquarters U.S. European Command and director for Strategy, Plans, and Policy, Joint Staff.  Most recently, he served as Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force.

Source: United States Air Force

FORT BLISS, Texas (AFNS) —  

U.S. Air Force Defenders tested and validated the career field’s operations for base defense in the New Mexico desert Oct. 23-27 during the inaugural Defender Flag field exercise.

More than 180 Defenders from every major command participated in the event, thanks to help from support agencies, Headquarters Air Force, the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center and the Air Force Security Forces Center.

The live-fire exercise provided realistic assessment and validation of base defense tactics, techniques and procedures during intense, realistic scenarios, said Lt. Col. Christopher Jackson, chief of the AFSFC’s Security Forces Training Support Division and event lead for both Defender Flag and Defender Challenge. It also tested and evaluated new concepts, TTPs and equipment, identifying potential gaps and needed changes to career field training curriculum.

The field exercise was conducted simultaneously with Defender Challenge, the security forces competition to determine the best-of-the-best in combat tactics, weapons proficiency and physical endurance. Both events, hosted by the Air Force Security Forces career field, were planned and executed by the AFSFC.

The team members who helped put together Defender Flag had a tremendous amount of pressure on their shoulders, Jackson said.

“The countless members of the team who helped put together Defender Flag knew how important the event would be to help us get ready for the next fight,” the lieutenant colonel said. “They knew the mission planning was absolutely critical and even more important was collecting data we can use for TTPs to inform training and equipment we’ll need for the future fight.”

“The fight of yesterday looks different than what is needed for the fight of tomorrow,” said Brig. Gen. Thomas Sherman, Air Force director of security forces. “Strategic competition is our primary national security challenge and events like Defender Flag and Defender Challenge are paramount to our career field’s success.”

The security forces career field is in an evolutionary period, he added, so holding Defender Flag at this time was important.

“This exercise is helping the career field assess Defender skillsets in challenging environments and testing innovative tactics to solve difficult problems,” Sherman said, with lessons applied across the force.

“We realize that the threats we’re seeing in strategic competition and the way the world is around us calls for a change. It calls for us to relook at ourselves and who we are, how we look at base defense and how we see ourselves as being the greatest contribution to the U.S. Air Force. What Defenders did during both events displayed our potential,” Sherman said. “We’re setting the course for the future … identifying what we are incredible at, the areas where we have gaps and how we need to sharpen our sword to be prepared for what lies ahead.”

Much has changed with security forces operations and training since 2015, said Chief Master Sgt. Donnie Gallagher, security forces career field manager, and “Defender Flag is arguably the most important thing going on right now in Defender Nation.

“We’re getting after things from a different mindset, trying to really see where we’re at,” the chief said. “Are we as good as we think we are, or do we have a lot of work to do? What we did last week will lay the foundation for things to come on how we evolve as a career field to get after the base defense mission, which has become our primary purpose.”

For the chief, Defender Flag was an eye-opening experience.

“It really pointed out some things we need to get after, maybe in our training environment at home station versus what we do at some of our readiness training venues,” he said. “It validated the importance of physical fitness. The sheer weight of our weapons, armor and heavy equipment points to the importance of being at the peak point of fitness. Therefore, we are looking at different physical training program options to reinforce this fact.”

For tactics and other aspects of security forces operations, “we need to get out the honing stone and sharpen the sword … but we’re looking pretty good,” Gallagher said.

Both Defender Flag and Defender Challenge are helping to make sure Defenders are trained and ready for the future fight.

They validated everything the Air Force did after the former Defender Next-32 Initiative, which directed a more challenging and realistic training curriculum for Defenders, the chief explained.

“The strategy General Sherman is forming today will reshape what we’re getting after and how we support air power throughout the world,” Gallagher said. “We’re more than any law enforcement agency. Our biggest mission is getting after our peer-peer, near-peer global competitors. Change is coming.”

Source: United States Air Force

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —  

The Department of the Air Force led its inaugural DAF Strategic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Certification training event Sept. 21–22 at the University of Virginia Darden Center in Arlington.

The purpose of the training was to develop and increase knowledge of the strategic importance of a diverse workforce, inclusive leadership and the understanding of enhancing organizational cultures of trust to drive the innovation, agility and complex decision-making needed to meet the challenges in a contested global environment.

The Secretary of the Air Force Diversity and Inclusion Office partnered with the Human Capital Institute to pilot the DAF SDEI certification, which is professional credentialing recognized by the Society of Human Resource Management.

The event boasted a commendable attendance of 52 participants, not just from DAF but also from the broader Department of Defense community; furthermore, the event showcased the DAF’s forward-looking approach transitions from merely understanding foundational DEIA concepts such as inclusion, culture and bias to understanding the strategic importance of a diverse workforce, the importance of inclusive leadership, and the understanding of the importance of enhancing organizational cultures of trust.

According to Cheri Atkins, SAF/DI Education and Training division chief, the goal was to dissect DEIA as a “Readiness Problem with a People Solution,” emphasizing both workforce development and talent management.

“DEIA is not just an abstract concept or a box to be checked,” she said. “It’s an essential pillar for both workforce development and talent management. This emphasis on the human element aligns perfectly with the ethos of the HCI, a renowned entity in the human capital realm, whose collaboration with the Department of Defense has been transformative for human resource professionals.”

Atkins went on to say that the collaboration with HCI, renowned in the human capital domain and having affiliations with SHRM, helped assure the quality of the event; furthermore, HCI has a longstanding relationship with the DoD and has been pivotal in enhancing the strategic skills of human resource professionals.

Marianne Malizia, SAF/DI director, expressed her enthusiasm for the training event.

“This training event wasn’t just about equipping individuals with knowledge,” she said. “It was about seeding connections, encouraging conversations and forming networks that can thrust the entire DoD forward. We’re laying down a foundation, and the opportunities brought forth by this training will undeniably prepare us for a more inclusive and efficient future, one that prepares us to have a strategic advantage to be ready for the great power competition today, and in the future.”

Atkins extended gratitude to everyone who helped make the event possible and said their inputs were invaluable in shaping the delivery of SHRM-approved content, blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on facilitation and practical exercises suited for the DoD and DAF landscapes.

Source: United States Air Force

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) —  

Source: United States Air Force

WASHINGTON (AFNS) —  

The Department of the Air Force’s Hispanic Empowerment and Action Team hosted its annual Hispanic Heritage Month conference Oct. 13 at the Inter-American Defense College in Washington, D.C.

This year’s theme, “Amplifying the Voices and Journeys of Hispanic and Latino Leaders across our Armed Forces,” aimed to empower Airmen and Guardians and showcased the spectrum of talent, experience and dedication within the DAF’s ranks.

From active duty enlisted to officer, civilian to senior executive service, and Guard to Reserve, the event drew more than 160 members from across the DAF and even saw participation from members of sister services.

The conference underscored key HEAT messages — including the opportunity for success within the DAF, the possibility for everyone to reach their highest potential, and an open acknowledgment of existing challenges — all while emphasizing the resilience of the DAF Hispanic and Latino community and their collective drive to surpass any challenges.

“While it’s true that the U.S. Air Force and Space Force have been immensely successful, that very success has inadvertently led many in the Hispanic and Latino community to perceive a career with the DAF as out of reach,” said Col. Angel Santiago, HEAT co-lead. “It’s essential to shatter such misconceptions. A fulfilling career in the DAF isn’t just attainable, it’s waiting for those who seek it. I urge our Hispanic and Latino Airmen and Guardians to continue to explore the myriad of opportunities that are available and embark on a journey defined by renewed purpose and vision.”

The conference also highlighted the achievements and initiatives of the HEAT. The team turned over all HEAT co-leads and over 80% of their line-of-effort leads by June 2023, and networking efforts saw the HEAT co-leads meet with national institutions and organizations such as Excelencia in Education, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Members also participated in events like the League of United American Citizens annual conference and briefed Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall at the Air and Space Forces Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference.

Santiago said the HEAT’s outreach has been exemplary, and Facebook engagement showed significant growth, with a notable increase in membership and chapters being established across the DAF.

The HEAT’s FY 24 plans include the development of standard operating procedures, a transition plan, and the establishment of a HEAT website, among other objectives. The team’s emphasis is on fostering community and ensuring that Hispanic and Latino voices are represented, and their concerns addressed.

Santiago said overcoming language barriers is one of the group’s major initiatives. Efforts are in place to provide time extensions for English as a second Language test-takers, establish English language training solutions, and foster collaboration with the Pacific Islander/Asian American Community Team on related topics.

Furthermore, the HEAT has been fervently working on education, awareness and recruitment. Successful recruiting events were held in diverse regions such as Puerto Rico, Washington, D.C. and New York. In tandem with the Recruiting Squadron and Squadron Officer School, plans are afoot to roll out a targeted recruitment program.

Lastly, HEAT has placed great emphasis on mentorship, professional development and retention, including initiatives to amend the race and ethnicity identification process and expand mentorship opportunities for Reserve Officer Training Corps and U.S. Air Force Academy cadets.

This year’s conference not only celebrated the rich heritage and contributions of Hispanic and Latino members, but also laid down a robust roadmap for the future, promising more inclusivity, empowerment and representation.

Marianne Malizia, SAF Diversity and Inclusion director, spoke at the event and emphasized the group’s broader vision.

“Today’s conference is more than just a celebration of heritage,” she said. “It’s a testament to the limitless potential of our Hispanic and Latino members. In the Department of the Air Force, we’re not just looking at today, but setting the stage for a more inclusive and brighter tomorrow. I see a future where every voice and all backgrounds contribute uniquely to our mission. Let this event remind us all: Together, we fly higher.”