Officials at Rockwell Collins successfully delivered 21 developed prototype ground-based GPS receiver application module modernized receiver cards developed under the Global Positioning Systems Wing's Receiver Card Development program. These GB-GRAM-M receiver cards recently have completed the contractor's formal qualification testing and have been delivered to support the GPSW's developmental test phase.
Concurrent with card delivery, Rockwell Collins engineers conducted live-satellite signal-track testing to support on-orbit testing of an SVN 62 satellite providing feedback to the system test team from the user equipment perspective. The live tracking of true military code signal and recent card deliveries mark a significant milestone in the modernized user equipment receiver development program that will bring the next generation of GPS technology to the warfighter.
more...
A number of Pakistan, U.S. and international organizations, both military and civilian, gathered at Pakistan Air Force Base Chaklala, Pakistan, Aug. 28 to form a joint aviation coordination cell aimed at streamlining air operations supporting Pakistan's flood relief efforts.
After torrential rains pounded the country and a surge of water jetted through towns and villages, many people were left without food, water, shelter and other basic necessities. The Pakistan air force's central flood relief cell stood up at Pakistan Air Force Base Chaklala to direct relief toward areas most in need, but there was still a communication gap between many of the Pakistan and international relief providers and organizations involved.
more...
Three spouses of Airmen stationed at the NATO Joint Warfare Center and the 426th Air Base Squadron took their oath of allegience to become U.S. citizens Aug. 19 in Stavanger, Norway.
A complex process for new citizens, Andrea Rodriguez-Sanchez, Rowena Jarman and Cornelia Jude, was made simpler thanks to a law that eliminates the need for servicemembers' spouses to travel to the U.S. for the nautrilization process, as long as they are stationed overseas.
"The whole process for my wife has taken some time as she got her permanent Residence almost four years ago while we were stationed in Turkey," said Master Sgt. Douglas Jarman.
more...
Recognizing the longstanding, integrated collaboration shared by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Defense Department, VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki gave the keynote address at the fourth annual Traumatic Brain Injury Military Training Conference Aug. 30 here.
"We -- DOD and VA -- simply cannot afford to be less than aggressive in our effort to identify, treat and rehabilitate TBI victims," Secretary Shinseki told the approximately 1,000 military, VA and civilian health care workers at the conference.
more...
Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines separating from the military can get extra help in finding a job from a new Defense Department resource.
Specialists in the Pentagon's Wounded Warrior Care and Transition Policy Office, part of the Office of Personnel and Readiness, recently developed the Career Decision Toolkit to help the 400,000-plus servicemembers who separate from the military each year have a smoother transition into civilian work, John R. Campbell, deputy undersecretary for wounded warrior care and transition policy, said Aug. 27.
more...
A team of 140 U.S. and coalition force Airmen make up the 71st Expeditionary Air Control Squadron here, providing command and control over the sky in Afghanistan and air defense of the Arabian Gulf.
The 71st EACS, better known as "Pyramid Control," operates the 24-hour a day Battlespace Command and Control Center, acting as the senior tactical battle management command and control element for Afghanistan. BC3 provides operators real-time information from data link, sensors and radio systems around the area of responsibility, giving the team situational awareness of the entire region.
more...
Air Force officials announced plans to continue with environmental cleanup efforts in place at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla.
Terry Yonkers, the assistant secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics, directed that the work move forward expeditiously and within the framework established by the Defense Environment Restoration Program because, "we take our responsibility for the stewardship of environmental protection on our installations seriously."
more...
Senior leaders from the 37th Training Wing spent a day learning how to reduce waste, maximize resources and improve efficiencies by using the Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century program.
AFSO21, a standardized approach for improving work processes and combat capabilities across the Air Force, fosters a culture of continuous process improvement, and involves every total force Airman in developing that culture.
To emphasize making that cultural change at Lackland Air Force Base, 14 senior leaders from the 37th TRW spent their work day Aug. 19 in AFSO21 training to learn terminology and participate in problem-solving exercises.
more...
Members from the 41st Rescue Squadron begin training on HH-60G Pave Hawk munitions here Aug 25.
View the
slideshow.
more...
Air Force officials are soliciting nominations for the 2011 Air Force Association Outstanding Air Force Civilian Employees of the Year Award.
Each year, AFA officials recognize four Air Force civilian employees for outstanding achievement in four categories.
Nominations will be evaluated on the nature of the achievement, development of techniques or procedures that significantly increased mission effectiveness, and breadth of impact.
Each major command, field operating agency and direct reporting unit may only nominate one person for each award.
more...