NDI protects lives, saves money

In today's Air Force, Airmen around the globe handle and utilize multi-million dollar pieces of equipment and vehicles. Some of these, such as an aircraft, need regular maintenance and inspections to make sure they are in working condition. However, routine inspections aren't always enough. This is

REAL THAW 14 comes to a close

After two weeks of participating in large force exercises with various NATO militaries, the 555th Fighter Squadron officially completed their inaugural year of REAL THAW on Feb. 14, 2014, at Monte Real Air Base, Portugal. The closing ceremonies allowed service members from the U.S., Portugal,

Lajes Field hit with strong winds, recovery underway

Lajes Field was hit with a low pressure weather system Feb. 13, and strong winds caused damages to base facilities and military family housing here. Gusts as high as 100 miles per hour were reported on Terceira, the mid-Atlantic, Azorean Island where the 65th Air Base Wing is located. The 65th

Aviano member sings way into Tops in Blue

After more than a year of waiting, one Airman finally has a chance to pursue his passion.Last year, Senior Airman Jeffrey Ellis, 31st Security Forces Squadron defender, was selected in Jan. 2013 to join, the U.S. Air Force's premiere entertainment group Tops in Blue, but due to budget cuts, Ellis

Bands building bonds through brass

The U.S. Air Force in Europe and Air Forces Africa Band along with the Luxemburg Military Brass players came together to conduct five concerts in five days across Europe.The concerts were put together by members of both militaries to build camaraderie and friendly relations amongst NATO members and

USAFE, Luxembourg bands partner together

Joint-service CSAR training proves essential for aircrew survival

Joint-service combat search and rescue training missions were held for the first-time Jan. 28 to Feb. 11 at Cellina Meduna training grounds near Maniago, Italy. The 31st Fighter Wing teamed up with the U.S. Army 12th Combat Aviation Brigade for joint CSAR training. There were several aspects to the

U.S. pilots share skies with former Portuguese classmates

Two air force captains sat in the 301st Fighter Squadron, one of two Portuguese F-16 Fighting Falcon squadrons at Monte Real Air Base, Portugal, while reminiscing about their days at Undergraduate Pilot Training in Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas.One an F-16 pilot, another a C-130 Hercules pilot,

Proactive forecasting prevents disaster

While a commute to work in the rain could be unpleasant, a flight through severe weather in a multi-million-dollar aircraft at high speeds could be catastrophic without the proper information from forecasters on the ground. Weather plays an integral factor for the two F-16CM fighter squadrons here

'Backbone' of REAL THAW 14 pushes through final week of exercise

Whether loading training munitions by day or turning wrenches at night, maintainers from the 31st Fighter Wing are continuing to support the 555th Fighter Squadron during their inaugural participation in REAL THAW 14, an international exercise hosted by the Portuguese Air Force at Monte Real Air