14 Apr 2006

Ionospheric forecasts improve warfighter communication

During specific times of the year over the earth's equatorial region, turbulence in the ionosphere, known as scintillation, causes extended degradation for Department of Defense navigation and communication satellites, but a sensor package installed at 14 locations worldwide has helped reduce the impact of this naturally-occurring disruption.

13 Apr 2006

Union and management confer at Kirtland AFB

Air Force Materiel Command senior executive service officials and command level American Federation of Government Employees Council 214 representatives met for a Partnership Council meeting here April 6 and 7. The regularly scheduled meeting addressed issues of concern relating to the Partnership Agreement between AFMC and AFGE. The meeting was

7 Apr 2006

Grammy-nominated performer entertains children

Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Red Grammer has been entertaining audiences of all ages for more than 20 years. He performed for more than 400 spectators April 4 at the Wright-Patterson Base Theater. "I think the show went off great, and I had a wonderful time with kids," said Mr. Grammer. "I would absolutely come back again and again for great

7 Apr 2006

AFIT videographers 'stream' graduation footage to Internet

For videographers, most days are spent in a booth, providing support to Air Force Institute of Technology instructors teaching distance learning classes. The 2006 AFIT March Graduation provided them a chance to show their stuff. With static cameras shooting constant footage, and a roaming camera offering a multitude of angles, the ceremony was

7 Apr 2006

Air Force Research Laboratory improves C-130 ramp design

As part of its advanced aluminum aerostructures initiative program, researchers at Air Force Research Laboratory redesigned a C-130 ramp extension. At 30 pounds, the new ramp design is 16 pounds lighter than the previous model. In addition, the new design is safer and easier for the loadmaster to use. The ramp has ergonomic hand holds along its

7 Apr 2006

Rapid Improvement Event speeds up civilian hiring process

Electronic Systems Center's first Rapid Improvement Event cut the fat out of the civilian hiring process at Hanscom, identifying a potential 58 percent reduction in the total time it takes to process a Request for Personnel Action and submit it to the Air Force Personnel Center. In only three short days, team members from ESC's wings and functional

7 Apr 2006

Palmdale detachment takes U-2 testing to new heights

Edwards Air Force Base has a long history of testing cutting-edge weapons systems for the Air Force. A little-known detachment at Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, Calif., is no exception, but the aircraft tested there are not as well-known as the newest Air Force assets. Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Detachment 2, is responsible for the

6 Apr 2006

Awareness can prevent sexual assault

Sexual assault awareness and prevention has been a hot-ticket item among base leadership for many months, but base personnel will have even more exposure to the topic this month. April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Eglin will observe the month with many activities ranging from additional prevention training to informational

4 Apr 2006

Internet technology to make FAST air combat improvement

An Electronic Systems Center capability, demonstrated in a proof-of-concept flight March 29 at Eglin AFB, Fla., could translate into more effective information sharing and better overall situational awareness. The effort known as Flexible Access Secure Transfer, or FAST, a technology concept managed by ESC's Global Information Grid Systems Group,

4 Apr 2006

Automated security system to go 'on duty' in Iraq -- again

One year after answering the Marine Corps' call to meet an urgent need, the Force Protection Systems Squadron here is preparing to do it again. It will deploy another Tactical Automated Security System to Al Taqaddum Air Base, Iraq, this month. "The Marine Corps came to us saying, 'We want to make this our system of choice for expeditionary