AFMC Command News

  • C-17 performs second test of Falcon Small Launch Vehicle

    A C-17 Globemaster III performed the second in a series of tests June 14 by airdropping a 65-foot, 65,000-pound mockup of a booster rocket over Edwards Precision Impact Range Area. The drop, performed at 29,500 feet above sea level, was part of a project called Falcon Small Launch Vehicle, a joint

  • Hydraulics shop ‘Leans’ into AFSO 21

    By discussing processes during continuous improvement workshops, called Kaizen, the 56th Component Maintenance Squadron is able to develop smarter operations by just using common sense. Industry-proven process improvement programs such as Lean that use techniques like Kaizen are being used to

  • Scientific research office completes molecular dynamics program review

    The Air Force Office of Scientific Research here completed a thorough periodic review of its molecular dynamics research program during an annual conference held last week in Arlington. More than 90 researchers and scientists attended the 2006 Contractors’ Meeting in Molecular Dynamics.

  • Court-martial results in murder conviction for lieutenant

    An officer charged in the death of his infant son was found guilty on the charge of murder during a court-martial June 15. After closing arguments, the military judge, Lt. Col. Gary Jackson, deliberated for about 40 minutes, and then convicted 2nd Lt. David Valois of murder in violation of Article

  • NASCAR Driver Ken Schrader’s show car races to museum

    Linking the worlds of auto racing and Air Force aerodynamics, a NASCAR show car bearing the Air Force logo and embodying a partnership between the service and Wood Brothers Racing will be on display at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force June 28 – July 1. The car, which will be on display

  • Lab tests flying-wing aircraft for fuel efficiency

    The Air Force Research Laboratory and industry are testing a new type of aircraft with the potential to get up to 30 percent better fuel mileage, due to its unique flying-wing shape. The prototype blended wing body, or BWB, aircraft is a modified triangular-shaped aircraft configuration with 20

  • Edwards firefighters join in 104.8-mile run through Mojave desert

    Edwards Firefighters joined a former smokejumper June 2 on his quest to run 104.8 miles in under 25 hours for charity. The 12 firefighters performed a relay to accompany Ken Perry, a Department of Interior Bureau of Land Management employee, throughout his 17-mile trek across Edwards – about one

  • Public Affairs innovative program boosts morale, wins award

    A voluntary program developed last fall to increase coverage of deployed Airmen while at their forward location won the Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs Director’s award for special achievement for planned single event, program or product. Operation LINC, Liaison-In-Country, involves

  • NCO 'STEPS' up in rank

    Master Sgt. James Cabezas said he was considering retirement for his upcoming 20-year mark of service. While readying his paperwork, he was informed that he was selected as one of two command-level master sergeant STripes for Exceptional Performers (STEP) promotions recipients. Now, though he has

  • On the road again: AFMC band begins summer concerts

    From nationally-televised sporting events to prestigious concert halls and community parades, the U.S. Air Force Band of Flight has begun a busy summer concert season that includes local events and concert tours throughout the region. The summer began with the rumbling of 33 engines and a cloud of

  • AFOSR-funded research leads to breakthrough involving quantum dots

    Using Air Force Office of Scientific Research basic research funding, through the Asian Office of Aerospace Research & Development (AOARD), a team of scientists from Thailand are the first in their field to successfully demonstrate physical utilization of quantum dots for photovoltaic operations.

  • Hill honor guard shares thoughts on Flag Day

    While July Fourth is traditionally celebrated as our nation’s birthday, June 14 is the day to celebrate one of America's most cherished and recognizable symbol: the American Flag. This year, America recognizes the 229th birthday of Old Glory with its own holiday. The Continental Congress adopted it

  • Small Business Innovation Research program aids warfighter

    Using monies from the Small Business Innovation Research program, many U.S. for-profit companies, comprised of 500 or less personnel, have made a huge impact by providing ground-breaking technologies needed for the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Directed Energy and Space Vehicles Directorates,

  • Wright-Patterson, community practice for major aircraft crash

    Approximately two months after a C-5 crashed at Dover Air Force Base, Del., in which all 17 people aboard survived, base officials partnered with local organizations here in a C-5 aircraft crash exercise June 8 in case one goes down locally. Making the training more applicable, the 445th Airlift

  • Operation Air Force gives cadets a look at the real thing

    While they still have more than a year to go before being commissioned into the United States Air Force, 50 U.S. Air Force Academy and Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets will have a much clearer picture of their roles and responsibilities as an Air Force officer. Thanks to Operation Air Force,