AFMC Command News

  • Precision-guided munitions play key role

    The two 500-pound bombs that took out terrorist leader Abu Musab Al Zarqawi June 7 have a long history of development and improvements at the Air Armament Center here. The munitions used were a GBU-38 — a bomb with a tail kit better known as a Joint Direct Attack Munition, which uses inertial

  • Three from Wright-Patterson ‘escape’ from Alcatraz

    Mike Polakowski, Paul Day and Lt. Col. David Hardwick represented Wright-Patterson June 4 at the 2006 Accenture Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon in San Francisco. The event is considered to be a top triathlon event in the world. More than 1,600 top athletes from 10 countries and 49 states were

  • Music to tell Air Force story during AFMC tattoo

    While aircraft from the Air Force inventory will headline the second annual Air Force Materiel Command Tattoo June 30, the Air Force Band of Flight will bring the show to life. The AFMC Tattoo — “Freedom’s Call” will focus on the service’s total force, including flyovers expected from a B-2 Spirit,

  • Addition to Air Force Art Collection features Hanscom scenes

    With golden eyes peering down an arched beak, the national symbol blanketed by the stars and stripes and surrounded by military heritage beckons viewers to look closer. And they did June 15 during the unveiling of the newest addition to the United States Air Force Art Collection. The painting,

  • Command IG introduces Community of Practice Web site

    Many have heard the old joke that goes “We’re the IG and we’re here to help.” Well, the HQ Air Force Materiel Command Inspector General is here to help with their brand new Community of Practice Web site. According to the outgoing IG, Col. Henry L. Andrews, Jr., the CoP allows the IG team to

  • 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