April 3, 2006

Wing will test its mettle in week-long exercise

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Virginia — The Phase I exercise is an opportunity for a wing to prepare for contingency operations by practicing mobilization and deployment of assets.“A Phase I is preparation to go into a wartime posture,” said Tech. Sgt. Marie Shipley, 1st Fighter Wing Exercises office. “This preparation is animportant part of the deployment puzzle, as it helps the wing

April 3, 2006

ONE mission marks F-22A squadron milestone

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Virginia — The 27th Fighter Squadron passed another milestone Sunday after completing an Operation Noble Eagle mission in the F-22A.The Jan. 21 and 22 missions over the U.S. marks the first operational mission in the new fighter aircraft since it was declared Initial Operational Capable in December.Operation Noble Eagle provides air defense over the U.S. and

April 3, 2006

Transforming security forces

WASHINGTON — As the Air Force continues to adapt for the future, changes to the security forces career field will affect the total force. Brig. Gen. Robert Holmes, director of security forces and force protection, calls these transformations a “refocus” on how his people train and fight."We’re not in the Cold War anymore; we have to alter our mentality and our

April 3, 2006

Langley uses GEOBASE for hurricane preparedness

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Virginia — A hurricane is coming.It’s not here yet, but it will be soon. The weatherman is predicting so many inches of rain and so many feet of storm surge. Langley is going to be affected, but how?Actually, Patti McSherry, 1st Fighter Wing Geospatial Information OIC, can tell you exactly how Langley will be affected thanks to GeoBase, a computer mapping

April 3, 2006

Langley maintainers awarded for cleaning Hampton highways

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Virginia — Along a well-traveled stretch of Magruder Boulevard Saturday, a few troops were picking up Ford tailgates -- well at least one.Members of the 1st Component Maintenance Squadron have participated in the “Adopt-A-Spot” program in Hampton for two years, taking care of little less than a quarter-mile length along Magruder on the north side of Semple

April 3, 2006

Chief receives Bronze Star for Iraq tour

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Virginia — The things a person can find in Chief Master Sgt. Dennis Krebs’ office say a lot about the 1st Maintenance Group superintendent’s Air Force career.A picture of him in his Desert Camouflage Uniform, firing an M-9, sits on one side of the room, sharing a wall with a blood chit. He has challenge coins from the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of

April 3, 2006

Gate guards return to Bethel Manor

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Virginia — To the joy of many Bethel Manor residents, the housing area’s gate guards returned to their posts Wednesday, nearly one year since they were removed.Residents like Staff Sgt. Mario Garay voiced their happiness, knowing there will be an extra layer of security in addition to roving security forces patrols and the new fence surrounding the housing

April 3, 2006

2005 flying hours -- F-15s go over, F-22s go under

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Virginia — The 1st Fighter Wing was in the air for 1.52 years during fiscal year 2005, falling just short of the 1.6 years they were allotted by ACC.While the F-15 squadrons beat their flying hour requirements, fluctuations in the F-22 arrival schedule and maintenance difficulties caused the 27th Fighter Squadron to dip below their goal, according to the 1st

April 3, 2006

Spouses’ group offers hope, help while away from family

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Virginia — Friendship is very important when you feel you are left all alone.For spouses left behind when members deploy, the Remote & Waiting Spouses Support Group is there to help them interconnect and build each other up. Formally informal, the group meets at least once a month, all according to the needs of the members.“Our goal is to make sure that

April 3, 2006

Unique musicians produce one-of-a-kind sound

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Virginia — Unique -- one word that sums up the Heritage of the Air Force Band’s newest ensemble.The five Heritage Aire Celtic Ensemble members are the only musicians assigned to the Air Force band who are dedicated to Celtic music. They are the only Air Force personnel authorized to wear the Billy Mitchell tartan since the Air Force pipe and drum corps in