Story by Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel | 354th Fighter Wing | 05.04.2016
The monumental task of keeping a 30-year-old jet flying like a prize fighter fresh from the show room floor isn’t an easy task. Preparing a jet for a surge operation simulated during RED FLAG-Alaska adds exponentially to the mission, which takes numerous Airmen from the 354th Aircraft maintenance squadron to complete. Airman 1st Class, Victoria Ortaleza, a 354th AMXS electronic and......
Story by Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel | 354th Fighter Wing | 04.29.2016
With 5,300 miles between them and home maintenance airmen from the Indian Air Force, 14 Fighter Squadron from Ambala Air Base, India are experiencing a far different climate, terrain and common work practices while they participate in RED FLAG-Alaska 16-1. While at Eielson they will simulate the first 10 combat sorties during the surge of a conflict, working alongside their counterparts......
Story by Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel | 354th Fighter Wing | 04.15.2016
Every paw press into powder dry snow produces a sharp shriek in to the dark frigid air only heard in negative temperatures. Not a breath through the wet, black nostrils isn’t without effort inhaling painful sniffs intent on detecting deadly explosives, drugs or intruders. Military working dogs from the 354th Security Forces Squadron march alongside the human defenders who stand “Ready......
Story by Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel | 354th Fighter Wing | 12.07.2015
With the clock about to strike 2 a.m., the front door of the 354th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron repeatedly swings open and shut as Airmen file in for an earlier than normal start to their day of missions. With jets to launch, which will support exercise training on the opposite side of the nation, one thing is on each Airman’s mind—success....
Story by Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel | 354th Fighter Wing | 07.10.2015
Throughout the summer the base will host three chaplain candidates who will serve five weeks each in the spiritual leader role within the base chapel. The Chaplain Candidate Program provides seminary students, currently pursuing their graduate theological education, experience in serving as a religious leader within the unique setting of the military....
Story by Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel | United States Air Forces Central | 08.21.2014
Aerial refueling gives U.S. aircraft the key advantage of lingering longer in the air as they continue operations over northern Iraq....
Story by Airman 1st Class Andrew Buchanan | 9th Reconnaissance Wing | 03.06.2012
The best way to deal with an improvised explosive device or an unexploded piece of ordnance is to blow it up in a controlled fashion. But what if that device is deep in a well, cave or underground irrigation system which can't be compromised by an explosion?...
