Airman leading the way

Security Forces ‘defenders’ keep Manas Airmen safe

The 376th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron is one of Manas Air Base's integral lines of defense against any and all threats it may face from both inside and outside the perimeter. It is their job to maintain the rule of law at the premier air mobility hub supporting operations in Afghanistan -

Citizen Airmen dominate 506th ESFS mission

Airmen with the 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron here are putting to rest the possible misconception that pilots are the only Air Force members engaged in the fight in Iraq. Kirkuk Regional Air Base is currently the only installation in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility

Heavy lifters

Balad PJs, CSAR train so 'that others may live'

Air Force Combat Search and Rescue assets spend countless hours training for a mission that they hope to never execute. U.S. and coalition assets fly throughout the theater. The six pararescue jumpers, or PJs, deployed here from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., are on alert 24/7 to respond to those in

Force Protection on the move

Top cover: Airpower integral to ground force's success

An improvised explosive device had disabled a vehicle. Soldiers were stranded. Their brothers in arms responded to the scene. "As we got within 200 meters of them, World War III opened up," said Army Staff Sgt. Adam Kern, now assigned to Kapisa and Parwan Provincial Reconstruction Team security

Packages from home

Cable Drop

Air Force bids farewell, retires historic helicopter

Since its introduction into the U.S. Air Force arsenal nearly 40 years ago, the MH-53 Pave Low helicopter has proven crucial to special operation missions dating back to Vietnam. After a lengthy and distinguished career, the remaining six Pave Low helicopters flew their last combat mission in