Coalition exercise

A U.S. Bradley Fighting Vehicle, a French VAB Armored Vehicle and a Italian Dardo Infantry Fighting Vehicle stand poised for exercises. U.S. and Coalition forces prepare for a capstone Coalition Combat Identification exercise to be held at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., and Fort Irwin, Calif., from 7-19 Sept. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dave Williams)

Coalition convoy

A column of Coalition vehicles move towards defensive positions in preparation for a Coalition Combat Identification exercise. The upcoming Bold Quest exercise at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. and the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif. will be the premier CCID event for U.S. Joint Forces Command and JFIIT this year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Marie LaTouche)

Weather balloons keep missions on track

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Mike Bouvender, a contractor with Control Systems Research, Inc., launches a weather balloon Aug. 8. The balloons are used to gather data that supports many of the missions here. (AF photo by Greg Murry)

Special response training

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Members of the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office Special Response Team tactically work to clear rooms down the hallways inside an Airman dormitory July 31. The deputies used the dormitories scheduled for demolition as a training ground to practice close quarters battle, room clearing and hostage rescue. Airmen from the 96th Security Forces Squadron placed aggressors during the training exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Mike Meares)

1 Lt. Amber House

1Lt. Amber House

Cdr. Ken Durbin

Cdr. Ken Durbin

DTRA division transitioning to Eglin

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency's Counter Weapons of Mass Destruction Technologies Weapons and Capabilities Division team is in place as they transition here due to a Base Realignment and Closure Commission mandate. They are: 1st Lt. Amber House, Dr. Pat McCreary, Cdr. Ken Durbin, and division chief Col. Jim Collins. (AF photo by Lois Walsh)

Col Rick Locastro

Col Rick Locastro

Mayors get update on emergency operations

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla.-- Col. Dennis Yates, 96th Civil Engineer Commander, briefs community leaders on the purpose of an Emergency Operation Center. The EOC was operational as the base participated in its annual hurrican exercise June 25 to 28. Col Yates was the EOC commander during the exercise. (USAF photo by Lois Walsh)

Eagle Landing

NAVAL AIR STATION KEY WEST, Fla. -- The 60th Fighter Squadron from the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., deployed 16 F-15Cs and more than 200 personnel June 15 for two weeks of dissimilar air combat training as an exercise in joint training operations with the Navy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jenna McMullin)

Trial by fire

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Firefighters with the 96th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department battle to extinguish a bedroom blaze in a multiplex unit in base housing after a training exercise June 20. Eglin firefighters experienced the flames in a controlled scenario, part of a unique "real fire" training opportunity in base housing scheduled for demolition. Houses along Foster Drive, slated for demolition as part of Eglin's housing privatization initiative, were used for the training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Mike Meares)

Preparing for fight

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Master Sgt. George DeShields, 96th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, suits up to enter a burning kitchen in a multiplex housing unit June 20. Eglin firefighters experienced the flames in a controlled scenario, part of a unique "real fire" training opportunity. Houses along Foster Drive, slated for demolition as part of Eglin's housing privatization initiative, were used for the training. Sergeant DeShields guided the crews inside the blaze as part of his duties as the training superintendent. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Mike Meares)