swim practice

David Stelter swims in a straight line while Robert Hyde, Eglin Dive Flight instructor, observes during Day 2 of the certification course taught here at Eglin. The class is four days over two weekends and it occurs once a month. After taking the course, students will be certified to dive in up to 60 feet of water. Anyone interested in attending the class, can call 850-217-1261. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Learning to breathe

(Left to right) Mark and his father Ken Sharp, 681st Armament Systems Squadron, practice using the scuba gear underwater during Day 2 of the certification course taught here at Eglin. The class is four days over two weekends and it occurs once a month. After taking the course, students will be certified to dive in up to 60 feet of water. Anyone interested in attending the class, can call 850-217-1261. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Underwater instruction

Robert Hyde, (left) instructor for the Dive Flight’s certification course, goes over signals underwater during Day 2 of the course at Eglin. The class is four days over two weekends and it occurs once a month. After taking the course, students will be certified to dive in up to 60 feet of water. Anyone interested in attending the class, can call 850-217-1261. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Gills

1st Lt. Brian Wernle, 366th Training Squadron, ducks underwater while learning to breathe with the scuba gear during Day 2 of the certification course taught here at Eglin. The class is four days over two weekends and it occurs once a month. After taking the course, students will be certified to dive in up to 60 feet of water. Anyone interested in attending the class, can call 850-217-1261. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Head of the class

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - The U.S. Air Force Academy falcon, named Havoc, visits Crestview High School Apr. 9 while in the area to support the Eglin Air Show. Havoc is a peregrine falcon, the fastest animal on earth clocked at 250 miles per hour in a dive. The falcon is the official mascot of the USAF Academy as well as the name of their football team. Havoc and his handlers travel the country to teach students about the beauty and power of these birds as well as opportunities offered by the USAF Academy. (U.S. Air Force photo/ 2nd Lt. Andrew Caulk)

The Weather Channel visits Eglin

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Weather Channel's Mike Bettis and Stephanie Abrams talk to Lt. Col. Chris Wheeler, Air Show Director and Col. Bill Porter, 96th Air Base Wing vice commander, about the upcoming air show April 10-11. The Weather Channel is broadcasting live from Destin this week for spring break. (USAF photo/Lois Walsh)

Triage treatment

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – 96th Medical Group personnel and 96th Civil Engineer Group firefighters triage and treat simulated victims during a Major Accident Response Exercise here, March 24. Twenty-four volunteers wore moulage to simulate injuries and enable medical personnel to better train for real-world scenarios. The event simulated an aircraft crash scenario to test how quickly Eglin’s first responders could react to a catastrophe and effectively treat victims. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Anthony Jennings)

Loaded up

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- 96th Medical Group personnel lift a simulated victim into an ambulance for treatment during a Major Accident Response Exercise here, March 24. Twenty-four volunteers wore moulage to simulate injuries and enable medical personnel to better train for real-world scenarios. The event simulated an aircraft crash to test how quickly Eglin’s first responders could react to a catastrophe and effectively treat victims. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Anthony Jennings)

Triage treatment

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Capt. Richard Speakman, 96th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, treats a simulated victim’s injuries during a Major Accident Response Exercise here, March 24. Twenty-four volunteers wore moulage to simulate injuries and enable medical personnel to better train for real-world scenarios. The event simulated an aircraft crash to test how quickly Eglin’s first responders could react to a catastrophe and effectively treat victims. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Anthony Jennings)

Stuck in the middle

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – Simulated victims lay on stretchers while 96th Civil Engineer Group firefighters and 96th Medical Group personnel treat their injuries during a Major Accident Response Exercise here, March 24. Twenty-four volunteers wore moulage to simulate injuries and enable medical personnel to better train for real-world scenarios. The event simulated an aircraft crash to test how quickly Eglin’s first responders could react to a catastrophe and effectively treat victims. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Anthony Jennings)

Silver saviors

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – 96th Civil Engineer Group firefighters advance on a simulated crashed aircraft during a Major Accident Response Exercise here, March 24. The event simulated an aircraft crash to test how quickly Eglin’s first responders could react to a catastrophe and effectively treat victims. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Anthony Jennings)

Half & half

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – 96th Civil Engineer Group firefighters inspect a simulated crashed aircraft for potentially hazardous material during a Major Accident Response Exercise on the flight line, March 24. The event simulated an aircraft crash to test how quickly Eglin’s first responders could react to a catastrophe and effectively treat victims. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Anthony Jennings)

Next step in global communications

Team Eglin has joined Web 2.0. The official Eglin Air Force Base Twitter account is up and running live. The goal of the Team Eglin account will be to provide real-time, two-way communication with the public regarding critical information, updates and messages. Possible examples include sending out safety reminders during hurricane conditions, announcing a road closure or linking to an article. The 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs office will monitor and manage the account. Follow Team Eglin at twitter.com/teameglin. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Mentors vital to students' success

Col. Bruce McClintock, 96th Air Base Wing commander and Edwin Bell, a mentor at Ft. Walton Beach High School, accept MLK Humanitarian Awards for their involvement with the mentorship program. (courtesy photo)

Tax Center open for the 2009/2010 tax season

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - Volunteers at the Eglin tax center help military, dependent, retired, and DoD civilian customers prepare and file their federal and state tax returns. Located across 2nd street from the base education center, the tax center is open Monday through Friday from 8 to 11 a.m. and 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday is reserved for 1040EZ filing members. For all other times, call 882-1040 to make an appointment. (U.S. Air Force photos by 2nd Lt. Andrew Caulk)

Eglin Enlisted Hall Opens

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Eglin celebrated the completion of the Eglin Enlisted Hall during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Jan. 15. The newly renovated facility, formerly known as the base theater, hosts a number of upgrades from new bathroom sinks and fresh paint, to new seats and artwork. The Enlisted hall is an area where Eglin’s enlisted Airmen may reflect on its proud legacy. (Courtesy photo)

Last minute instruction

Students speak with their instructor before takeoff for formation-flight patterns over Fort Rucker, Ala. The 23rd Flying Training Squadron is the third and final phase of undergraduate pilot training before student helicopter pilots can obtain their “wings.” It is the Air Force’s primary source of helicopter pilot training for special ops, combat search and rescue, missile support and distinguished visitor airlift missions. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Anthony Jennings)

Line of sight

1st Lt. Michael Scott, a recent graduate from the 23rd Flying Training Squadron, checks his peripherals during a formation-flight mission over Fort Rucker, Ala. The 23rd FTS is the third and final phase of undergraduate pilot training before student helicopter pilots can obtain their “wings.” It is the Air Force’s primary source of helicopter pilot training for special ops, combat search and rescue, missile support and distinguished visitor airlift missions. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Anthony Jennings)

O'er land and sea

Students piloting UH-1H “Iroquois” from the 23rd Flying Training Squadron practice formation-flight patterns over Fort Rucker, Ala. The 23rd FTS is the third and final phase of undergraduate pilot training before student helicopter pilots can obtain their “wings.” It is the Air Force’s primary source of helicopter pilot training for special ops, combat search and rescue, missile support and distinguished visitor airlift missions. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Anthony Jennings)

Touchdown

Students piloting UH-1H “Iroquois” from the 23rd Flying Training Squadron practice landing during formation-flight patterns over Fort Rucker, Ala. The 23rd FTS is the third and final phase of undergraduate pilot training before student helicopter pilots can obtain their “wings.” It is the Air Force’s primary source of helicopter pilot training for special ops, combat search and rescue, missile support and distinguished visitor airlift missions. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Anthony Jennings)

Under construction

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – An extensive renovation and expansion effort to upgrade the Eglin Commissary has reached its midpoint. Scheduled for completion in fall of 2010, the 19-month project will better meet the needs of the customer and update many of the aging areas in the building, according to commissary staff. The renovations include expansion of the sales floor by 6,000 square feet, a second commissary entrance, parking area and roof. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Anthony Jennings)

Cutting up

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – Kirk Rich cuts control relief joints in the pavement in front of the Commissary here, Dec. 10. Expansion of the sidewalk in front of the building is part of an initiative to meet Homeland Security policy for federal buildings. Barriers have been put in place to prevent the threat of a vehicular bombing attempt. Though the expansion increases the distance from the parking lot to the front door, it decreases the impact a possible terrorist attack may have on the building and customers. The project is scheduled for completion by fall of 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Anthony Jennings)

Chief carver

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Westermeyer, 96th Air Base Wing and Air Armament Center command chief, carves up roast beef for customers at the Eglin Breeze Dining Facility for Thanksgiving, Nov. 26. Turkey, ham and all the trimmings were available to Eglin Airmen, dependants, visiting family members and retirees. The facility prepared food in anticipation for about 550 guests. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Anthony Jennings)

Lead to serve

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Col. Bruce McClintock, 96th Air Base Wing commander was joined by Maj. Gen. Charles Davis, Air Armament Center commander and program executive officer for weapons, and other senior base leadership serving meals at the Eglin Breeze Dining Facility for Thanksgiving, Nov. 26. Turkey, roast beef and all the trimmings were available to Eglin Warriors, dependants, visiting family members and retirees. The facility prepared food in anticipation for about 550 guests. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Anthony Jennings)