• Eglin Hospital expansion continues

    Driving down Boatner Road, one cannot help but notice the vast amount of construction taking place at Eglin Hospital. After breaking ground on their expansion in June 2012, construction at the hospital has continued to move forward with many of the new facilities and departments scheduled to open

  • Air Force establishes F-35 IOC target

    The Air Force announced today it expects to declare F-35A Lightning II initial operation capability in December 2016. The announcement was included in a joint report detailing service-specific IOC requirements and dates for each of the F-35 variants that was delivered to Congress today."The Air

  • Experiment improves AF cops' battlevision

    A battle-ready Airman moves down a dirt road alone. His shoulders and neck ache under the weight of the flack vest, pack and helmet, but his eyes remain focused and alert scanning for movement. After six weeks of intense vision training, the Airman's eyes pick up the slightest movement from the

  • 728th controls F-35s for final mission

    The 62-year-old 728th Air Control Squadron Demons completed their final mission Jan. 31, adding the Air Force's newest aircraft, the F-35A Lightning II, to its exponential tally of controlled combat aircraft."Talk about going out on top," said Lt. Col. Jon Rhone, the 728th Air Control Squadron

  • Air Force boats keep waterways safe

    The Gulf Coast is known for its crystal blue waters and seafood, both of which are a means of income for many living in Bay County.Patrolling these waterways and protecting the safety of recreational boater and commercial fisherman, falls on the shoulders of a unique Air Force unit."I have owned a

  • QF-16 arrives for testing, advances 53rd WEG mission

    The 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group marked an important milestone in continuing to prepare the warfighter for tomorrow's threats as the first QF-16 drone arrived for developmental testing Nov. 19."The work done prior to today and the test work that is forthcoming will enable the Air Force to

  • Air control squadron stays vigilant with deployment exercise

    The Demons of the 728th Air Control Squadron packed up their gear and revved up their vehicles for their last deployment July 23.The 11-truck convoy and subsequent field training exercise named Bison Fury, was the final deployment-readiness exercise for this storied Air Combat Command squadron. The

  • Red Horse Airmen pave the way

    Steam poured off of the newly poured asphalt, shovels scrapped and clanged over heavy machinery as they continuously plunged into the hot black goo and sweat dripped from around dirty red hats, June 20.Approximately 20 "red hats" from the 823 Red Horse Squadron poured, spread and paved a new

  • Critical Days of Summer safety campaign begins

    The Critical Days of Summer safety campaign kicked off May 17 at the enlisted hall with safety briefings on drinking and driving, swimming, traffic and boating. Maj. Gen. Kenneth Merchant, the Air Armament Center commander, was the first of five speakers. While encouraging the attendees to enjoy the

  • EOD Airmen awarded Bronze Stars, Purple Hearts

    Four Explosive Ordnance Disposal Airmen added five medals to their list of individual merits performed while engaged in combat April 19.Tech Sgt. James Fitzgerald and Staff Sgt. Kelly Badger were awarded Bronze Stars while Staff Sgts. Kevin Parke and Christopher Lacy were awarded the Purple Heart