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Sixteenth Air Force strengthens strategic partnerships, increases interoperability in NATO’s largest cyber defense exercise
December 10, 2024 — Sixteenth Air Force (Air Forces Cyber) participated in NATO’s annual Cyber Coalition exercise from Nov. 30 to Dec. 6 as the U.S. representative and cyber Air Component Command; along with more than 1,000 participants from 27 NATO allies, six partner countries (Georgia, Ireland, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland and Ukraine), and the European Union, and members from industry and academia, reinforcing its dedication to collective cyber defense and interoperability... MORE

Sixteenth Air Force participated as the U.S. representative and cyber Air Component Command in Cyber Coalition 2024, reinforcing its dedication to collective, global cyber defense and interoperability.

To stay on path, Defense space programs need domestic software developers
December 10, 2024 — Supply chain issues remain a critical challenge as the Defense Department tries to ramp up satellite production to meet the needs of service members on the ground, the Space Development Agency's director said... MORE

Two soldiers work with communications equipment.

Air Force Security Forces Center activates squadrons to replace corrections, training detachments
December 9, 2024 — The Air Force Security Forces Center recently transitioned its detachments to a squadron structure to return the units to a familiar organizational framework... MORE

stage with American flag in the background with officers holding blue and yellow guidon in the foreground

Health and wellness team offers holiday food safety tips
December 9, 2024 — Food is an important part of many celebrations. But, don’t let food-related illness ruin your holiday... MORE

U.S. Space Force special duty assignment application window closes Jan. 7
December 9, 2024 — With the application window for U.S. Space Force special duty assignments for calendar year 2025 now open, Guardians have the opportunity to expand the breadth and depth of their skills while gaining knowledge of another part of the Space Force enterprise outside their normal duties... MORE

U.S. Space Force Honor Guard Training “T” Flight class 25-A stands at ceremonial at-ease on the riverfront on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., Nov. 20, 2024. Training consists of four blocks of drill proficiency, uniform dress and appearance instruction and application, and Honor Guard history memory work. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Demond Mcghee)

U.S. Cyber Command chief discusses challenges of getting intel to users
December 9, 2024 — The United States has spent trillions of dollars on ensuring intelligence and the network that distributes that intelligence is the best on the planet, but more needs to be done, Air Force Gen. Timothy D. Haugh said... MORE

A photo of Air Force Gen. Timothy D. Haugh in front of flags.

NAMRU San Antonio Soldiers compete for NCO & Solider of the Year
December 9, 2024 — Soldiers assigned to Naval Medical Research Unit San Antonio’s Research Services Directorate at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, earned Non-Commissioned Officer and Solider of the Year honors during the Fiscal Year 2024 Solider, NCO and Officer of the Year Competition ceremony, hosted by Col. James Jones, commander, Public Health Command, West... MORE

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON – (Dec. 3, 2024) – U.S. Army Pfc. Tyler Houchin (right), assigned to Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) San Antonio’s Research Services Directorate (RSD), participated in the annual Solider, Non-Commissioned Officer and Officer of the Year Competition hosted by Public Health Command, West. Houchin, of Vine Grove, Ky., earned Solider of the Year for NAMRU San Antonio. The Soldiers took part in the three-day competition which consisted of an Expert Physical Fitness Assessment (EPFA), Engagement Skills Trainer (EST), Combat Water Survival Test, writing exam, land navigation, Army Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills, a 12-mile foot march, written essay, and an oral board. NAMRU San Antonio’s mission is to conduct gap driven combat casualty care, craniofacial, and directed energy research to improve survival, operational readiness, and safety of Department of Defense (DoD) personnel engaged in routine and expeditionary operations. It is one of the leading research and development laboratories for the U.S. Navy under the DoD and is one of eight subordinate research commands in the global network of laboratories operating under the Naval Medical Research Command in Silver Spring, Md. (U.S. Navy photo by Burrell Parmer, NAMRU San Antonio Public Affairs/Released)

First Air Force warrant officers graduate, prepare to enter force
December 9, 2024 — The first 30 Air Force warrant officers graduate from the U.S. Air Force Warrant Officer Training School... MORE

SecAF Kendall speaks with WOTS graduates.

Ensure your TRICARE coverage stays active
December 6, 2024 — Attention TRICARE beneficiaries: Open Season is a critical time to ensure your health coverage continues without interruption. To avoid a lapse in your TRICARE coverage, here are the key steps you need to take... MORE

FORT RILEY, Kansas -- Attention TRICARE beneficiaries: Open Season is a critical time to ensure your health coverage continues without interruption. To avoid a lapse in your TRICARE coverage, here are the key steps you need to take:

1. Make an Enrollment Payment or Set Up Automatic Payments
If you’re enrolling or re-enrolling in TRICARE, it’s important to make establish your payment plan and/or set up automatic payments to stay current on your healthcare coverage.

2. Key Deadlines for Payment Management
After DEC. 5, 2024, contact TriWest at 1-888-874-9378, Option#1, Option #1, be prepared to provide your DOD ID number (located on the back of your DOD ID card) and date of birth, ask for Enrollment Department.

Confirm your beneficiaries with Enrollment then ask for Billing to establish payment.

3. Re-Establish Payment Methods
If you currently pay via credit card or electronic funds transfer (EFT), you must re-establish your payment method with TriWest. Due to privacy laws, HealthNet Federal Services cannot transfer your confidential credit card or banking information to TriWest on Jan. 1, 2025.

4. Why This Matters
If you do not confirm your payment method has been updated with TriWest, your TRICARE coverage could lapse. Without an active payment setup, you risk losing health coverage when you need it most.

Act now to ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted coverage for 2025.

Teaming with small business to improve technology, save lives on battlefield
December 6, 2024 — In the not-so-distant future, a U.S. medic may encounter an injured warfighter on a remote battlefield. Instead of drawing a liquid painkiller from a vial using a needle and syringe, they will pull a mini-autoinjector from their bag, activate, and immediately administer to their patient. The medic will be able to ease the warfighter’s pain in seconds instead of agonizing minutes... MORE

San Antonio native earns Blue Jacket of the Year honors at NMRTC San Diego
December 6, 2024 — Seaman Christelle V. Abrego, a logistics specialist from San Antonio, Texas, and graduate of Madison High School, has achieved a milestone, earning the Blue Jacket of the Year award for Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command San Diego. This recognition, awarded annually to the most exceptional junior enlisted Sailor, highlights Abrego’s exceptional leadership, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to her duties. ... MORE

Logistics Specialist Seaman (LSSN) Christelle V. Abrego, a San Antonio, Texas, native and graduate of Madison High School, receives a certificate of recognition from the Naval Medical Forces Pacific’s Command Master Chief Jerry Cantorna for capturing the Blue Jacket of the Year award for Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) San Diego, Nov. 7, 2024. Currently serving with NMFP’s Unit Deployment Cell (UDC), Abrego plays a pivotal role as an operations action officer and primary medical supply purchaser for the NMFP region. (Navy photo by Arsenio R. Cortez Jr.)

Around the Air Force: Remote Start System, Engine Cover Prototype, and Fuel Efficiency Technology
December 6, 2024 — In this week’s Around the Air Force, a new remote start system for the KC-46A Pegasus, new B-52 engine covers prevent icing and damage in extreme cold, and a program to reduce drag on aircraft increases aerodynamic efficiency and flexibility while reducing fuel costs... MORE

Secretary of Defense signs new strategy for countering effects of unmanned systems
December 6, 2024 — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III signed a new classified strategy for countering the effects of unmanned systems, commonly known as drones... MORE

A soldier aims a device into the air. On the device's side is written "Dronebuster."

‘Best of the Best’ in AETC Safety for 2024 announced
December 6, 2024 — Air Education and Training Command announced the winners of the command’s Fiscal Year 2024 Safety Awards. On behalf of Maj. Gen. Clark J. Quinn, deputy commander of AETC, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, the AETC Safety Directorate released the list of the “best of the best” safety teams and professionals for the past year. Several Joint Base San Antonio agencies and individuals were amongst the winners... MORE

The 502nd Air Base Wing Safety Office, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, won the 2024 AETC Director of Safety Outstanding Achievement Award, Category 1. They were one of 20 annual safety award recipients in First Command and one of 18 that will go on to compete at the Air Force-level competition.

Air Force works to keep nuclear triad mission ready during recapitalization
December 6, 2024 — The Air Force is working to meet the challenge of maintaining mission readiness for bomber and land-based missile legs of the nation's nuclear triad, while working to meet the government-mandated recapitalization of both those platforms. ... MORE

Two men, one in military camouflage and the other in a business suit, are sitting at a desk having a conversation.

U.S. Air Force Band of the West puts on Holiday in Blue performances Dec. 17 & 18
December 6, 2024 — This holiday season, get ready to be thrilled by the U.S. Air Force Band of the West, featuring the legendary Canadian Brass, as they put on their annual Holiday in Blue performances Dec. 17 and 18... MORE

U.S. Air Force Band of the West Holiday in Blue Performances

From concept to command: Celebrating five years of the U.S. Space Force
December 6, 2024 — The sixth branch of the U.S Armed Forces was established on Dec. 20, 2019, when President Donald J. Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020... MORE

Photo of Space Base Delta 1 headquarters building at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado.

Royal Australian Army Medical Corps officer serves with distinction at MEDCoE
December 5, 2024 — Lt. Col. Nathan Smith, a Family Medicine Specialist with the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps, was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal during the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence quarterly awards ceremony on Dec. 3, 2024. Smith has served with MEDCoE for 2 1/2 years, participating in the U.S. Army Medical Department Exchange Program... MORE

Prescribed burns scheduled at JBSA-Camp Bullis starting Dec. 9
December 5, 2024 — Joint Base San Antonio’s Natural Resources Office, Fire & Emergency Services and Air Force Wildland Fire Branch officials plan to conduct prescribed burns at JBSA-Camp Bullis Dec. 9-17 as weather conditions allow... MORE

Two MEDCoE NCOs inducted into the SMA Van Autreve Sergeant Audie Murphy Club
December 5, 2024 — The U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence recently welcomed two new members into the Sergeant Major of the Army Leon L. Autreve Chapter of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club... MORE

Two NCOs inducted into the SMA Van Autreve Sergeant Audie Murphy Club