Hidden in the hills of Fairbanks, Alaska, the Permafrost Tunnel Research Facility is part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory. Originally the tunnels were built to be used in a Cold War experiment to test the protective capabilities of permafrost. However, scientists quickly discovered the tunnel would be […]

In his last public appearance in 1935, Billy Mitchell, a former U.S. Army brigadier general and airpower visionary, testified before Congress that Alaska was the most strategic place in the world. From there, he said, U.S. Army aircraft could reach any capital in the northern hemisphere within nine hours. Mitchell cited, “Whoever holds Alaska will […]

In a time of great stress, upheaval and uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States Air Force has adapted, adjusted and innovated its way to maintaining readiness and protecting and maintaining a healthy force. The U.S. Air Force’s core missions remain unimpeded. It should be no surprise that the Air Force mission continues. […]

In September, nearing the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Michael striking Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Airman sat down for an interview with Brig. Gen. Patrice A. Melancon, Tyndall Air Force Base Reconstruction Program Management Office executive director. More than 60% of Tyndall AFB’s facilities were significantly damaged in the hurricane and, at the direction of […]

Since its early days as a service, the Air Force has embraced technological advances in air and space capabilities and played an integral role as a global airpower. Airman Magazine presents Airman Aerials, a photographic art gallery, featuring some of the best aerial photography from around the service in recent history. See more Airman Aerials […]

According to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, the Arctic sea ice extent has declined by 40% since 1979. The loss is transforming Alaska’s climate while also accelerating coastal erosion. “In a diminishing ice environment in the Arctic region, we’re seeing there’s more opportunity for industry, more opportunity for resource extraction, if done in a […]

In 1935, Billy Mitchell, former U.S. Army brigadier general and airpower advocate, testified before Congress that Alaska was the most strategic place in the world. From there, he said, U.S. Army aircraft could reach any capital in the northern hemisphere within nine hours.  Much of that flight time was over unoccupied polar ice, as only the […]

Since its early days as a service, the Air Force has embraced technological advances in air and space capabilities and played an integral role as a global airpower. Airman Magazine regularly updates Airman Aerials, a photographic art gallery, featuring some of the best aerial photography from around the service in recent history. See more Aerial […]

The F-35A Lightning II is a fifth-generation fighter combining advanced aerodynamics, survivability in high-threat environments and an enhanced ability to provide pilots and allied assets across operational domains with robust situational awareness. The F-35 is the result of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program to develop a single-engine, stealthy, multi-role fighter to replace an aging […]

Brig. Gen. Edward L. Vaughan is the Air National Guard Special Assistant to Maj. Gen. Scott F. Smith, the Director of Training and Readiness, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Arlington, Va. The directorate, encompassing seven divisions and the Air Force Agency for Modeling and Simulation, is responsible for policy, guidance […]