Jennies Deploy to Support War on Terror

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss.-- Master Sgt, Rafael Gonzalez kisses his son goodbye before boarding a C-130J-30 bound for Southwest Asia in support of the Global War on Terror. Sergeant Gonzalez is a client support technician assigned to the 403rd Communications Flight. The 403rd Wing deployed two of its tactical airlift aircraft assigned to the 815th Airlift Squadron along with more than 60 Citizen Airmen this morning. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Tech. Sgt. James B. Pritchett)

Jennies Deploy to Support War on Terror

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss.--Boarding a C-130J-30 Super Hercules bound for Southwest Asia, Tech. Sgt. Troy Peltier, loadmaster, prepares to button up the crew entrance door before takeoff. Sergeant Peltier joined Citizen Airmen of the 815th Airlift Squadron, 403rd Manintenance Group and other support personnel from the 403rd Wing as they deployed this morning in support of the Global War on Terror. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Tech. Sgt. James B. Pritchett)

Hurricane Hunters Celebrate Bridge Opening

A WC-130J, flown by the Hurricane Hunters of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, flies over the Biloxi-Ocean Springs Bridge as members of the community celebrate the reopening of structure which was damaged by Hurricane Katrina more than two years ago. The bridge which linked Jackson and Harrison counties on the Mississippi Gulf Coast was traveled by more than 30,000 commuters each day prior to the storm. Two lanes were opened Nov.1 with the rest of the span to be completed by April 2008.

403rd Wing Mass Enlistment

BILOXI, Miss.--Recruits recite the oath of enlistment on the soon to be opened Biloxi/Ocean Springs bridge as Maj. Chad Gibson, 403rd Wing administers the oath. These recruits participated in the 403rd Wing Recruiting Squadron's annual Mass Enlistment Ceremony. The bridge, which connects the communities of Biloxi and Ocean Springs, Miss. is slated to open two lanes Nov. 1. It was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina Aug. 29, 2005. The new bridge features a high rise in the middle to accomodate shipping traffic, eliminating the drawbridge which was in place before the storm. Mississippi Department of Transportation officials say the initial opening of the bridge will ease some of the traffic flow into and out of Biloxi which is located on a peninsula. Many Ocean Springs residents work in Biloxi and have been commuting many extra miles each day.

On the Job

1st Lt. Russell Shoultz, 403rd ASTS, was recently awarded EMT Paramedic of the Year by the Veterans of Foreign War in Louisiana. With more than16 years experience in saving lives, his winning the state award qualifies the lieutenant as a candidate for the national award. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Senior Airman Tabitha Spinks)

Final Splashdown

Lt. Col. Doug Lipscombe endures the traditional hose down after his fini flight. Dousing is a ritual of honor bestowed upon aviators who are retiring from service or sometimes moving on to a new job at a different unit. Colonel Lipscombe served with the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron as an Aerial Reconnaissance Weather Officer and instructor. He retired with 28 years of military service. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Senior Airman Tabitha Spinks)