More than one thousand hats flew into the air at Michie Stadium at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., May 25, 2013, and jubilation followed for the Class of 2013.

Sequestration has hit the Air Force particularly hard, impacting its force structure, readiness and modernization, senior Air Force leaders said here today.

Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley and Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, the chief of staff, said Congress must provide a solid budget number so the Air Force can ground its planning in reality.

The Air Force understands it must do its part to work through the debt and deficit reduction problem, Welsh said.

"We just want to get to the bottom line or the new top-line budget ... and get on with preparing our Air Force to remain the best in the world," he said.
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This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.

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The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) returned to its homeport of Norfolk after a successful completion of new defense testing during a two-week underway period, May 24.

Often, when survivors of sexual assault are "put on the witness stand, they can feel like they're being attacked," said Capt. Dustin Kouba, a special victims counsel attorney. "I feel like I'm almost defending them ... I'm like their big brother."

The Air Force is taking the lead on providing special counsel to survivors of sexual assault, spearheading a pilot program for the Department of Defense.

The goal of the Special Victims' Counsel (SVC) is to ensure the best possible care for our Airmen, who report they are the victims of sexual assault, by providing independent legal representation through an assigned Air Force attorney. Within 48 hours of the victim requesting the SVC, the SVC will contact the victim and remains their SVC throughout the entire legal process.
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An estimated 30,000 people filled the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium in Annapolis, Md., May 24 to witness the swearing in of the U.S. military's newest officers.

Memorial Day is a time for Americans to reconnect with our history and core values by honoring those who gave their lives for the ideals we cherish. It is vital to recall how much was given to allow us the enjoyment of each day in freedom.

Four hundred Navy-funded registrations are now available for Sailors to attend the Sea Services Leadership Association (SSLA) 26th Annual Joint Women's Leadership Symposium (JWLS), as announced by Naval Administrative Message 140/13.

The countdown to summer is almost over, and concerts, barbecues and water activities are about to begin. However, everyone needs to drink responsibly when alcohol is involved Navy leaders said May 24.

At the Ninth Annual Night of Heroes Gala a garrison commander, a former Army chief of staff and an Army spouse received top honors from non-profit sponsor Pentagon Federal Credit Union Foundation for their support and dedication in helping to meet the needs of Soldiers, veterans, wounded warriors and families.

A sea of tiny American flags flutters gently in the breeze now at Arlington National Cemetery, Va. The flags were placed at gravesites, May 23, 2013, in tribute to the service and sacrifice of the nation's fallen service members who rest there.

The Army's fiscal year 2014 Equipment Modernization Plan, now working its way through Congress, prioritizes equipping warfighters in Afghanistan while simultaneously preparing for an uncertain future.

A sea of tiny American flags flutters gently in the breeze now at Arlington National Cemetery. The flags were placed at gravesites, May 23, in tribute to the service and sacrifice of the nation's fallen service members who rest there.

The Army is replacing the 1960's era air traffic control system with the Mobile Tower System, which provides an effective and reliable solution that can be deployed anywhere in the world, in any weather condition and will support both military and civilian air operations.

For members of the 63rd Civil Support Team, their mission following the killer tornado, May 20, 2013, was more personal -- they knew people directly affected and some Soldiers even lived in the devastation path.