Success!

Crowds of U.S. Air Force members and their guests at Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., watch the final launch of a space shuttle July 8, 2011, from the 45th Space Wing VIP Viewing Area on the NASA Causeway, as Shuttle Atlantis roars into the sky. The success of STS-135 marked the culmination of three decades of support for NASA Space Shuttle missions by the wing, other Air Force units and government agencies, and their mission partners. (U.S. Air Force photo/Eric Brian)

Launch protection

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection boat patrols the waters off Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., during the last space shuttle launch July 8, 2011, from Kennedy Space Center. U.S. Air Force, Coast Guard and CBP personnel support space launches on the Eastern Range by securing the launch hazard area and restricted airspace. (U.S. Air Force photo/Julie Dayringer)

Remembering Pearl Harbor

Retired U.S. Navy Capt. Richard P. Jeffrey gives the keynote speech during the Pearl Harbor Day Memorial Ceremony Dec. 7 at Patrick Air Force Base. The Air Force Technical Applications Center hosted the ceremony for the 17th consecutive year, paying tribute to Captain Jeffrey and three other U.S. servicemen and several surviving spouses who were all impacted by the 1941 Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor. (U.S. Air Force photo/Julie Dayringer)

Honoring Pearl Harbor survivors

Airmen from the Air Force Technical Applications Center and Sailors from the Naval Ordnance Test Unit at Cape Canaveral stand at attention in formation to render their respect to the survivors of 1941 Japanese attacks, including the event’s keynote speaker, retired U.S. Navy Capt. Richard P. Jeffrey, during the Pearl Harbor Day Memorial Ceremony Dec. 7 at Patrick Air Force Base. AFTAC hosted the ceremony for the 17th consecutive year, and this year's ceremony marked a first for participation by NOTU Sailors, who also performed a 21-gun salute using 40mm cannons. (U.S. Air Force photo/Julie Dayringer)

Safety never takes a holiday

Vehicle safety was a prime concern during the 45th Space Wing Consolidated Unit Inspection, as depicted in this exercise scenario, and will continue to be through the holidays and beyond. "Expect a great number of travelers on the roadways throughout the holiday season," said Brig. Gen. Anthony Cotton, 45th Space Wing commander. "Include delays when planning your travel time, know your route, check your vehicles, get plenty of rest and drive defensively." (U.S. Air Force photo/Bob Grijalva)

Happy Holiday Operators

Members and families of the 45th Operations Support Squadron pose for a group photograph outside Patrick Base Operations with (left to right atop fire truck) 45th Operations Group Commander Col. Denette Sleeth, Santa, Santa’s Helper and 45 OSS Commander Lt. Col. Patrick Youngson during the squadron’s annual Holiday Party. “We had a great turnout and the kids had a ball, especially with the arrival of the base fire truck,” said Colonel Youngson. (Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jacklyn Arango-Morales)