AFNEWS Mission Statement
Support public affairs by creating and delivering timely and credible products and services. Communicate and broadcast news, information and entertainment through print and electronic media -- keeping the "Total Force," families and the American public informed during peace and war.
AFNEWS Vision Statement
AFNEWS people building the DOD's most respected organization, the leader in keeping people informed.
History
AFNEWS -- formerly the Air Force News Center and before that the Air Force Service Information and News Center -- activated at Kelly Air Force Base June 1, 1978. The agency was formed through the merger of several SAF/PA functions -- the Internal Information Division from the Pentagon; Command Services Unit from Bolling Air Force Base, D.C.; and public affairs units in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York City.
In June 1979, the Air Force Hometown News Center moved from Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., to the agency. In October 1980, the Army Hometown News Center moved from Kansas City, Mo., to join the Air Force News Agency.
On Oct. 1, 1980, after DOD directed the military services to centralize management of their AFRTS activities, Air Force AFRTS was established as a separate directorate and assumed full operational control of all Air Force owned and operated AFRTS functions. In October 1983, the Air Force AFRTS Directorate was designated Air Force Broadcasting Service, and became an Air Force named unit on May 1, 1988. In October 1997, AFBS was inactivated and became an AFNEWS directorate.
In October 1981, the Air Force Orientation Group was assigned to AFNEWS for support purposes, and it inactivated April 1, 1992. In September 1984, the Air Force Office of Youth Relations transferred to AFNEWS and it inactivated on Aug. 1, 1991.
Point of Contact
Air Force News Agency, Office of the Commander; 203 Norton Street; San Antonio, TX 78226-1848; DSN 945-6161 or (210) 925-6161; e-mail: pa@afnews.af.mil
Above Information Courtesy of U.S. Air Force
