Thunderbolt 5/02/2024

U.S.Air Force SeniorAirman Nathan Zelasko,a boomoperatorassignedtothe91st Air RefuelingSquadron,poses for aphotowith Kelly Flannery, presidentof the South Tampa Chamberof Commerce, priortoa refuelingmissionoverthe Southeastern UnitedStates, April 11.Flannery waspart of acivicleadergroupwho touredvariousAir Forcebases to strengthen relationsandbolstercommunity support.

NEWS/FEATURES

7thBombWingPublicAffairs

DYESSAIRFORCEBASE, Texas—The 317thAirlift WingachievedasignificantmilestoneonApril20, bybecomingthefirstunit in AirMobilityCommand’shistorytocomplete a C130JMaxEnduranceOperation(MEO)equipped withexternal fueltanks. Thisoperation,dubbed HazardLeap, highlightedthewing’sextended rangecapabilitiesandestablishedanewstandardinoperationalendurance.

Duringtheoperation,oneC-130J SuperHerculesfromthe40thAirliftSquadronembarked onaremarkable26-hour and 33-minutesingleaircraftmissiontoAndersenAFB, Guam,with onlyonefuelstopinHawaii,demonstratingthe C-130J’sabilitytooperateforextendedperiods withoutstopping.

TheMEOfromDyesstoGuamshowcasedthe wing’sabilitytorapidlydeployintotheIndo-PacificAreaofResponsibilityand bereadytoimmediatelyconductanyfollow-onmissions.

To accomplishthemission, theteamsplitinto twofullyaugmentedcrews. Capt.Anna Santori, apilotfromthe40thAirliftSquadron andHazardLeapcrew, providedinsightsintothe benefits oftheextendedrange Sheexplained,“Theexternaltankshavenewcapabilitiesforus, allowingustoflyfartherwithoutrefueling. It givesus

SeeC-130J,Page11

7thBombWingPublicAffairsphoto

AU.S.AirForceC-130JSuperHerculesassignedtothe40thAirliftSquadrontakesofffrom DyessAirForceBase, Texas,insupportofaMaximumEnduranceOperationtoAndersenAir ForceBase,Guam,April18,2024.Duringtheoperation,oneC-130JSuperHerculesequipped withexternalfueltanksembarkedona remarkable26-hoursingle-aircraftmission,validating theaircraft’sextendedrangecapabilitiesbutalsoshowcasingthemulti-daymissiongeneration capabilitiesofthesquadron.

TheActionLineprovidestwo-waycommunicationbetweenthe 6thAirRefueling Wingcommander and theMacDillcommunity. Personnelmaysubmitquestions,concernsorcommentsviaemailto macdillwingcommander@us.af.mil or Facebook@6thARWCommandTeam

MacDill Thunderbolt

Publisher: Joe Deluca

Editor: Nick Stubbs

The MacDillThunderbolt ispublishedby the Times Publishing Company, a private firm in no wayconnected with the U.S. Air Force. This commercial enterprise newspaper is anauthorized publication for distribution to members of the U.S. militaryservices on MacDill. Contents of the MacDill Thunderbolt are notnecessarily the officialviews of,or endorsed by the U.S. government,the Departmentof Defense,

the Departmentof the Air Force or the6th Air Refueling Wing.

The appearance of advertisingin thispublication,includinginserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsementby the Departmentof Defense, the Departmentof the Air Force,6th Air Refueling Wingor the Publishing Companyof the products or serviceadvertised.

For retail advertising, call (813)226-3318.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, orpatronagewithout regard to race,color, religion, sex, nationalorigin, age, marital status, physical handicap,politicalaffiliationor any other non-merit factorof the purchaser,user,orpatron.

MacDillontheweb

Website: www.macdill.af.mil

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ MacDillAirForceBase

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Newsitems for the MacDillThunderbolt can be submitted tothe6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs office,8208 Hangar Loop Dr., suite14, MacDill,FL 33621. Call the Thunderbolt at828-2215. : 6arw.pa.macdillthunderbolt@us.af.mil.

Deadline forarticle submissions isnoon, Wednesdays to appear in the next week’s publication. Articlesreceived after deadline may be considered for future use. All submissions areconsidered for publicationbased onnews value and timeliness.

Everyarticleandphotographis edited for accuracy, clarity, brevity, conformance with the “Associated Press Stylebook andLibel Manual” and Air Force Instruction 35-101.

NEWS/FEATURES

LivingtheAmericandream:payingitforward

byKennethAbbate 60thAirMobilityWingPublicAffairs

TRAVISAIRFORCE BASE, Calif.—AccordingtoformerPresident Harry S. Truman, “America wasbuiltoncourage, onimaginationandan unbeatabledeterminationtodothejob at hand.” Thatisabelief U.S. Air ForceCapt.MasonZhang, 60thDiagnostics&TherapeuticSquadroninpatientpharmacy chief, holdsverydeartohimself and hisfamily’s cultural background.

BornMarch21,1993,in Portland,Oregon,ZhanggraduatedfromDavid DouglasHighSchoolin2011. Followinghighschool,hecontinuedhiseducationatOregonStateUniversity, wherehereceivedhisbachelor’sin microbiology, master’s inbusinessadministration anddoctoratein pharmacy. AccordingtoZhang, hedevelopedhis strongsenseofdeterminationand workethicfrom watchinghisfather’sstruggles.

“Fromanearlyage, myfatherinstilledinmethevaluesofhardwork, freedomandwhataprivilegeitistolivein a freecountry,” said Zhang “Inspiredbythe dedication ofmyfather, IjoinedtheAir ForcewhenI was 27.Isawitastheperfect alignment: anopportunitytoapplytheskillsI’ve acquiredwhile attaining my doctorate anda chanceto servethenation thathadofferedsomuchtomeandmyfamily.”

Zhang’sfather, Guo, isoriginallyfromGuangzhou,Chinaandmoved tothe U.S. afterlosingeverythingin theturmoiloftheCulturalRevolution.GuoarrivedinAmericawithnothingbutthe clothesonhisback. Ratherthansuccumbtodespair, heembracedtheopportunitytorebuild

SeeDREAMPage10

MasonZhang,lowerleft,posesforaphotoinhishomein1997withhis mother,HuChu WenZhang,topleft,hisfather,GuoRong Zhang,top center,hisgrandmother,Huang Yan,right,andhissister,MandyZhang, center.Zhangcreditshisclose relationshipwithhisfirst-generationimmigrantfamilyasthe reasonhejoinedthe U.S.AirForce.

AMCpartnerswithcommunityschooltohostlocaltribalengagement

byAirman1stClassMatthewArachikavitz 92ndAirRefuelingWingPublicAffairs

FORT YATES, N.D.—AirMobilityCommandpartneredwithStandingRockCommunitySchooltohostatribalengagementin Fort Yates, NorthDakota,April18.

LeadersfromacrossAMC, Air ForceGlobalStrikeCommand,Air Force RecruitingServiceandtheNorthDakotaNationalGuardspenttheday withstudentsfromStandingRockCommunitySchoolandthelocaltribal communitytoshowcasetheAir Force’s commitmenttodecreasingbarriersformembersofindigenousnationstoserveandfosterrelationships withtheLakotaandDakotanationsoftheStandingRockSiouxTribe.

Gen.MikeMinihan,AMC commander, led thedelegationofmilitary professionalsassignedtothe92ndAirRefueling Wing, the5thBomb Wing, NorthDakotaAirNationalGuardandAir ForceRecruitingService. AirmenassignedtoMcConnellAir ForceBase, Kansas, andOffuttAFB, Nebraska,alsoattendedtheengagementtohighlightscience, technology, engineeringandmathematicsopportunitiesforstudents.

PhotobyAirman1stClassMatthewArachikavitz StudentsandlocalcommunitymembersinteractwithAirmenduring aLakotatribalengagementinFort Yates,NorthDakota,April18.Gen. MikeMinihan,commanderofAirMobilityCommand,ledateamofleadersfromacrossAMCandtheNorthDakotaareawhospentthedaywith studentsfromStandingRockCommunitySchoolandthelocaltribal community. SeeAMC,Page14

Courtesyphoto

WEEKINPHOTOS

CoalitionforcesgatherpriortoanAnzacDay remembranceceremonyatanundisclosedlocationwithintheU.S.CentralCommandareaof responsibility,April24.AustraliaandNewZealandArmyCorpsDaymarksthebeginningoftheBattleofGallipoliandiscommemoratedannuallyas adayof remembranceforthosewhomadetheultimatesacrifice.

PhotobySeniorAirmanJoshuaHastings

U.S.AirForceStaffSgt.DevanPearson,left,andSeniorAirmanJayden Sanchez,6thSecurityForcesSquadronmarinepatrolmen,scanthewaterssurroundingMacDillAirForceBaseApril18.The6thSFSmarine patrolunitmonitorsMacDill’scoastal restrictedareaextendingover 1 mileoutsideofbaseandpreventsunauthorizedvesselsfromentering.

AU.S.AirForceExplosiveOrdnanceDisposaltechnicianassignedto theU.S.CentralCommandareaof responsibilityparticipatesinanEOD trainingexerciseatanundisclosedlocation,April26.EODtechnicians employspecialtoolsandvehiclestosafelylocate,identify, recover,disarm,anddisposeofdangerousweapons.

U.S.AirForcephoto

U.S.AirForcephoto

NEWS/FEATURES

Reshapinga resilientbodyandmind

byAirman1stClassBaileyWyman 1stSpecialOperationsWing

HURLBURTFIELD, Fla.—Relentlesslyworkingtowardthisgoalfor months, Studer walkedoffthestage after a few short minutes, knowinghe didn’tmakethecut.

U.S. Air ForceMaj. JerimeStuder, a U-28A EvaluatorCombat Systems Officer, wasstrikinglyfamiliarwith thecompetitivenatureofsports. He hadbeenanathletethemajorityofhislife, havingplayedfootball through collegeandfollowingeveryfitnessprogramhecouldfind Thiscompetition, however, wascompletelyforeigntohim.

Studerrecallshisfirstexperienceinabodybuildingcompetitionas nervewracking.

“IassumedI wastheretocompeteandnobodyaroundme wasmy friend,” saysStuder. “Isat quietly anddidn’tevenknowhowtogetready, soIfollowedthosearoundme.”

Nearingthestage, Studer wastense. Injured and notknowingwhatto expect,hemadehis wayinfrontofthejudges andbeganhisroutine.

SeeSTUDER,Page7

PhotobyAirman1stClassBaileyWyman

U.S.AirForceMaj.JerimeStuder,aU-28AevaluatorCombatSystems officer, posesforaportraitatHurlburtField,Florida,April17.Combat systemsofficersareresponsibleforbeingexpertsintheirassignedaircraft,specializinginweaponsystemsemployment,electronicwarfare operations,andnavigation.

NEWS/FEATURES USSOCOMCareCoalition hostsits 2024 Warrior CareConference

byMichaelBottoms U.S.SpecialOperationsCommand

U.S. SpecialOperationsCommand’s WarriorCareProgram(CareCoalition)heldits WarriorCareConferenceinOrlando, Florida,April 9-11. Morethan330peopleparticipatedinthetwo-day conferencewhichhad panelsdiscussingnovelandemergingtherapies, cancertreatment,suicideprevention,andtraumaticbraininjury. Also, thereweremorethan 60federalandnon-federalorganizationsinattendanceprovidingimportantnetworkingandveterancareopportunities.

Theannualconferenceisauniqueopportunitythatbringstogether thosewhosupportspecialoperationsforceswounded, ill,and injured warriorsandtheirfamiliestosharebestpractices, discusscurrent trendswithinthe warriorcarecommunity, andlearnfromeachotherin adynamicenvironment. Topicsdiscussedincludeupdatesfromthecommand’ssurgeonandPreservationofthe Forceand Family Task Forceas wellascurrentinformationfromtherapypanels.

TheconferencekickedoffwithAir ForceLt.Gen.Sean Ferrell,deputy commanderofUSSOCOM,givingopeningremarksandpresentingthe USSOCOM Patriot Award.The Patriot Awardrecognizesexceptionaland enduringcontributionstothewelfareofUSSOCOM’swounded,illand injuredservicemembers, veterans, andtheirfamilies.

Thisyear’srecipient,David Winters, wasrecognizedformorethan14 yearsasPresidentoftheBlack Dagger MilitaryHuntClub, providing outdoorexpeditionsforseverelyill,injuredvets, andactive-dutyservice members.

“Ourfamilyhasarichandlonghistoryofservicetoournation.My father wasa Vietnamveteranandserved24yearsintheAir Force. My brother wasanArmyveteranwhoselife wasendedinatrainingaccident in Korea,” Wintersaid.“Imyselfserved20yearsintheAir Forceand just wanttocontinuetogivebacktothosethathaveservedandthenare serving.”

Hisnon-profit wasinspiredwhentheCareCoalition wasstoodupby thencommanderSOCOMGen.DougBrown.

“WeactuallythoughtofstartingtheHunt clubwhenGeneralBrown stooduptheCareCoalitionwestartedworkingwithsomeoftheearly woundedintheirprogram. We metBrianBrennan,adoublelegamputee andthatisreallywhatgotstartedin2010.In2012westartedour501C3 becauseit wastooexpensiveoutofpocketvolunteernonprofitandtakes asalary,” said Winters “Ournonprofitsmissionandphilosophyaretoget veteransconnected,notonlytotheoutdoorsbuttoacaringcommunity. We feelwhenveteransareisolatedandarenotconnected.They have moreofa chanceofhavingissues. Additionally, ournicheisparalyzed andblindveterans, wearecommunitypartnerwith JamesHaley, VA hospital,spinalcordinjury, unitandtheiradaptivesportsprogram.”

Reflectingonreceivingthe Patriot Award Winterstakesgreatpridein whathisorganizationdoesforthewounded,illandinjuredservicemembers.

“Winningthe Patriot Awardmeansalottome. Butmostimportantlyit isnotfromwhatIhavedoneforwhatalargeandcaringgroupofvolun-

(Top)U.S.SpecialOperationsCommand’s WarriorCareProgram(Care Coalition)heldits WarriorCareConferenceinOrlando,Florida,April 9-11.Morethan330peopleparticipated.

(Above)AirForceLt.Gen.SeanFerrell,deputycommanderUSSOCOM, presentstheUSSOCOMPatriot AwardtoRyanandJillianwinters,the childrenofthisyear’sUSSOCOM WarriorCareProgram’sPatriot Award, DavidWinters,duringthe2024 WarriorCareConferenceApril10.

teersandsponsorshaveprovidedoverthepast13years. Whensomeone comesoutandseeswhatwedo, theygetitimmediately,” said Winters.

The WarriorCareProgram(Care Coalition)focusesonwounded,ill andinjuredUSSOCOMservicemembersandtheirfamilies. Established in2005toprovidespecialoperationsforceswounded,ill,orinjuredservicemembersandtheirfamiliesadvocacyafterlife changingevents, to navigatethroughrecovery, rehabilitation,andreintegrationasquicklyas possible, strengtheningSOFreadiness. Italsoprovidescareertransition assistancewhennecessary. Theprogramcurrentlyprovidesadvocacyand carecoordinationservicestomorethan25,000people.

PhotoabyGunnerySgt.DemtriusMunnerlyn,

“I hadcutmythroatwideopenwhileeating, twoweekspriortothecompetition,” saysStuder. “Icouldhaveusedthat asan excuseand chosenotto dotheshow, butImadethe choicetogoforit.”

Studerfoundhimselfin aprecarious situation. Withill preparation he attemptedtocompletethecompetition.

“Ilostmyfirstshowbadly,” saysStuder. “Ididn’tcompletetherequired posesanddidn’teven standonstagecorrectlyto be judged.”

Studerfeltthelossasanyindividualwould. Knowingthatmonths oftraininghadculminatedinadisappointingoutcome, hedeveloped a uniqueperspectiveonthepath ahead.

“Icouldhaveleftembarrassed andtold myselfIwouldnever do itagain, butthat’swhyIlovethissport,” Studer said.“Theexcusesarealwaysthere foryoutouse, butyou’reneverreallylosing. I knewit wouldbea hardroad tobeingatruecompetitive bodybuilder, butIalsoknewit wassomething Icoulddo.”

Whetheritbeinthegym,onastage, orin auniformStuderknowsthat hisapproachtoadversityimpactsthose aroundhim.As aleader, hehad to showthathe waswillingtoexceedexpectationssothatothersmay do the same.

“MajorStudercontinuallyliftsup allthosearoundhimwith positivity

andregardlessofthe changeshappeningtheconstantisthathewillbe there when you needhim,” saysCapt.Charles Woods, Air ForceSpecialOperationsCommanddeputyA33director. “Studerisadisciplinedleaderthat isn’tafraidtoputtheworkin, acting asasensorforallthosearoundhim andensuringthey’reat100percenttogetafterthemission.”

Athisfollowingcompetitions, Studerbeganconnectingwiththeother competitors. Through theseconnections, hegainedanevendeeperappreciationforthesport.

“Weallhadworkedsohardforour chancetostandonstageforaminute ortwo,” says Studer. “Every one ofthemhadagreatstory. It wasaspecial connectiontohavewhenyouknowthey’vebeenworkingatthisforsolong. Justputtingthemselvesouttheretakescourage.”

As Studerpreparestocompeteinhisnextcompetition, he leansonthe lessonshe’s learnedthroughouthistimebodybuildingandcontinuesto pushhimselftomakehis dreams areality.

“Understandinghowtofindresultsandembracingtheextensiveeffort it willtakeissomethingIhave learned greatlyfromthissport,” saysStuder “Idomy best tomotivateothersandhelpthemoutregardlessofwhattheir fitness goals are. Yourbodyisthefirstquietstatementyoumakeabout yourself, sotakecontrolanddon’tletitsaysomethingyoudon’t wantitto.”

Tampacivic leaders explore three unique AFmissions

bySeniorAirmanLaurenCobin 6thAir Refueling WingPublicAffairs

Twenty-eight of Tampa’s influentialbusinessowners, chamberof commerce members, programmanagers an d civicleaders took flightwiththe6thAirRefueling WingtoexplorethreeuniqueAir Forcemissions.

BeginningatMacDillAir ForceBase, FloridaonApril11,2024,the groupparticipatedin a multi-base fieldtriptostrengthenrelationsand bolstercommunitysupport.

Civic leader programsare meanttoeducate localleadersonthesimilaritiesanddifferencesofmilitaryandcivilian operationsandserveas a way toreachand informthe publiconeach base’s unique missions. This year, the Tampagroup traveledtoOffuttAFB, NebraskaandEglinAFB, Florida.

“The supportwereceive fromourcommunityistrulyremarkable,” said Col.AdamBingham,6thARWcommander. “Thereare manyareaswithin ourmissionthatwecouldn’tcompletewithoutthe helpofourcommunity partners. Thesetripsoffera chancetogivebacktothemanddeepentheir understandingofourmission. Their firsthand experiencesenable them tobettercommunicatethe importanceofourworktothe Tampa community.”

Duringthe firstportion ofth e trip, civicleaders observeda KC-135 Stratotanker pilotedbyBingham onthe way toOffuttAFB.

Inthe boom-pod, the group laidbesideSeniorAirmanNathanZelasko, 91st Air RefuelingSquadronboomoperator, towitnessaerialrefueling andthe talentofyoungairmenworking inmission essentialroles.

“Whata wonderful experienceandtimespent withthis awesome group,” said JoseBello, EncoreBankcommunityoutreach officer. “Itmay surpriseyou,butI haven’t stoppedtalkingaboutourexperience.”

OncethegrouplandedinNebraska, the Tampa leadersreceivedan in-depthtourof a RC-135SCobraBallandmet withmembersofthe 55th Wing leadershipteamtolearnmoreabout the Air CombatCommand mission.

The followingdaybroughtthecivic leaderstothe 96th Test WinglocatedatEglinAFBonApril 12,2024.

The 96thTWisresponsible foroperating38modified testaircraftand managing120,000squaremilesofover-watertestranges, plusfacilities insixdifferentstates. The Tampa leaderswereable toexperiencefirsthandhow the baseexecutesdevelopmentaltestsandevaluationstoenable the warfightertoput weaponsontarget.

UpontheirreturntoMacDill,leaderssharedtheir gratitude for theopportunity.

“Thankyou for this amazing experience,” said KevinPreast, chiefcommercialofficerof Tampa Bay Lightning. “Iamverygratefulto havebeen apartof thistrip.”

MacDillAFBwillcontinueto upholdtheirrelationshipwithlocal civic leaderstoincrease public awarenessofmissions, policies, andprograms ofthe 6thARWandthe DepartmentofDefense.

(Above) Agroupofcivicleaders fromthe TampaBay areaposewithservice members assignedtothe55th Wingandthe6thAir Refueling Wing,fora photonear a KC-135StratotankeratOffuttAir ForceBase, Nebraska,April11.Thecivicleadergrouptouredvarious units atthe Nebraskabaseduringmulti-base fieldtriptostrengthen relationsandbolstercommunitysupport.

(Farleft)Apilotassignedtothe50thAir Refueling Squadron, explainsflightprocedurestocivicleaders fromthe TampaBay areaduringatouratMacDillAir Force BaseApril11.Thecivic leadergrouptoured multiplebasestostrengthen relationsandbolster communitysupport.

(Left)Agroup ofcivic leaders fromthe TampaBay areatourthe55thWingatOffuttAir ForceBase, Nebraska,April11.Thecivicleadergrouptouredvarious units atthe Nebraskabaseduringmulti-base fieldtriptostrengthen relationsandbolstercommunitysupport.

PhotosbyAirman1stClassSterlingSutton

hislife. Soonafter, he wasjoinedbyhiswife, Hu Chu Wen,andtogethertheybegantopursuethe Americandream.

“HisdifficultjourneytoAmericamademyfathertrulyappreciativeoftheopportunitiesthat cameinAmerica,” saidZhang.

Perseveringthroughadversity, hisparents eventuallyownedandoperatedasmallrestaurantwherehesaidhelearnedthevaluesnecessarytosucceed.Zhangandhissister, Mandy, grewupinthebackoftherestaurant,whilehis parentsrantherestaurantinthefront.Eventually, theculturalandlanguagebarriersproved insurmountable, andtherestaurantshutdown. Despitestrugglingtomakeendsmeet,hisparentsneverseemedbitter.

“Growingupwithalanguagebarrier wasextremelydifficult,butthesacrificesmadebymy parentsinthehopeofabrighterfutureallowed metopursuethehighereducationthatthey werenotabletoreceive,” saidZhang

AfterfinishinghisdoctorateatOSU, hebegantoworkasacivilianpharmacistuntilan emotionalmomentin2020 changedhisoutlook.

“Iremember watchinginanguishasthenationexperiencedhardships,” saidZhang. “This ignitedafirewithinmetoservethecountry thatgavesomuchtomyfatherandtherestof myfamily.”

Despitealltheaccoladesandthefinancial securityhiscivilianjoboffered,heknewhewould notfeelfulfilleduntilhecouldgivebackin a mannerthatwouldbenefitanddefend acountry thathaddonesomuchforhim andhisfamily.

“Myfamilyinitiallyquestionedmydecision toleavemystablejob, buttheirmindquickly

U.S.AirForceCapt.MasonZhang,60thDiagnostics&TherapeuticsSquadroninpatientpharmacychief,performswarfarinmonitoringonapatientatDavidGrantUSAFMedicalCenterat TravisAirForceBase,California,April16.

changedaftertheyunderstoodmyinitiative,” saidZhang. “Today, myfamilyhastakenpride inmyserviceandprofessionalaccomplishments. Thepositive changesinthecommunity fuelsmetostriveforexcellenceinallaspects ofmyservice. KnowingthatIammakingadifference, notonlyinthelivesofmypatients, but ournationasawhole, drivesmetocontinue.”

Zhangcommissionedintothe U.S. Air Force BiomedicalSciencesCorpshortlyafterdeciding tojoinandhasservednearlyfouryears. Heis

extremelyproudofhisservice, notinghecould neverimaginetheimpacthecouldmakesoearlyoninhiscareer.

“AsanAmerican,Ifeeladeepsenseofduty toprotectandservemycountry,” hesaid.“The opportunitiesI’vereceiveddrivemetogiveback andenableotherstoachievethesamesuccessesthatI’veexperienced. Fullofgratitude, Ilook forwardtocontinuingmyserviceforacountry thathasaffordedmeandmyfamilymanyopportunitiestothrive.”

PhotobyKennethAbbate

AirmenfromDyessAirForceBase, Texasposeforagroupphotoaftersuccessfully completingaMaxEnduranceOperationatAndersenAirForceBase,Guam,April20. Thisoperation,dubbedHazardLeap,highlightedthewing’sextendedrangecapabilities,andestablishedanewstandardinoperationalendurance.

about17,000poundsoffuel, whichtranslates toroughlyfour extra hoursofflying.”

InMay2023,the317thAirlift Wing becamethefirstC-130JunitinAir MobilityCommandtoexperimentwithexternalfueltanks. Theintegrationofexternalfueltanks not onlyenhancesthe Wing’s ability toreach remotelocationsinasinglehop butalsoprovides theflexibilitytocarryextrafueltooffloadforthejointforceinaustere environments.

ThepurposeoftheMEO, as Santoridescribed,is to flyasfaraspossible withtheexternaltanks, refuelonlyonce, minimizinggroundtimeandmaximizingrange The preparationinvolvedcarefulplanningoftheflightroute, analyzingwindpatterns, and devising contingencyplansforunforeseencircumstances suchasthunderstormsormodifiedflight paths

ReflectingonthesignificanceofcompletingHazardLeap, Capt.Santori emphasizedits implicationsmovingforward.“Knowingthatwehavethecapabilityto rapidlydeploy and reachdistanttheaterswithinashortertimeframe, expandstheexpectationofC-130s,” shestated.

“ThesuccessfulcompletionofHazardLeapis atestamenttoourteam’sdedicationand theremarkablecapabilitiesoftheC-130J SuperHercules,” saidMaj. AlexLeach,Mission Commanderand40thAS assistantdirectorofoperations “Thisoperation setanew standardforoursquadron andthis airframe;it serves asastepping-stone for futuremissions.”

BuildingonthesuccessofHazardLeap, the317th AW isnow preparing forExercise HazardSpear, scheduledtorununtilMay4,2024.Thisexerciseissettobeapivotal trainingeventforthe Wing, withafocusondeclaring InitialOperationalCapabilityfor multipleAcceleratedMissionSetsintheIndo-Pacificregionandvalidatingitsabilityto rapidlyintegratewiththejointforce.

IntandemwithHAZARDSPEAR,the 317th AW willintegratewiththe 4th Marinesin GuamandsupportMarineAircraftGroup 24andMWSS-174 duringExercise BALIKATAN2024inthePhilippines. Thiscollaborationunderscoresthe Wing’s commitmentto strengthening interoperabilitywith allied and partnerforcesintheregion

Asthe317thAirlift WingpreparesforHazardSpear, theMaximumEnduranceOperationshowcasesthevitalroleofcontinuedinnovationand excellence, bolsteringregional operationsanddemonstratingreadinessinthe Indo-Pacificregion.

7thBombWingPublicAffairsphoto

COMMUNITY

EVENTS

NationalGolfDay Tournament

TheBay PalmsGolfComplex willbehostingan1800 Yard TournamentSaturdayontheSouth Course Thisisatwo-player, scrambleevent.Advancedgreenfeesare $20,Activeduty/retirees$40,civilians$50; priceincludes greenfees, cart,rangeballsandlunch.Stopby theProShoptosignupby Friday. Formoreinformation,visit macdillfss.com/wp-content/uploads/NtlGolfDay_24.pdf.

FamilyFunNight

JointhefunatSeaScapesonMay 10from5–8 p.m.foradelightfulfiesta-themed FamilyFunNight.It’s aperfectopportunityforfamiliesto bond,createlastingmemoriesand anexclusivekid’sbuffetfilledwith minitacos, nachosandsweettreats. Visitmacdillfss.com/seascapes/for moredetails.

Summercamps&fieldtrips

Children9–18won’t wantto missalltheexciting Youth Center summercampsandfieldtripsthis summerbreak.Theseactivitiescan provideafunandeducationalexperienceforpre-teens/teenswhile helpingthemdevelopsocialskills, teamwork,andleadershipskills. Current YouthCentermonthly memberscanregisterusingtheir existingCYPIMSlog-inorinperson now. Allnon-memberscan register inperson.Non-membersmustcontactthe YouthCenterat828-7956or email6fss.fsy.yp@us.af.miltohavea CYPIMSaccountcreated To view thefulllistofcampsandfieldtrips beingofferedthissummer, visit macdillfss.com/wp-content/uploads/ YC-Summer-Camps-2024-Booklet_ LowRes.pdf.

Night landing

AU.S.AirForceKC-135StratotankerassignedtoMacDillAirForceBase’s 91stAirRefuelingSquadronlandsatanundisclosedlocationwithintheU.S.CentralCommandareaof responsibility,April 20.TheU.S.maintainsahighlyagilefightingforce,which leveragesthemostadvancedtrainingand platformstodominatethewarfightinglandscapeforthelong-termsecurityandstabilityofthe region.

CHAPELSCHEDULE

Normal Hours- Monday - Friday - 9 a.m.to 3p.m. After hours chaplain, callthe Command Post at 828-4362/4361.

Monday-Wednesday Mass - 12:10p.m. www.macdill.af.mil/chapel

Catholic Mass - Sunday - 9:30 a.m. (confessionsby appointment)

Protestant services - Sunday - 11 a.m. Contact the Chapel at 828-3621or email at 6ARW.HCADMIN@us.af.mil for inquiries regarding Protestant religious education.

Jewish - Monthly Lunch and Learn: For schedule &tojoin distro,please contactelimelach.estrin@us.af.mil

Islamic Service - Friday 1:30 p.m.(space reserved)

OtherFaith Groups - Pleasecontact the Chapelat 813)828-3621orvia email at 6ARW.HCADMIN@us.af.mil

For more details and information, visitthe Chapel Facebook page at http://www.facebook/6amwhc/ or MacDill’s Chapel website is: https://www.macdill.af.mil/chapel

PhotobySeniorAirmanZacharyFoster

“Itdoesn’tmatterwhereyoucomefrom,” Minihansaid.“Whatmattersisthatwhenwe cometogether, weareone.”

AccordingtoMinihan,buildingaforcethat isresilientandfullofmulti-capable, diverse Airmendedicatedtolivinglike warriorsprovidesAMCa warfightingadvantageoveradversariesthatisvitaltothefuture Joint Force.

TheDepartmentoftheAir Force’sdedicationtoprovideanequitable, accessibleandinclusiveenvironmentforallservicemembers andemployeesisexemplifiedthrough various initiativesliketheIndigenousNations Equality Team.INET’smissionistoadvocatefor AmericanIndianandAlaskaNatives through policy changes, recruitment, retentionand communityoutreach.

“Itdoesn’tmatterifyou’reatraditional indigenouspersonornot,” said Tech. Sgt. DarrellCharlee, Air ForceInspectionAgency client systemsnon-commissionedofficerin charge. “Itdoesn’tmatterifyougrewuponthereservationorinthecity. Ourindigenousancestors havefoughtanddiedforyourexistence, formy

existence, andI wanttohonorthem.”

Duringtheevent, theAir ForceHeartland ofAmericaBandperformed,keynotespeakersfromtheAir ForceandthelocalLakota tribedeliveredremarksandstudentsfromthe StandingRock CommunitySchoolmetwith AirmenfromvariousunitsacrosstheAFto learnaboutscience, technology, engineering andmathematicsopportunities.

Studentsandtribalcommunitymembers alsohadtheopportunitytotourtwoUH-1N HueyhelicoptersandwitnessaKC-135StratotankerandB-52HStratofortressflyoverduringtheengagement.MembersoflocalLakota drumgroupsperformedtheLakotagrandentry, flagandvictorysongs.

TheeveningendedwithatraditionalLakota mealsharedbetweenservicemembersandthe localtribalcommunity.

“I’mverythankfulthatIgettoretirefrom theAir ForceandknowthatIleftitabetter force,” saidMasterSgt. FrancesDupris, 319th CombatTrainingSquadronAdvancedTraining Coursedirector.

Gen.MikeMinihan,commanderofAirMobility Command, receivesgratitudefromIndigenous NationsEquality TeamduringaLakotatribalengagement inFort Yates,NorthDakota,April18.

PhotobyAirman1stClassMatthewArachikavitz