Thunderbolt 09/07/2023

News/Features: page 2

Diversity proves key

News/Features: page 3

New night vision gear

Week in photos: page 4

Images from the week

Off to a safe place

Community: page 15

Events, Chapel, more...

Photo by Airman 1st Class Sterling Sutton

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Charles Avrutis, a crew chief assigned to the 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, marshals KC-135 Stratotanker at MacDill Air Force Base Aug. 28. Aircraft were evacuated to other bases around the country in preparation for Tropical Storm Idalia.

Diversity proved to be key during Pacific exercise NEWS/FEATURES

U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. The value of diversity was on full display during Mobility Guardian 2023, a largescale multinational exercise in the Pacific theater that occurred in July.

Senior Master Sgt. Rita Mae Hernandez, from the 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron and Tech. Sgt. Mika Pajas, 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron, are both air advisors who were born and raised in the Philippines prior to moving to the United States. The two Airmen leveraged their language skills and understanding of the nuances of Filipino culture to establish relationships with their Philippine Air Force counterparts.

Lt. Col. Robert Chance, the commander of the 571st MSAS, highlighted the essential role that Airmen with language and cultural competence play in the air advisor community.

He emphasized that while technical competence and job performance are important, what sets air advisors apart is their unique ability to connect with allies and partners on a deeper level, and language skills are key to this connection.

“We build rapport with allies and partners.

See DIVERSITY, Page 12

Senior Master Sgt. Rita Mae Hernandez, from the 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron and Tech. Sgt. Mika Pajas, 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron, are both air advisors who were born and raised in the Philippines prior to moving to the United States. The two Airmen leveraged their language skills and understanding of the nuances of Filipino culture to establish relationships with their Philippine Air Force counterparts.

COMMANDER’S ACTION LINE

The Action Line provides two-way communication between the 6th Air Refueling Wing commander and the MacDill community. Personnel may submit questions, concerns or comments via email to macdillwingcommander@us.af.mil or Facebook @6thARWCommandTeam

MacDill Thunderbolt

Publisher: Joe Deluca

Editor: Nick Stubbs

The MacDill Thunderbolt is published by the Times Publishing Company, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force. This commercial enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for distribution to members of the U.S. military services on MacDill. Contents of the MacDill Thunderbolt are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by the U.S. government, the Department of Defense,

the Department of the Air Force or the 6th Air Refueling Wing.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force, 6th Air Refueling Wing or the Publishing Company of the products or service advertised.

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MacDill on the web

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News items for the MacDill Thunderbolt can be submitted to the 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs office, 8208 Hangar Loop Dr., suite 14, MacDill AFB, FL 33621. Call the Thunderbolt at 828-2215 Email: 6arw.pa.macdillthunderbolt@ us.af.mil.

Deadline for article submissions is noon, Wednesdays to appear in the next week’s publication Articles received after deadline may be considered for future use. All submissions are considered for publication based on news value and timeliness.

Every article and photograph is edited for accuracy, clarity, brevity, conformance with the “Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual” and Air Force Instruction 35-101.

Courtesy photo

JB MDL converts to white phosphor NVGs for KC-46A

by Airman 1st Class Simonne Barker 87th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J.—Airmen from the 305th Air Mobility Wing have been maintaining vital mission implementations to complete the conversion from legacy green night vision goggles to white phosphor NVGs for the KC-46A Pegasus at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

Legacy green NVGs have been utilized for decades and proved to be successful in missions

However, the advancement to white phosphor NVGs for the KC-46A marks a significant improvement. This upgrade introduces a broader color spectrum to the operator’s visual field and allows for improved object recognition, depth perception, and overall situational awareness, especially in low-light conditions This enhancement provides a significant advantage for KC46A crews during critical nighttime missions, proving JB MDL’s commitment to technology and fueling our ability to achieve mission success.

See NVG, Page 10

DoD changes to special leave accrual policy for service members

DoD News

WASHINGTON (AFNS)—The Department of Defense announced Aug. 25, changes to the special leave accrual policy for service members The DoD Instruction 1327.06, “Leave and Liberty Policy and Procedures,” was reissued incorporating change five to implement the provisions of section 701 of title 10 United States Code that was revised by section 632 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023.

A service member may retain a maximum of 60 days of annual leave from one fiscal year to the next. However, a service member who is assigned to certain duties that prevent them from taking annual leave may be eligible for SLA that qualifies the service member to retain more than 60 days of leave at the end of the fiscal year.

The revised provisions of section 701 U.S.C. title 10 reduced the maximum amount of accrued leave that may be retained by a service member at the end of the FY from 120 days (60 days of annual leave plus 60 days of SLA leave) to 90 days (60 days of annual leave plus 30 days of

SLA leave). Also, the timeframe a service member may retain SLA leave was shortened from three fiscal years to two fiscal years following the fiscal year in which the SLA qualifying duty ended. Further, a duty assignment in support of a designated contingency operation by itself is no longer a qualifying duty for SLA These changes went into effect Jan. 1.

The revised provisions of law made by the FY2023 NDAA do not negatively impact the unused SLA leave of service members who accumulated SLA leave due to the COVID-19 or due to other reasons that occurred before FY2023. Service members may continue to use this SLA leave according to the timelines previously established by their service

Beginning in FY2023, a service member in an SLA qualifying duty such as an assignment to a designated deployable ship may retain a maximum of 90 days of accrued leave (60 days annual leave and 30 days of SLA leave) at the end of the fiscal year if he or she receives written approval to do so from the first flag or general officer in their chain of

See LEAVE, Page 12

A U.S. Air Force Airman from the 305th Operations Support Squadron converts legacy green night vision goggles to white phosphor NVGs for the KC-46A Pegasus at Joint Base McGuireDix-Lakehurst, N.J., Aug. 25. This upgrade provides a significant advantage for KC-46A aircrews during critical nighttime missions, proving our commitment to technology, which fuels our ability to achieve mission success and improve mission capability.

WEEK IN PHOTOS

A KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing is idle on the flight line on MacDill Air Force Base Aug. 28. All tanker aircraft at MacDill were evacuated in response to the anticipated effects of Hurricane Idalia.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Isaac Rivera-Molina , an isochronal inspections craftsman assigned to the 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, transports a lift to a safe location at MacDill Air Force Base Aug. 28. Machinery on base was moved to safe locations in preparation for Tropical Storm Idalia.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Sterling Sutton

Airmen from the 6th Air Refueling Wing prepare to take-off on board KC-135 Stratotankers assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill Air Force Base Aug. 28,. The Airmen evacuated the aircraft in preparation for Tropical Storm Idalia.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Sterling Sutton

Photo by Airman 1st Class Sterling Sutton

Shining a light on resources during National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

by Sean Schroeder 17th Training Wing Public Affairs

GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS)—September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. It’s a month focused on ‘shining a light’ on a problem that has tragically affected thousands of Americans across the country.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 49,449 people took their lives in 2022. In 2021, 48,183 people died by suicide. That brings the combined total from 2021-2022 to 97,632.

These are sobering statistics; they represent the equivalent of thousands of people residing in multiple small towns and cities getting wiped out by suicide.

Experts note there are several contributing factors to suicide; one of them is limited access to mental health resources.

This factor is NOT an issue for military members and their families Help is readily available, and professionals can help you and/or your family cope with things such as work stress, relationship problems, legal issues and substance abuse concerns.

For example, Military OneSource is a valuable resource for the mili

tary community. It can be accessed online through their official Department of Defense website or by phone (800-342-9647). They offer 24/7 access to information, consultations and coaching, live chat and access to confidential non-medical counseling.

Military and Family Life Counselors are available at military bases across the nation and overseas. They offer confidential counseling to support military members and their families on a variety of concerns, to include work, school and parenting. Their services can be accessed by calling the Military and Family Readiness Center. MFLCs offer flexible hours and counseling options to their military clients.

Military installations have behavioral/mental health clinics that have technicians and credentialed social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Most clinics offer mental health and substance abuse assessments, counseling, psychoeducation classes and therapy services. These clinics can facilitate referrals to other clinics in your local area for specialized services, such as inpatient treatment for mental and/or substance abuse concerns.

The Military Crisis Line, also known as the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or Veterans Crisis Line, can be accessed by calling 988. They offer

AFCENT, coalition partners integrate during Agile Spartan

Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) Public Affairs

AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar (AFNS)— U.S. Air Forces Cen tral successfully concluded Operation Agile Spartan 23.2 Aug. 26, sho wcasing th e power of collective military efforts and a proactive approach to combat readiness. The multinational operation highligh ted th e transfo rmative nature of decentralized airpower deployment with Agile Combat Em ployment at the forefront.Through ACE, airpower generation shifted from traditional large, centralized bases to a dynamic network of smaller, dispersed bases.

This pi oneering approach not only amplified the U.S. Air Force’s operational flexibility but also sent a clear messag e ab out its ability to re spond swiftly to evolving situations anywhere, anytime.

AF CENT worked jointly with regio nal partners an d flew nine different aircraft during the oper ation, including F-16 Fighting Falcons, A-10C Thunderbolt IIs, HC130J Combat King IIs, HH-60G Pave Hawks, KC-135 Stratotankers, RC -135V/W Rivet Joints, C-130 Hercules, C-17 Globemaster IIIs and MQ-9 Reapers.

“Operation Agile Spart an 23.2 was not just an exe rcise; it was a statement,” said Brig Gen David Mineau, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) deputy comman der and deputy combined forc es air co mpone nt co mmander for U.S. Central Command.

“Through ACE, in collaboration with our co al ition partners, we showcased a paradigm shift in U.S. Air Force combat operations. Ou r co mbined forces demonstrated that to gether, we can adapt, innovate, an d overcome any challenge. This operation is a testament to our share d dedication to ensuring peace and stability in this cr iti -

cal region.”

It was evident throughout the operation that each of AF CENT’s ary wings played a critical role, with seamless co ordination and eff launching and recovering aircraft from various locations.

The agility and adaptability di splayed are set to influence future gies an d trainin g modules.

“It is extremely important to co ntinue to do exercises like this tions so we can fine-tune our processes and procedures,” said Se Ilona Goggins, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing ground exercise lead. together with our partner natio ns to be suc cessful; it’s what makes and capable.”

This year ’s secon d iteration of the Agile Spartan emphasized the between coalition forces and U.S. troops. The bonds forged, strate mutual respec t deepened will serve as a foundation for future co operations.

The unwavering commi tment of the U.S. to its regional partner East was reaffirmed as the operation went beyond military might, plomacy, trust-building and the importance of international partner

“These exercises build trust and respect between squadrons tha gether on a regul ar basis,” said Capt. Ti mothy Maresch, 555th Ex ped er Squadron F-16 instructor pilot. “I persona lly di dn’t know what to blown away with the professionalism, as well as th e immense hospital our partners.”

Photo by

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 125th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron takes flight during Operation Agile Spartan 23.2, Saudi Arabia, Agile Spartan 23.2 is a multinational operation aimed at strengthening interoperability, improving response capabilities, and furthering security cooperation throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Gregory Allen, 763rd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron airborne cryptologic language analyst, checks his flight mask on an RC-135 Rivet Joint during Operation Agile Spartan at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece, Aug. 20. This exercise not only highlighted AUAB’s commitment of maintaining readiness and deterrence toward adversaries in the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility, but also the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing’s ability to rapidly generate combat airpower and engage in agile combat employment scenarios. The month-long, multinational operation demonstrated interoperability between regional partners, improved response capabilities, and further enhanced security throughout the region.

U.S. Airmen from the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing arrive for Operation Agile Spartan 23.2 at an undisclosed location, Aug. 20,. Agile Spartan 23.2 is a multinational operation aimed at demonstrating interoperability, improving response capabilities and furthering security cooperation initiatives throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Photo by Senior Airman Leon Redfern

Tech. Sgt. Alexander Frank bia, Aug. 20, 2023. eration initiatives

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Alexander Frank

“White phosphor NVGs allow for a higher figure of merit, which means less static or noise in the image,” stated Senior Airman Jesse Flett, 305th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician. “The image becomes clearer and allows for better depth perception and interpretation of lighting.”

As this transition unfolds, the Air Force anticipates the integration of white phosphor NVGs across the KC-46A fleet. This conversion reaffirms the commitment to maintaining technological superiority and improving mission capability.

“During nighttime ops and blackout procedures, using white phosphor NVGs will allow the aircrew to identify buildings, landmarks and potential threats much more effectively,” Flett said. “This also improves our ability to remain incognito so the enemy doesn’t know where we’re operating.”

JB MDL’s newly enhanced night vision capabilities for the KC-46A showcase our dedication to innovation and excellence while sustaining vital mission implementations to maintain air superiority.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Will Bertram, 305th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, converts legacy green night vision goggles to white phosphor NVGs for the KC-46A Pegasus at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Aug. 25. This upgrade provides a significant advantage for KC-46A aircrews during critical nighttime missions, proving our commitment to technology, which fuels our ability to achieve mission success and improve mission capability. Be

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jesse Flett, 305th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, converts legacy green night vision goggles to white phosphor NVGs for the KC-46A Pegasus at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Aug. 25. This upgrade provides a significant advantage for KC-46A aircrews during critical nighttime missions, proving our commitment to technology, which fuels our ability to achieve mission success and improve mission capability.

U.S. Air Force photo

U.S. Air Force photo

sure to visit the official 6th Air Refueling Wing website at www.macdill.af.mil

SUICIDE PREVENTION

From Page 5

free and confidential support for people in distress. Additional services and support are also provided by a variety of organizations: legal office, Military and Family Readiness Center, Family Advocacy, and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response.

Leaders across the DoD are keenly aware that military life presents its share of unique challenges, which is why they are committed to taking care of its people.

In a DoD release dated May 5, 2023, Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, Gilbert Cisneros, Jr., stated, “Our greatest strength is our people, and we are committed to their well-being.”

A recent example is the DoD implementation of the Brandon Act, which “allows service members to seek help confidentially, for any reason, at any time, and in any environment, and aims to reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health care.”

If you are struggling, reach out and get the support you need. You earned it. You’re entitled to it. You deserve it.

Help is just a mouse click or a phone call away.

We connect them to the objective, the mission, and the joint force,” Chance said. “We are absolutely force multipliers that leverage allies and partners for the coalition effort beyond imagination.”

Pajas said she felt her language skills helped impact the mission and overall exercise by being able to coordinate efficiently with various Philippine civilian and military organizations

She provided an example with how she was able to establish rapport with the commander of a Philippine air base, and how it paid off when her team needed his approval for an air drop mission to be executed outside the agreed-upon training time. She said that her contributions to that particular air drop mission was the highlight of her experience during the exercise

Hernandez also said she was able to improve coordination between her team and their Philippine counterparts.

She said she enjoyed the experience of being able to clarify the details and disconnects that are often lost in translation.

“I was really excited and really proud to bridge the gap and to make a difference in improving the relationship between the two countries,” Hernandez said.

This was the first time the Air Force held Mobility Guardian in the Pacific theater, which demonstrates the importance senior leaders are devoting to the region.

LEAVE

From Page 3

command.

Senior

Hernandez, from the 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron and Tech. Sgt. Mika Pajas, 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron, are both air advisors who were born and raised in the Philippines prior to moving to the United States. The two Airmen leveraged their language skills and understanding of the nuances of Filipino culture to establish relationships with their Philippine Air Force counterparts.

The service member’s leave that is approved as SLA will be forfeited unless used before the end of the second fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the SLA qualifying duty ended. For example, SLA leave that is approved for FY2023 will be forfeited unless used by September 30, 2025.

Service members who have approved SLA leave that caused their accrued leave balance to exceed 90 days as of Dec. 31, 2022, may continue to carry SLA leave that is in excess of 90 days; however, any SLA leave that exceeds 90 days on or before Sept 30, 2026, will be forfeited. No

service member may be authorized additional SLA at the end of the FY2023 if their accrued leave balance exceeds 90 days.

Enlisted service members who would lose accumulated SLA leave in excess of 90 days may elect to be paid for SLA leave up to 30 days This election can only be taken once in a career. The sell back counts toward the enlisted service member’s cap of 60 days over a career.

Service members are encouraged to review the “remarks” section of their Leave and Earning Statement to monitor their SLA leave balance and to determine the expiration date of their SLA leave to avoid forfeiting days of SLA leave.

Courtesy photo

Master Sgt. Rita Mae

NEWS/FEATURES

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jonathan Miles, 125th Expeditionary Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, speaks with a maintainer from the Royal Saudi Air Force during Operation Agile Spartan, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 21, 2023. Agile Spartan 23.2 is a multinational operation aimed at strengthening interoperability, improving response capabilities, and furthering security cooperation initiatives throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Alexander Frank

EVENTS

Family First Fridays at SeaScapes

Come celebrate Family First Fridays on Sept. 8 at SeaScapes from 3 p.m. – 10 p.m. There will be German fare, a kiddie kravings menu, drink specials, a DJ and karaoke For details, visit macdillfss.com/ wp-content/uploads/SepFFF.pdf.

Friday Stampede at Boomers

Join the Boomers Stampede every Friday from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.! Boomer’s is located inside the Breakaway Event Center with a full bar, multiple screen’s, music, and pool tables. Enjoy complimentary snacks and drink specials every Friday. Visit macdillfss.com/ boomers/ for more details.

3K/5K Fun Run

The Short Fitness Center will be hosting a 3K/5K fun run in honor of the Air Force’s 76th birthday. All attendees are encouraged to wear Air Force physical training (PT) gear or red, white, and blue. Prizes for the top two male and female finishers in both the 3K and 5K For more information, visit macdillfss. com/wp-content/uploads/BIRTHDAYRUN_0923_SM.pdf.

U.S.Air Force Birthday Celebration

Stop by Boomers from 4 p.m.6 p.m. on Friday, September 15 to celebrate the US Air Force’s 76th birthday There will be free appetizers, cupcakes, and a DJ. For more details on this event and other specials visit macdillfss.com/afbday_23/.

Find more events at: macdillfss.com

Liftoff!

A Falcon 9 rocket carrying NASA’s SpaceX Crew-7 launches from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, Aug. 26. The Falcon 9 rocket put the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft into orbit carrying NASA astronaut and U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jasmin Moghbeli, European Space Agency astronaut Andreas Mogensen, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Satoshi Furukawa, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Konstantin Borisov for an expedition aboard the International Space Station. The internationally crewed mission aims to conduct more than 200 science experiments and technology demonstrations to prepare for future missions to the moon, Mars and beyond.

CHAPEL SCHEDULE

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

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

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

Protestant virtual services - Sunday - 11 a.m. (www. facebook.com/6amwhc)

Jewish - Monthly Lunch and Learn: For schedule & to join distro, please contact elimelach.estrin@us.af.mil

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

Other Faith Groups - Please contact the Chapel at (813) 828-3621 or via email at 6ARW.HCADMIN@us.af.mil

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

Photo by Senior Airman Joshua Hastings