Thunderbolt 01/11/2024

Vol. 52, No. 2

Thursday, January 11, 2024

News/Features: page 3 AF exhibit honors enlisted

News/Features: page 3 New chief master Sgt. of AF

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster

Community: page 15 Events, Chapel, more...

A KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing takes flight over MacDill Air Force Base Dec. 19. The 6th ARW operates two active duty flying squadrons: the 50th and 91st. Their mission is to deliver global air refueling support to extend the range of Department of Defense and allied nation aircraft.

NEWS/FEATURES

AFGSC establishes new directorate

by Lt. Col. Alysia Harvey Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AFNS)—Air Force Global Strike Command recently stood up a new directorate, AFGSC/A10, the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Modernization Directorate, at Barksdale Air Force Base.

This directorate is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the activities of the Air Force in support of the deployment of the LGM35A Sentinel ICBM weapon system and the retirement of the LGM30G Minuteman III ICBM weapon system.

“Section 1638 of the [Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act] directed the establishment of the Sentinel Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Site Activation Task Force within Air Force Global Strike Command,” said Gen. Thomas Bussiere, AFGSC commander.

“Brig. Gen. Colin Connor will lead the ICBM Modernization Directorate [AFGSC/A10], which organizationally consists of a Sentinel Operating Location team, a Sentinel Requirements Division, and a Sentinel Operations Division. I have absolute confidence that he and the entire A10 team will prepare the command for one of the most critical upgrades to our nation’s deterrence capabilities in history.”

Connor stepped into his role in August of this year and says he is excited about his new position, leading the new organization and the Sentinel project.

“The Sentinel project is a monumental one for the United States,” Connor said. “It aims to field 400 missiles, modernize 450 silos and

Photo by Senior Airman Breanna Christopher Volkmar

Brig. Gen. Colin J. Connor, Air Force Global Strike Command director of Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Modernization, speaks at the annual Joint Engineers Conference in Helena, Mont., Nov. 3. Connor highlighted the future of the LGM-35A Sentinel, which will modernize 400 missiles, 450 silos and more than 600 facilities across almost 40,000 square miles of U.S. territory over 6 states, 3 operational wings and a test location. more than 600 facilities across almost 40,000 square miles of U.S. territory over six states, three operational wings and a test location, to replace the Minuteman III ICBM weapon system. I am honored to be part of the team that shapes the ICBM enterprise for the future nuclear community.”

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,

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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.

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

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron.

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See DIRECTORATE, Page 13

MacDill on the web Website: www.macdill.af.mil Facebook: www.facebook.com/ MacDillAirForceBase Instagram: macdill_afb Twitter: @macdill_afb 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 , FL 33621. Call the Thunderbolt at 828-2215. : 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.

NEWS/FEATURES

National Museum of the USAF opens exhibit honoring enlisted

by Lisa M. Riley National Museum of the United States Air Force DAYTON, Ohio (AFNS)—The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force has completed installation of a new exhibit highlighting the Department of the Air Force’s enlisted personnel.

The Enlisted Force Exhibit is the museum’s newest permanent exhibit and honors the highly skilled, trained, and talented enlisted force that has been the backbone of daily operations of the U.S. Department of the Air Force throughout its 76-year history.

To mark the exhibit opening, the museum hosted a private ceremony to honor exhibit contributors, museum staff and volunteers, and other special guests including Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass, Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John F. Bentivegna, and former Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force and Air Force Museum Foundation Vice Chair Gerald R. Murray.

“The men and women of our enlisted corps are not merely participants in the chronicles of our nation’s defense, but they are architects of history,” Bass said. “Our heritage is rooted in the ideals of integrity, service and excellence — a tapestry woven with the threads of sacrifice and valor.”

Photo by Ty Greenlees

The Enlisted Maintainers element in the Korean War Gallery of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is part of the Enlisted Force Exhibit. The exhibit contains nearly 50 elements placed throughout four buildings and ten galleries of the museum.

See MUSEUM, Page 12

David A. Flosi named 20th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS)—Chief Master Sgt. David A. Flosi was selected Dec. 11 to be the 20th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, adding a deeply experienced and proven Airman to the top echelon of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin’s emerging leadership team.

In announcing the selection, Allvin noted Flosi’s experience, leadership and achievements across his Air Force career and said Flosi brings qualities to the job that are especially important when the Air Force is navigating one of the most challenging moments in its history.

“Our Airmen deserve the best leaders possible – and that’s Chief Flosi,” Allvin said. “He

is a phenomenal leader and wingman who will empower our Total Force. His unique experiences, attitude and commitment will prove essential as we re-optimize our force for Great Power Competition. I am excited to work with him as we follow through on our efforts to meet today’s pacing challenge.”

Flosi emerged as the clear choice from a group of the most highly respected, experienced graduated command chief master sergeants from across the Air Force’s global operations, officials said. These leaders were selected based on breadth of experience, recommendations from senior commanders and performance across each candidate’s Air Force career.

See CHIEF, Page 11

U.S. Air Force photo

Chief Master Sgt. David A. Flosi was selected to be the 20th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force.

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WEEK IN PHOTOS

Returning deployers assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing arrive during Operation Homecoming at MacDill Air Force Base Dec. 15. Operation Homecoming is a biannual event designed to recognize the achievements of returning Airmen from various deployments across the world.

This event was beach themed and welcomed redeployers from July through December.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster

Photo by Senior Airman Joshua Hastings

U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Eli Bruning, 91st Air Refueling Squadron pilot, adjusts controls during a training mission over central Dec. 14. Aircrew are required to conduct routine flight training and nighttime flights in order to maintain flight qualifications and ensure operational capabilities.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Alexander Kuri, 6th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technician, surveys the surrounding area during a dismounted exercise at MacDill Air Force Base Dec. 14.

The exercise was part of a four-day training course to prepare Airmen with the 6th CES EOD flight and 6th Security Forces Squadron for potential threats in which both units would respond.

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NEWS/FEATURES

USAF, RCAF strengthen partnership through EPME exchange initiative

by Michael Sparks ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Ontario (AFNS)— The United States Air Force and the Royal Canadian Air Forcerecently demonstrated their commitment to a strong partnership through the Enlisted Professional Military Education, or EPME, exchange initiative. This initiative has seen mutual collaboration, with four non-commissioned Airmen from the USAF completing the RCAF Primary Leadership Qualification course at the RCAF Academy in Borden.

Participating in this exchange program were two French scholars in the Language Enabled Airman Program, or LEAP; U.S. Air Force technical sergeants, Ndap Tah and Sanvi Panou. As Canada has two official languages, English and French, with most military courses being taught in both languages, their involvement in the program provided them with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the language and culture of their Canadian counterparts. This fostered a close collaboration and mutual understanding of each other’s perspectives.

“The experience of constantly speaking French with my Canadian counterparts was very interesting. It helped us learn about each other’s See PARTNERSHIP, Page 6

RCAF photo by Master Sailor Justin Spinello

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Sanvi Panou, 56th Logistics Readiness Squadron Material Management Quality Assurance evaluator from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. participates in weapons training as a student during the Canadian Forces Primary Leadership Qualification course hosted by the Royal Canadian Air Force Academy at Canadian Forces Base Borden, Ontario, Canada, Nov. 23.

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MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DAY

PARTNERSHIP From Page 5

FAMILY DAY Fri, Jan 12 Fitness Center FitStop Smoothies & More

HOLIDAY OBS Sat, Jan 13

Sun, Jan 14

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FITNESS

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FOOD SERVICE

Photo by RCAF Corporal Aimee

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Sanvi Panou, right, 56th Logistics Readiness Squadron Material Management Quality Assurance evaluator from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., accepts his certificate of achievement from the Primary Leadership Qualification Course during a graduation ceremony at 16 Wing/Canadian Forces Base in Borden, Ontario, Dec. 13, 2023. This strategic collaboration signified a significant step in fortifying the interoperability and professional development of noncommissioned leaders, highlighting the commitment to mutual learning and shared expertise. cultures, our shared goals of serving our countries, and it created a partnership and a very close collaboration,” Tah said.

In a reciprocated gesture, three RCAF members recently graduated from the Airman Leadership School at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama, underscoring the mutual commitment to cooperation and knowledge exchange between the two air forces.

“This program further strengthens our friendship and partnership between our two great air forces,” said Chief Warrant Officer of the Royal Canadian Air Force Chief Warrant Officer John Hall. “On exercises, operations, and through the bi-national command NORAD, USAF and RCAF members routinely serve side by side.”

This strategic collaboration signifies a significant step in fortifying the interoperability and professional development of noncommissioned leaders, highlighting the See PARTNERSHIP, Page 10

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Breakfast Diner’s Reef Lunch Dinner Breakaway Event Center Boomers SeaScapes Rickenbacker's (Cafe) Rickenbacker's (Bar)

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Child Development Centers Youth Center Family Child Care School Age Program School Liaison

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Golf Course 8-Iron Grill Bowling Center Hangar 6 Grill Information, Tickets & Travel Library

Marina

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Military Personnel/ID Card Civilian Personnel NAF/HRO Base Education Office M&FRC

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CHILD CARE

RECREATION

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NEWS/FEATURES

DAF sets documentation requirements for pet travel expense reimbursement Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS)—The Department of the Air Force has established documentation requirements for Airmen and Guardians planning to request reimbursement pet travel expenses due to permanent change of station moves.

The Defense Travel Management Office announced a new policy to cover pet travel expenses, including pet transportation and quarantine fees, in June 2023.

Starting Jan. 1, 2024, service members can be reimbursed up to $550 in the continental U.S. for one household pet, either cat or dog, and up to $2,000 for moves to or from a location outside the continental U.S. to cover costs related to the transportation of a pet which is defined by the Joint Travel Regulations as a cat or dog.

Members can request reimbursement along with their PCS travel voucher, but they must meet eligibility requirements and include all required documentation. Documentation requirements include: • Service members must be on PCS orders, and all travel and expenses must take place on or after Jan. 1, 2024.

• Members must provide receipts for all costs.

• Receipts must be itemized, indicate they are for one pet and in-

clude the name of the pet if possible (especially for specialized care the pet receives, such as vaccinations).

• If the pet is flying cargo because it exceeds the weight limit to travel via government or government-procured transportation, the receipt must include the weight of the pet.

• If a member self-procures a ticket at a location serviced by the Patriot Express, they must have a non-availability letter and appropriate remarks on their orders. Otherwise, the transportation portion of the reimbursement will be limited to the cost of shipping the pet via the Patriot Express. All documentation used to obtain a non-availability letter must be included when the member files their PCS travel voucher.

Costs eligible for reimbursement include mandatory microchipping, boarding fees, hotel service charges, licensing fees at the new primary duty station (PDS), and pet shipping fees if the member flies rather than drives or if the pet is shipped separately from the member.

For PCS to or between OCONUS moves, quarantine fees and testing titer level (antibodies) for entry are also eligible for reimbursement.

For more information, visit the DTMO FAQs webpage and the DAF FAQs webpage. In addition, please contact your local finance office if you need assistance with requesting reimbursement.

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DAF looking for Airmen, Guardians for grueling Army Ranger School

by Debbie Aragon Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas (AFNS)—It’s been called “a laboratory of human endurance,” testing the physical, mental and spiritual grit of the officer and enlisted leaders who undertake it. It’s the Army Ranger School and the Department of the Air Force is looking for Airmen and Guardians who are ready for the challenge.

Through the Air Force Security Forces Center’s Ranger Assessment Course, DAF candidates are taught, coached, tested and evaluated for nomination to the grueling 62-day Ranger School experience.

“The Air Force RAC delivers dynamic leadership evaluation and training, mirroring what a candidate will face at Ranger School, which helps drive increased success rates at Army Ranger School. Attendance to both courses ties directly into the Air Force chief of staff ’s priority of strengthening joint leaders and teams by directly placing them in joint leadership school and roles which have proven to build military leaders,” said Gabriel Rodriguez, readiness training and RAC program manager at the AFSFC. The next RAC, about a third of the length of Ranger School, is set for early spring at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis. Anyone from any Air Force or Space Force career field can attend.

“While the majority of Ranger School attendees come from combat arms career fields, individuals from other Air Force specialty codes can also attend if they meet the necessary prerequisites and requirements,” Rodriguez said. “Ranger School can provide valuable leadership and tactical skills, regardless of the individual’s primary AFSC.” One of the many misconceptions of the RAC and Ranger School is “that you must be 100% ready before you even attend the course – but that’s where most people are wrong,” said Master Sgt. Keegan Donnelly, RAC instructor with the AFSFC. The RAC curriculum has undergone an intense review and rewrite to craft a leadership laboratory, he said, designed to teach and coach students before assessing their abilities.

Capt. Daniel Reynolds, assistant director of operations for the 4th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, is the only Space Force Ranger School graduate to date. In his position, he interacts with tactical joint force warfighters on a daily basis to develop more resilient satellite communications toolkits. That warfighter-centric focus in his day-to-day job is what led him to the RAC and ultimately Ranger School.

“Ranger School, as the world’s premiere combat leadership course, expertly teaches resilience, grit and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds,” Reynolds said. “It teaches leaders how to break down complex problems and craft decisive solutions to dynamic combat scenarios. This is incredibly relevant to any career field in any branch of military service.”

According to its website, Ranger School is a small unit tactics and leadership course that develops functional skills directly related to missions that engage the enemy in close combat and direct fire battles. It’s held at various locations in Georgia and Florida and is open to U.S. military members from all branches, as well as selected students from U.S. allied nations.

With less than 40% of those who attempt Ranger School succeeding, the Air Force developed a form of RAC, or pre-Ranger training, in the mid-1980s to send more competitive candidates forward to increase the odds of success.

Ranger students train to exhaustion, pushing the limits of their minds and bodies during three phases – Darby, Mountain and Swamp – which follow the crawl, walk, run training methodology, Rodriguez said.

See RANGER, Page 16

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A U.S. Army Small Unit Ranger Tactics instructor walks alongside students, May 31. While going through the RAC, students not only learned about tactics, but they also conducted physical training and ruck marches to prepare them for the requirements at Ranger School.

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Hailey Haux

(Far left) Ranger Assessment Course students learn how to take apart and name the main components of different weapons systems, May 29, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Truly representing a joint force, there were service members from numerous Air and Space Force Specialty Codes and Army Military Occupational Specialties in the RAC. It ranged from Army infantry to Air Force medics and Space Force developmental engineer and included career fields like engineer officer, military police, contracting, security forces and others.

(Left) Ranger Assessment Course students conducting a battle drill at night to familiarize themselves with operating in limited visibility conditions, June 1, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. During the course the Airmen, Soldiers and Guardian worked together, further reinforcing the need to understand what it’s like to work in a joint environment and in turn how to better support one another once they return to their respective units.

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Hailey Haux

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Hailey Haux

PARTNERSHIP From Page 6

commitment to mutual learning and shared expertise.

The EPME exchange initiative, which began in 2021, aims to foster greater cooperation and understanding between the enlisted ranks of the two air forces. The RCAF Academy, a modern institution providing leadership and management training to over 1,000 annual students, plays a pivotal role in this initiative.

“The cross-national Enlisted PME initiative illustrates our dedication to nurturing airmen’s development through diverse learning environments. It encompasses more than education; it involves building connections, fostering global perspectives, and strengthening strategic partnerships,” said Chief Master Sgt. Denny Richardson, command chief master sergeant, Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Region (CONR)First Air Force (U.S. Air Forces Northern and U.S. Air Forces Space). “I would like to express my gratitude to Senior Master Sgt. Alejandro Velez from the CONR1AF(AFNORTH/AFSPACE)/A5/A8 for playing a crucial role in bringing the program to fruition.”

The partnership between the U.S. Air Force and the Royal Canadian Air Force, as demonstrated through the EPME exchange initiative, is a testament to their commitment to mutual learning and collaboration. These joint initiatives signify a significant step in strengthening the professional development of non-commissioned leaders, showcasing the depth and resilience of their partnership. This ongoing collaboration is expected to make a noteworthy contribution to the security landscape in North America.

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CHIEF From Page 3

“I’m honored and humbled to represent all Airmen as your 20th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force,” Chief Master Sgt. David A. Flosi said. “We are serving at a time of great consequence where success hinges on our ability to optimize this team toward the changing character of war. I’m excited to serve the Total Force supporting the SECAF and CSAF’s priorities.

We have heard the call for action from General Allvin … it is time to follow through!”

With Flosi’s selection, the current Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, JoAnne S. Bass, will soon close out her tenure as the service’s highest ranking noncommissioned leader. Bass has been in the job since August 2020. She was the first woman in Air Force history to be named CMSAF, and the first woman in Department of Defense history to serve as a service-level Senior Enlisted Advisor.

“Chief Flosi is an incredibly strong leader who has proven himself in every role at every level,” Bass said. “I have no doubt he will continue building and developing our Air Force to be the future force our nation needs to compete, deter and win in any domain.”

Department of the Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall offered praise and his endorsement, as well.

“The Department of the Air Force relies on our Senior Enlisted Advisors to represent the needs and perspectives of all our enlisted Airmen and Guardians, the majority of our force,” Kendall said. “I have high confidence that Chief Flosi will build upon the great example provided by his predecessors and serve with distinction as our twentieth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force.”

Flosi moves into his new job from Air Force Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, where he serves as the command chief master sergeant. That role is similar in many respects to the role he will assume at the Pentagon. At Materiel Command he is the senior enlisted leader and the primary advisor to the commander on all

matters regarding the readiness, training, professional development and effective utilization of the command’s 89,000 total force Airmen.

Prior to his tour at Wright-Patterson AFB, Flosi served as the command chief master sergeant at the Air Force’s Sustainment Center at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma.

Flosi began his Air Force career in 1996 as a nuclear weapons specialist. That focus expanded over the years to include various leadership duties in conventional and nuclear munitions, as well as missile operations, program management and test and contingency operations.

Like his predecessor, Flosi has a deployment history, including tours in support of operations Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, Inherent Resolve and Freedom’s Sentinel.

Also, like previous CMSAFs, Flosi will be the public face for Air Force personnel to those in all levels of government. He will be a personal adviser to Allvin and other senior leaders, both military and civilian, and will be expected to provide insight on issues regarding the welfare, readiness, morale and proper utilization and progress of the Air Force’s entire cadre of Airmen.

Through his leadership, Flosi will provide direction for the Total Force and will represent the interests of all Airmen. A link to Chief Master Sgt. David A. Flosi’s biography can be found here.

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MUSEUM From Page 3

Today, enlisted Airmen and Guardians represent approximately 80% of the Department of the Air Force and provide a solid foundation for operations in air, space and cyberspace.

The Enlisted Force Exhibit took more than three years to develop and contains more than 40 elements that are thoughtfully placed throughout the museum at locations near the era or artifacts that correlate to their specialty.

Elements of the exhibit include: - A display in the WWII Gallery featuring the story of Staff Sgt. James Meredith, one of the first Black airmen to serve in an all-white squadron - An introduction to Enlisted Maintainers who work in all conditions at all hours to troubleshoot urgent repairs, overhaul complex systems and closely inspect parts to prevent future problems in any number of areas including aerospace propulsion, electrical systems, weapons systems and more - Insight into Musical Ambassadors who serve as musicians, arrangers and audio engineers in the U.S. Air Force bands, providing inspirational performances to honor veterans and connect the public to the Department of the Air Force through music - The uniform worn by Sgt. Benjamin Fillinger, one of 15 airmen from WrightPatterson Air Force Base who transferred into the U.S. Space Force in 2020. Space Force guardians are top performers in the fields of information technology, cyber security, communication systems and space systems operations “Today’s Space Force is small. It’s just like the museum when it started as an engineering study collection — very small,” Bentivegna said. “But Guardians are creating our Space Force history each and every day. And one hundred years from now, the Enlisted Exhibit in the National Museum of the U.S. Air and Space Force will be overflowing with that history that we’re making today.”

The Enlisted Force Exhibit is open to visitors daily from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

This new exhibit was made possible by generous contributions from the Air Force Museum Foundation (Federal endorsement not implied).

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, is the world’s largest military aviation museum.

With free admission and parking, the museum features more than 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles, and thousands of artifacts amid more than 19 acres of indoor exhibit space. Each year thousands of visitors from around the world visit the museum. Visit www.nationalmuseum.af.mil for more information.

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Photo by Ty Greenlees

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass delivers a keynote speech for the opening of an Enlisted Force Exhibit at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Nov. 9. The exhibit, which contains nearly fifty elements, is placed throughout the four buildings and ten galleries of the museum.

DIRECTORATE From Page 2

The weapon system overhaul will take place in Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, California, Colorado and Nebraska over the next 20 years. All components of the previous weapon system will be replaced, including the motors, interstages, propulsion system rocket engine, and missile guidance set. The number, size, configuration and design of the nuclear warheads provided by the Department of Energy will remain unchanged.

With nuclear deterrence as the Department of Defense’s top priority mission, the standup of the A10 directorate represents one of the first steps in ensuring the United States’ nuclear capability is strong enough to withstand any threat to the United States and its allies. The work the directorate accomplishes over the coming years will ensure the Sentinel weapon system is the most cost-effective option for maintaining a safe, secure, and effective landbased leg of the nuclear triad and would extend its capabilities through 2075.

U.S. Air Force illustration

Shown is an illustration of the LGM-35A Sentinel, the Air Force’s newest weapon system known as the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent. The new designation, approved by Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, modernizes the intercontinental ballistic missile leg of the Nation’s nuclear triad.

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COMMUNITY

EVENTS

MLK holiday closures For a full list of 6th Force Support Squadron program facilities, dining options, and recreational facility closures for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, visit macdillfss.com/ wp-content/uploads/2024_MLKDAY.pdf Family fun night Join us on tomorrow from 5– 9 p.m. for an evening of glow-inthe-dark excitement perfect for the whole family at MacDill Lanes & Family Fun Center! Special deals on lane and shoe rentals.

Fuel the fun with a scrumptious buffet featuring menu items to satisfy every appetite, $14.95 for adults and $7.95 for kids 12 and under (dine-in only). For more details, visit bit.ly/JanGlowarama.

January base theater movies Your MacDill Base Library will be offering free movies at the Base Theater. Movies are open to anyone with base access to MacDill AFB. For a complete movie schedule, visit macdillfss.com/library/.

2024 theme park passes on sale Universal Orlando’s 2024 Military Freedom Pass and Disney World’s Armed Forces Salute tickets are now available at the Information Tickets & Travel (ITT) office located inside the Base Exchange (BX) on MacDill. The ITT office is located inside the BX or visit macdillfss.com/informationtickets-travel/ today.

Find more events at macdillfss.com

The Champ

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster

The 6th Air Refueling Wing command team alongside U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Parker, 6th Mission Support Group commander, and 6th Force Support Squadron recreation center staff recognize Janet Walton, a family campground resident, as Champion of the Week at MacDill Air Force Base Dec. 19.

Walton was recognized for her daily commitment to beautifying the installation during her morning walks, and she was hand selected by Maj. Gen Corey Martin, 18th Air Force commander, for her dedication to MacDill AFB.

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 services - Sunday - 11 a.m. Contact the Cha-

pel at 828-3621 or email at 6ARW.HCADMIN@us.af.mil for inquiries regarding Protestant religious education.

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 MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, January 11, 2024 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 15

RANGER From Page 8

With the punishing nature of Ranger School, preparation and an understanding of what attendees will encounter before they get to both the RAC and Ranger School is extremely important, he said.

“Candidates can increase their success at both RAC and Ranger School by focusing pre-training on being successful during the weeklong Ranger Assessment Phase,” Rodriguez said. “At RAC, we hone in on tasks that could hinder a candidate from being successful at Ranger School. This includes strictly executing push-ups, sustaining the mental and physical toughness to meet the time standard on the 12-mile foot march, and honing the basic navigation skills required to pass the land navigation test on the first attempt.

“A proven method to increase success at Ranger School is to take advantage of local training and attending RAC, then followed by Ranger School,” he added.

“The bar to gain acceptance to Ranger School is high, and rightfully so,” Reynolds said. “RAC allows prospective students to understand what will be expected of them if they accept the challenge to attend Ranger School. It also provides them with the tactical skillset necessary to be successful there, both in the assessment phase and in the course’s three patrolling phases.

“Developing Ranger-qualified leaders within the Space Force is critical to our continued defense of the contested warfighting regime of space,” Reynolds said.

“Every career field has a need for decisive, brave, tough and purposedriven leaders of character. To put it simply, learning how to lead is

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something that Ranger School does on a world-class level. This is an invaluable resource to have for any service member in any career field,” Reynolds said.

“The RAC and Ranger School were the catalysts for some of my life’s greatest transformations,” the captain said. “The experience transformed me into a much more confident, capable and purpose-driven human being and that has affected every aspect of my leadership development for the better.”

Airmen and Guardians who qualify to attend RAC, and ultimately the Army’s Ranger Course, should be prepared for the monumental experience, Reynolds added, with “feeling drawn to attend” being the most important component to possess in preparation for it.

“A significant proportion of people who fail the course do so because they arrived without deciding that the experience was something that their life needed,” the captain said. “Take the time to decide for yourself what your reasons for Ranger School are, and how important joining the community is to you. When you’re more cold, wet, tired and hungry than you’ve ever been in your life, those reasons will be what you will lean on to carry you through.”

“Regardless of their recommendation to move onto Ranger School or not, [RAC attendees] are still returning to their units better trained, more lethal and adaptable leaders in the joint arena,” Donnelly said.

To apply for RAC attendance or more information on the program, go to the Air Force Portal under Air Force Forces Generation Connect or email AFSFC.S3T.AFSFC_RAC_Program@us.af.mil.

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