Thunderbolt 1/12/2023

Vol. 51, No. 2

Thursday, January 12, 2023

USTRANSCOM year in review

- page 10

News/Features: page 3 NDAA pay raises

News/Features: page 10 USTRANSCOM in 2022

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

Photo by Sgt. Vontrae Hampton

Community: page 19 Events, Chapel, more...

U.S Air Force Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, Transportation Command Commander, gives the opening keynot address at the 2022 National Defense Transportation Association fall meeting in St. Louis, Mo., Oct. 17.

COMMENTARY

Air Mobility Command 2022 year in review

by Air Mobility Command Public Affairs Air Mobility Command

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, IL—An intense operations tempo and constant calls for mobility capabilities in support of the Nation’s most important missions is nothing new for Air Mobility Command Airmen, but in many ways 2022 stood apart as the command intensified its focus on solving future challenges while remaining wholly responsive to today’s requirements. Mobility Airmen stepped up to the challenge, employing their ingenuity, grit and passion in ways no one could have predicted.

Early in the year, AMC Airmen once again took the international stage as they postured for adaptive support to Ukraine, delivering hope in the form of millions of pounds of equipment and other critical security assistance. These missions, augmented by commercial partners, continued throughout the year.

“This is a testament to U.S. Transportation Command’s ability to rapidly project and sustain, whenever and wherever our nation requires,” said Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, USTRANSCOM commander. “Our commitment to delivering security assistance to our Ukrainian partners remains steadfast.”

Mobility Airmen were also critical to responding to the national baby

formula crisis, underscoring AMC’s capabilities to give leaders options to meet strategic mobility challenges.

In the midst of all this, AMC pushed the limits of previous mobility operations around the world—all while providing Rapid Global Mobility for the United States, allies and partners.

“Last year, the mobility team was charged with understanding the assumptions of the future fight and paved an aggressive way forward to closing identified gaps for ensuring victory for the joint force,” said Gen. Mike Minihan, AMC commander.

In March, Minihan announced the AMC strategy to win, codifying this directive and setting a vector for how Mobility Airmen, with their truly global mission, deliver victory for America. To do that, empowered Airmen need to “intentionally disrupt the status quo” and focus on “aggressively and urgently” closing capability gaps.

The command then presented those gaps to more than 200 DoD and Industry partners at its inaugural Summer Industry Previewheld in July at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Attendees were invited back to the Airlift/Tanker Association conference in Denver, Colorado, in October, to present their solutions to AMC leaders and subject-matter experts.

AMC also hosted its 2022 Mobility Air Forces Weapons and Tactics Conference that focused on delivering Pacific-oriented solutions for the See AMC, Page 8

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

NEWS/FEATURES CENTCOM year in review 2022: the fight against ISIS USCENTCOM

TAMPA, Fla. – Throughout 2022, US Central Command and partner forces conducted hundreds of operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). These operations degraded ISIS and removed a cadre of senior leaders from the battlefield, to include the emir of ISIS and dozens of regional leaders as well as hundreds of fighters. All these operations were part of the mission to degrade the terror group’s ability to direct and inspire destabilizing attacks in the region and globally, to include against the US homeland.

During calendar year 2022, CENTCOM conducted 313 total operations against ISIS in Iraq and Syria as follows: In Syria: 108 partnered operations 14 US unilateral operations 215 ISIS operatives detained 466 ISIS operatives killed In Iraq: 191 partnered operations 159 ISIS operatives detained At least 220 ISIS operatives killed These operations were conducted under the authority of the CENTCOM commander, who retains authority for operations against ISIS

in Iraq and Syria, and under the command of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve. No US forces were injured or killed in these operations. Our local partners—the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Iraqi Security Forces—have and continue to play a critical role ensuring the enduring defeat of ISIS. One year ago this month, the US security relationship with Iraq fully transitioning to a role of advising, assisting, and enabling Iraqi Security Forces. Iraqi Security Forces are now leading successful unilateral offensive operations at the brigade level and making impressive strides in combined arms operations.

“Over the past year, Iraqi Security Forces demonstrated an ability to continue operations to degrade ISIS, to aggressively pursue the terror group in Iraq, and to improve security and stability within Iraq,” said General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, CENTCOM commander. “Today, they display a high level of competence, professionalism, and progress in leading tactical operations, but there is still much work to be done.”

“In Syria, the Syrian Democratic Forces continue to display the will, skill, and ability to aggressively root out ISIS leaders and fighters,” Kurilla continued.

“The emerging, reliable and steady ability of our Iraqi and Syrian partner forces to conduct unilateral operations to capture and kill ISIS leaders allows us to maintain steady pressure on the ISIS network,” See CENTCOM Page 15

NDAA raises pay for 2023

by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

Cost of living is on the rise, but so is the pay for service members!

Congress recently passed the National Defense Authorization Act, providing guidance on military funding and performance for the upcoming year.

The act goes into effect Jan. 1, 2023, and key aspects are aimed towards gradually improving quality of life for service members across the world.

The NDAA authorized a 4.6% pay raise for all military service members and Department of Defense employees. In addition, basic allowance for housing funding has seen on average a 20% raise nationwide.

BAH rates for the Tampa Bay metropolitan area, including St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon and Riverview, can be found at www. travel.dod.mil/allowances or www.defensetravel.dod.mil.

MacDill Air Force Base has resources available to service members and DOD employees directed towards utilizing this additional funding responsibly.

Appointments can be made with MacDill’s Military Family and ReadSee RAISE, Page 12

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster Kimberly Bromell, Military and Family Readiness Center financial advisor, schedules a financial consultation at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Dec. 19, 2022. MFRC staff provide free financial consultations to all Department of Defense personnel across the installation.

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WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Senior Airman Joshua Hastings

Crew chiefs assigned to the 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepare to jack up a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base Dec. 13. The 6th Maintenance Group is working to improve the KC-135 landing gear’s sustainability by installing new hydraulic components. Air Mobility Command chose MacDill as a location for this project because of the base’s corrosive environment due to its proximity to salt water.

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Diana M. Cossaboom

Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin

Senior Airman Moriah Williams, 91st Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron aerial refueling specialist, refuels an F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 17. The KC-135 aircrew are responsible for delivering fuel to U.S. and coalition forces, enabling a constant presence in the AOR.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Matthew Kellogg, left, and 1st Lt. Lane Nunier, pilots assigned to the 91st Air Refueling Squadron, operate a KC-135 Stratotanker at MacDill Air Force Base Dec. 21. The KC-135 has served as the core aerial refueling capability for the U.S. Air Force and has excelled in this role for more than 60 years. This unique asset enhances Air Mobility Command’s capability to accomplish its primary mission of global reach.

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NEWS/FEATURES DOD Expands Military Parental Leave Program courtesy of DOD Today, the Department of Defense announced the expansion of the Military Parental Leave Program (MPLP) via Directive-type Memorandum 23-001 – “Expansion of the Military Parental Leave Program.”

The expansion was made in accordance with DTM 23-001 and the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, builds on the Department’s support of military families and Service members by streamlining and enhancing the parental leave benefit for Service members. Specifically, the expansion provides parental leave to active and reserve component service members (on active duty for 12 months or more) who have given birth, adopted a child or had a child placed for adoption or long-term foster care with them. Birth parents will be granted 12 weeks of parental leave following a period of convalescent leave and non-birth parents will be granted 12 weeks of leave following the birth of their child. Adoptive parents and eligible foster parents will also be granted 12 weeks of parental leave. The MPLP is designed to allow members to care for their children while balancing the needs of their unit.

Members who were on maternity convalescent leave or caregiver

leave on 27 December (before the new policy went into effect) and had not used up their leave will transition to leave under the new policy without any loss of benefit and will receive the expanded benefit. For example, birth parents on six weeks of maternity convalescent leave or six weeks of primary caregiver leave as of 27 December will, with transition to the new policy, receive a combined total of eighteen weeks of non-chargeable leave following the birth of their child. In the future, under the new policy, the amount of convalescent leave birth parents receive will be determined on an individual basis, and the amount of parental leave will be a standard 12 weeks. Members (other than birth parents), on caregiver leave, e.g., a father on three weeks of secondary caregiver leave, as of 27 December, will also transition to leave under the new policy and receive a combined total of twelve weeks of parental leave. The transition to the expanded parental leave benefit is intended to occur without interruption.* (See Editor’s Note) The leave can be taken by both birth and non-birth parents and must be administered in accordance with the policies and procedures outlined in the DTM. The expansion of the MPLP, which applies to all eligible service members as of January 4, 2023, takes precedence over previous DoD issuances and service regulations.

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NEWS/FEATURES DOD increases child care fees to maintain quality child care for military families courtesy of DOD The Defense Department implemented annual changes to the Child Development Program Fee Policy and restructured total family income categories which determine child care fees. The policy change includes fee increases necessary to ensure the department’s ability to find and keep skilled child care staff and to continue providing quality care for military children.

The DOD recognizes that in order to find and retain skilled staff and continue providing quality child care for military families, changes to the policy that guide child care fees are necessary to enhance recruitment and retention efforts.

“Most families will see a change in child care fees, but we also know our families understand the importance of ensuring the DOD is able to attract the best employees from local labor markets,” said Stacey Young, director of the Office of Military Family Readiness Policy.

The DOD Child Development Program Fee Policy prescribes uniform fee regulations for military child development centers based on total family income. DOD policy requires a minimum of 50% appropriated fund support for child development programs with revenue generated by parent fees providing the remaining 50% of operating revenue. Child care

costs are shared between the DOD and families. Child care fees are evaluated each year.

Child Development Program Fee Policy changes for 2022-2023 include: The number of income categories will increase from 13 to 14, providing a more equitable division of fees based on total family income.

The hourly care rate will increase from $7 to $8 per hour.

Military departments will increase the community provider fee assistance rate cap from $1,500 per child, per month to $1,700 per child, per month to ensure child care subsidies for military-certified family child care providers are consistent with the community provider fee assistance rate cap.

Overall, these child care fee policy changes will help enable the DOD to recruit and retain the best child development staff possible and continue to provide quality child development services to its military families.

Military families can reach out to their child development centers or school-age care programs to learn how these fee changes will impact individual households.

The Defense Department remains steadfast in its mission to provide a range of options to meet military families’ child care needs. The DOD is working to tackle the child care challenges with new strategies and pro-

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AMC

From Page 2

Joint Force. These events were part of a series that set AMC on a fast track to improve readiness.

“Nobody is going to care what our plans are for five to 10 years if we lose tomorrow,” Minihan said at the Air Force Association’s Air Space and Cyber conference in September, where he previewed the Mobility Manifesto. The document argues four key ideas: Airmen are the magic; lethality matters most; AMC is the Joint Force maneuver; and we need to invest in American tenacity to win now.

“Our toys, our training, our desires are meaningless unless we maneuver them to unfair advantage and unrepentant lethality,” he said.

At the same event, Minihan announced the culmination of a yearlong sprint to operationalize the KC-46A, which had been utilized in multiple employment concept exercises to validate the aircraft’s ability to complete its mission.

“We are ready to use this aircraft globally in any fight, without hesitation,” he said, while announcing he had cleared the KC-46A for worldwide deployments to meet combatant command taskings.

In November, AMC presented the culmination of its efforts to build a winning scheme of maneuver in the Pacific to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. and other Air Force major command commanders that was built on the work of AMC’s Fight Club as well as multiple joint planning events and staff-to-staff exchanges. This marked a key milestone in preparing the command to execute Exercise Mobility Guardian in 2023, which will take place in the Indo-Pacific and demonstrate

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AMC’s role as the Joint Force maneuver.

AMC Airmen took to heart the challenge to extract maximum value from existing tools by executing various impressive, sometimes recordbreaking operations, including a 72-hour KC-135 endurance mission, KC-46 limited crew flight, and a KC-46 36-hour endurance mission.

By December, AMC was tied in with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, U.S. Strategic Command, USTRANSCOM, and their components to execute a bomber task force mission in the Pacific that demonstrated AMC’s role in providing global reach with rapid, agile and resilient mobility effects through multiple domains and across the full spectrum of Joint operations.

All of these successes hinge on a Warrior Heart mentality--a readiness model that focuses on Airmen’s development of mind, body, and craft to ensure they are prepared for a violent fight. Nowhere was this on display more than in recognizing the first anniversary of Operation Allies Refuge, the largest non-combatant evacuation operation in American history, where Mobility Airmen moved more than 124,000 people out of harm’s way, often under hostile conditions. In October, AMC announced 96 Airmen received the Distinguished Flying Cross and 12 Airmen the Bronze Star Medal in one of the largest such recognitions in history. The 621st Contingency Response Group earned the Gallant Unit Award.

Mobility Airmen are bold, solution-oriented and empowered, and as AMC looks to 2023, the command is confident in its ability to project, maneuver, connect and sustain.

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A Japan Air Self-Defense Force C-130H Hercules assigned to the 401st Tactical Airlift Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigne cules assigned to the 251st Tactical Air Support Squadron, Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130H Hercules assigned to the 40 squadron, and U.S. Air Force Squadron conduct multinational elephant walk at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 10, during Operation Christmas Drop 2022. JASDF, RAAF, ROKAF, RN humanitarian aid totaling more than 71,000 pounds of cargo to 22,000 remote Micronesian islanders.

USTRANSCOM Year in Review

by Sgt. Vontrae Hampton U.S. Transportation Command SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill.—It’s time to put 2022 in the books. However, before we turn the page, let’s reflect on what U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) accomplished this past year. From delivering aid to Ukraine to delivering baby formula for our most vulnerable citizens, USTRANSCOM’s military and civilian personnel have crushed it.

Ukraine security assistance USTRANSCOM delivered approximately 227 million pounds of security assistance equipment to support Ukraine and NATO allies, enabling critical success against the invading Russian forces. This aid includes missiles, artillery, tanks, helicopters, body armor and more.

“Our logistical success is on full display as we ensure Ukraine receives the aid necessary to defend their nation,” saidGen. Jacqueline D. Van Ovost, USTRANSCOM commander.

“The speed and reliability at which we are delivering this significant assistance demonstrate America’s stalwart support for the Ukrainian government.”

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In addition to security assistance, USTRANSCOM has also airlifted more than 16,000 troops from the U.S. to Europe to assure allies and deter Russian aggression against NATO. Command team tours the Indo-Pacific Van Ovost and Fleet Master Chief Donald Myrick, USTRANSCOM senior enlisted leader, visited six locations across four countries in the Indo-Pacific region to discuss initiatives and operations impacting logistics and communications throughout the theater.

“This theater is incredibly unique – distances are long, operations are dispersed, and the pace is quick,” said Van Ovost during her trip to the theater. “We are here to ensure USTRANSCOM can provide what is vital to deploy, maneuver, and sustain the Indo-Pacific Command warfighter, as well as meet the needs of our allies and partners.”

The trip provided opportunities to strategize with senior military and civilian leaders, showcase the command’s support to allies and partners, operationalize logistics, and meet with personnel supporting USTRANSCOM’s mission in the region.

Operation Fly Formula After President Joseph Biden announced Operation Fly Formula on May 18, 2022, a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III imported 132 pallets, or 78,000 pounds, of specialty infant formula, from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, to Indianapolis International Airport. Transporting products from Europe to the U.S. would typically take two weeks; however, this delivery took mere days.

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“Tog ners, w nationa wherev UST Navy USTRA vy for 4 Van Ov Duri by sayi DCOM and lea gether.

U.S. COM’s ity.

The In A the lar TRANS 124,000 operati

Photo by Yasuo Osakabe

Photo by Austin Fraley

ed to the 37 Squadron, Republic of Korea Air Force C-130H HerC-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Expeditionary Airlift NZAF, and USAF C-130J crewmembers delivered 209 bundles with

A U.S. Marine secures an M777 towed 155mm howitzer to the cargo hold of a C-17 Globemaster III at March Air Reserve Base, Cal. April 22.

gether with our industry partners and allies and [nation] partwe not only project and sustain the Joint Force to help ensure al security, but we continue to deliver hope, whenever and ver,” said Van Ovost.

TRANSCOM deputy transition y Vice Adm. Dee L. Mewbourne, the 16th deputy commander of ANSCOM, retired June 30, 2022. Mewbourne served in the Na40 years and assumed the role of deputy commander in 2019. vost praised Mewbourne’s leadership. ing his retirement ceremony, Van Ovost concluded her speech ing of Mewbourne, “Your reputation as the most thoughtful M [Deputy Commander] is validated. You are the finest officer ader I have ever worked with; I cherished all of our moments to. There can be no doubt, when our nation called, you delivered!”

Army Lt. Gen. John P. Sullivan assumed the role of USTRANSdeputy commander, becoming the 17th to serve in that capac-

first anniversary of the Afghanistan withdrawal August, we paused to reflect on the one-year anniversary of rgest non-combatant evacuation operation in U.S. history. USSCOM, with the help of commercial partners, moved more than 0 people and marked the final mission to end two decades of ions in Afghanistan. It was only the third time in U.S. history See USTRANSCOM, Page 14

Photo by Scott Ross

A C-17 Globemaster III carrying 132 pallets, or 78,000 pounds of specialty infant formula, arrived at Ramstein Air Base, German, kicking off Operation Fly Formula.

RAISE

From Page 3

iness Center to meet with a financial advisor.

Advisors provide service members with the opportunity to learn budgeting techniques for financial success.

“In the past, we would advise our single Airmen who are leaving the dorms to rent with a roommate,” said Kimberly Bromell, MacDill’s MFRC financial advisor. “Unfortunately, for our married service members, that isn’t really an option. This recent increase [in BAH] is going to allow them a bit more comfort in that situation, but we still urge Airmen to make a budget that adjusts for the difference while still allowing them to cover their monthly rent and expenses.”

MacDill’s MFRC hosts an assortment of courses at no cost to DOD employees across the installation. A “ditch-the-dorm” class is hosted monthly to advise junior enlisted service members with the tools to successfully move off base without placing themselves in financial duress.

“Typically we advise service members to spend no more than 25% to 30% of their income on housing,” said Dora Mays, MacDill’s MFRC flight chief. “However, this last year we’ve seen rates closer to 50% because of Tampa’s inflated cost of living. This rise in BAH is allowing Airmen to get a little closer to that optimal percentage.”

According to Mays, the MFRC’s goal is to educate every service member in financial literacy. Frequent financial counseling is a way for service members at every point in their career to continue to grow and learn as challenges arise.

“One of the things that the NDAA does that assists in establishing a personal financial mindset is the creation of financial touch

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster

Dora Mays, Military and Family Readiness Center flight chief, left, and Kimberly Bromell, MFRC financial advisor, pose for a photo at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Dec. 19, 2022.

MFRC staff provide free financial consultations to all Department of Defense personnel across the installation. points across the military lifecycle,” said Mays.

“Financial counseling is now required at major focal points like deployments, moves and marriage.”

The raise in BAH is projected to reduce the level of financial stress for service members assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing.

“When I worked as a financial advisor, we were seeing Airmen as a disciplinary action for missed credit card or car payments,” said

Mays. “Recently, it’s been rent. We are interested and hopeful to see the impact this BAH adjustment will have on the community.”

For more information on MacDill’s MFRC and their resources call 813-828-0145 or visit https://macdillfss.com/military-family-readiness/.

The 6th ARW is committed to ensuring the healthy financial wellbeing of their service members and the surrounding community.

Be sure to visit the official 6th Air Refueling Wing website at www.macdill.af.mil 12

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USTRANSCOM From Page 10

that USTRANSCOM activated the Civil Reserve Air Fleet, which requires participating airlines to provide civilian aircraft to support military operations.

The mission required a total of 2,627 sorties, involving 1,927 military flights and 700 commercial flights. U.S. citizens and personnel, Special Immigrant Visa applicants, and other at-risk individuals were evacuated from Afghanistan.

NDTA-USTRANSCOM Fall Meeting The 2022 Fall Meeting, sponsored by the National Defense Transportation Association and USTRANSCOM, hosted five keynote sessions, two roundtable discussions, 64 interactive Transportation Academy sessions, and vendor booths filling four halls of the historic Union Station.

Van Ovost kicked off the event with a keynote address where she discussed the importance of the conference.

“This year’s Fall Meeting has already generated important conversations,” said Van Ovost during her opening comments. “This year’s theme of ‘evolving the strategic advantage’ is well timed, and I cannot overemphasize the need for our organizations to rapidly adapt to the realities of strategic competition. We need you with us, all the way.”

Van Ovost highlighted the opportunities and challenges that the transportation enterprise faces. She also called upon those in attendance to assist with overcoming those challenges, Van Ovost visits St. Louis University Van Ovost spoke with ROTC cadets and faculty involved in science, technology, engineering & mathematical programs during her visit to St. Louis University on Nov. 30, 2022.

The USTRANSCOM commander also listened to several undergraduate and graduate students present their research and special projects, including additive manufacturing (3D printing), machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Van Ovost’s trip to Europe Van Ovost met U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) commander and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, at the NATO headquarters in Belgium on Dec. 12, 2022. During

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her trip to Europe, Van Ovost also met with deputy commanders, logistics officers and other senior staff members throughout USEUCOM and U.S. Africa Command.

In addition to touring U.S. military installations, Van Ovost also took the opportunity to meet foreign counterparts like Polish students attending the Warsaw University of Technology.

“I look to the talented individuals in this room to advance the disciplines of science, math engineering, to help grow a more digitally literate workforce that will defend against emerging threats – especially in cyberspace,” Van Ovost told the students, which included cadets who will join the Polish military upon graduation. “Your success and the success of your nation will closely follow. This, in turn, will influence and benefit other countries seeking to preserve the hard-won liberties so precious in our cultures.”

Van Ovost visited Europe to better understand and align USTRANSCOM’s ability to deploy, maneuver and sustain forces, and address evolving security challenges in an integrated manner.

Looking ahead “As an organization, USTRANSCOM recently celebrated our 35th anniversary. And after over three decades of operations, there is one constant: we must maintain our readiness to fight tonight while keeping a keen eye on our ability to do so into the future,” Van Ovost said during her marks at the National Defense Transportation and USTRANSCOM Fall Meeting in October.

As busy as 2022 has been, the men and women of USTRANSCOM won’t rest on their laurels. The command must and will be ready to take on any challenges in 2023 and beyond.

USTRANSCOM exists as a warfighting combatant command to project and sustain military power at a time and place of the nation’s choosing. Powered by dedicated men and women, USTRANSCOM underwrites the lethality of the Joint Force, advances American interests around the globe, and provides our nation’s leaders with strategic flexibility to select from multiple options, while creating multiple dilemmas for our adversaries.

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CENTCOM From Page 3

said Major General Matt McFarlane, commander of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve.

ISIS maintains malign intentions regarding the al-Hol Displacement Camp and the more than two dozen detention centers in Syria secured by the Syrian Democratic Forces. ISIS also maintains the desire to strike outside of the region and continues to work with affiliates around the globe, most significantly in Afghanistan and Africa.

“CENTCOM sees ISIS in three categories,” said Kurilla. “First, ISIS at large. This is the current generation of ISIS leaders and operatives we are currently fighting in Iraq and Syria. While we have significantly degraded its capability, the vile ideology remains unconstrained. We must continue to pressure ISIS through our partnered operations.”

“The second category is ISIS in detention. There is a literal ‘ISIS army’ in detention in Iraq and Syria. There are, today, more than 10,000 ISIS leaders and fighters in detention facilities throughout Syria and more than 20,000 ISIS leaders and fighters in detention facilities in Iraq.” The January 2022 ISIS prison breakout in Al-Hasakah, Syria is a reminder of the risk imposed by these prisons. The ensuing fight to contain the breakout resulted in more than 420 ISIS killed and more than

120 partnered forced killed.

“Finally,” Kurilla continued, “we have the potential next generation of ISIS. These are the more than 25,000 children in the al-Hol camp who are in danger. These children in the camp are prime targets for ISIS radicalization. The international community must work together to remove these children from this environment by repatriating them to their countries or communities of origin while improving conditions in the camp.”

“CENTCOM remains focused on supporting these security forces as they diligently work to improve conditions at the camp. However, the only viable long-term solution remains the successful repatriation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of the camp residents back to their country of origin.”

The mission to defeat ISIS will continue in 2023 as CENTCOM and its Coalition partners remain committed to the enduring defeat of the terror group in order to maintain and enhance global security, stability, and human rights.

“We are committed and, more importantly, our partners in Iraq and Syria are committed to the enduring defeat of ISIS,” said McFarlane.

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Annual reminder: Union Representation/Weingarten Right & Grievance Procedures Union Representation and Weingarten Right: Bargaining Unit Employees are reminded that under Section 7114(a)(2)(B) of Chapter 71, Title 5, U.S.C., employees have the right to be represented at any examination in connection with an investigation if: a. the employee reasonably believes that the examination may result in disciplinary action against the employee, and b. The employee requests representation. *Please note an employee’s Weingarten right does not apply to OSI independent investigations, performance counseling, and issuing of discipline.

Grievance Procedures: All employees have the right to file a grievance and request personal relief in matters of concern relating to conditions of employment within the control of Air Force management. The negotiated grievance procedure for bargaining unit employees is contained in the applicable union agreement. For non-bargaining unit employees, DODI1400.25-V771_AFI36-706, DOD CIVILIAN PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ADMINISTRATIVE GRIEVANCE SYSTEM, contains the applicable grievance procedure.

CHILD CARE From Page 7

grams. “These child care fee changes will ensure military parents can continue to be mission-ready knowing their children are safe, nurtured and receiving quality child development services,” said Heidi Welch, director of Children, Youth and Families for the Office of Military Family Readiness Programs.

About Military Community and Family Policy Military Community and Family Policy is directly responsible for establishing and overseeing quality-of-life policies and programs that help our service members, their families and survivors be well and mission-ready. Military OneSource is the gateway to programs and services that support the everyday needs of the 5.2 million service members and immediate family members of the military community. These DOD services can be accessed 24/7/365 around the world.

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COMMUNITY

EVENTS

MacDill Lanes bowling closure MacDill Lanes Bowling will be closed for exciting upgrades and renovations Jan. 2 – Feb. 6.

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.

Visit macdillfss.com/library/ for a complete movie schedule.

5v5 Soccer Championship The Short Fitness Center is hosting a 5v5 soccer championship on Jan. 21. To register a 5-player team, email 6fss.fsvs.fitnessprograms@us.af.mil, 4 teams minimum needed to hold event.

Upcoming M&FRC events * Resume Writing 101 Private Industry – Jan. 17 * MacDill Career Fair – Jan. 19 * LinkedIn – Jan. 20 * Interview Skills – Jan. 24 * Resume Writing (Federal) – Jan. 26 Visit macdillfss.com/military-familyreadiness/ for more information.

Open FSS positions available Looking for the perfect career in the New Year? Positions are open for teens age 14 and up, dependents, retirees and active duty looking to work part-time. No prior base access required. Visit macdillfss.com/open-jobs/ to see current job openings and apply today!

Find more events at: macdillfss.com

This week’s champ

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster

U.S. Air Force Col. Adam Bingham, 6th Air Refueling Wing commander, left, and Chief Master Sgt. Shae Gee, 6th ARW command chief, pose for a photo with Airman 1st Class Roneisha Magloire, 6th Security Forces Squadron defender, during a Champion of the Week recognition at MacDill Air Force Base Dec. 22. Magloire was rewarded for exceeding expectations during a recent visit by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency to U.S. Central Command.

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

Protestant services - Sunday - 11 a.m.

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

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

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

Catholic Mass - Sunday - 9:30 a.m.

Other Faith Groups - Please contact the Chapel at (813)

(confessions by appointment)

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

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