Issuu

Vol. 51, No. 41

News/Features: page 3 Brown leaves lasting impression

Thursday, October 12, 2023

From the ‘ground up’

News/Features: page 3 DAF’s 2023 DEIA conference

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster

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

Airmen assigned to the 50th Air Refueling Squadron load a KC-135 Stratotanker for deployment at MacDill Air Force Base Sept. 28. The team departed to the U.S. Central Command’s Area of Responsibility in support of Air Mobility Command’s objective to project, connect, maneuver, and sustain combat power anywhere on the globe, from the ground up.

NEWS/FEATURES

MacDill’s IRO projects positivity through paint by Airman 1st Class Sterling Sutton 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

The mission of MacDill’s Integrated Resiliency Office is to build physical, social and spiritual resiliency through collaboration with helping agencies and coordinated activities. With the goal of helping Airmen and their families achieve a balance of Comprehensive Airmen Fitness, the IRO frequently provides pick-me-ups and hosts events to spread morale across the installation. To spread positivity and boost morale following Hurricane Idalia, the IRO distributed several painted rocks with simple messages to uplift members of Team MacDill. Leading the charge was Lisa Williams, IRO violence prevention integrator. She estimates the painting process took 12 hours, and was conducted during the hurricane evacuation. With an installation evacuation order in place, Williams utilized her time to connect with her sister while pursuing the painted rock project. “During the evacuation for Hurricane Idalia, my sister and I found solace in painting rocks together,” said Williams. It was a moment of See PAINT, Page 13

Photo by Airman 1st Class Sterling Sutton

The MacDill Integrated Resiliency Office distributes painted rocks at MacDill Air Force Base on Sept. 24 to spread positivity and boost morale. The mission of the IRO is to build physical, social and spiritual resiliency through collaboration with helping agencies and coordinated activities.

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. 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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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

Brown’s tenure as CSAF leaves lasting imprint on the service, its evolution by Charles Pope Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS)—As Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. closes out his three-year tenure as the Air Force’s highest-ranking officer and braces for a new, even more challenging assignment as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, it’s worth recalling advice he got from his father as a teen in the 1970s. “Four years in the military won’t kill you,” his father, a retired Army colonel also named Charles, told him. His father was proven right, though he was off on the timeline – Brown is now at 38 years of service and counting. Yet, as Brown leaves his seat as Air Force chief of staff, the imprint he leaves behind will continue to shape and influence the service for years to come. Foremost is his signature strategic approach, Accelerate Change or Lose, released soon after he succeeded Gen. David Goldfein as chief of staff in 2020. That document, along with corresponding “action orders,” provided a blueprint to Airmen, senior leaders and even industry partners for pressing the operational, technical and cultural changes necessary to meet global threats and do it at a speed that ensures U.S. See BROWN, Page 10

Photo by Eric Dietrich

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. make remarks before presenting the Operation Homefront Military Child of the Year Award to Air Force recipient Louis Geer during a ceremony in Arlington, Va., April 13.

DAF’s 2023 DEIA Conference champions respect, recruitment, retention and readiness by Capt. Shane Ellis Office of Diversity and Inclusion Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs WASHINGTON (AFNS)—The Department of the Air Force gathered key leadership and stakeholders for its premier Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Conference Sept. 18-20 at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. This year’s theme, “Respect, Recruit, Retain and Ready,” aimed to empower all Airmen and Guardians, emphasizing the need for inclusive leadership, trust and belonging amid an evolving battlefield. Marianne Malizia, Secretary of the Air Force Diversity and Inclusion director, stressed the critical importance of the conference themes. Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall initiated the conference with See DAF, Page 6

Photo by Capt. Shane Ellis

Marianne Malizia, Secretary of the Air Force Diversity and Inclusion director, and Kristyn Jones, assistant secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller, performing the duties of Under Secretary of the Air Force, speak with audience members during Air Force Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Conference Sept. 18-20.

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WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Senior Airman Jessica Do

6th Air Refueling Wing leadership and MacDill Air Force Base civic leaders tour the 331st Training Squadron Airman Training Complex, at JBSALackland, Texas, Sept. 29. Civic leaders saw where Airmen live during Basic Military Training and were able to ask questions regarding Military Training Instructor’s duties and trainee challenges during the tour.

Photo by Senior Airman Jessica Do

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from MacDill Air Force Base refuels a B-1B Lancer from Dyess Air Force Base over Texas, Sept. 28. The KC-135 provides the core aerial refueling capability for the U.S. Air Force. The B-1 carries the largest conventional payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the Air Force inventory and is the backbone of the U.S. long-range bomber force.

A C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 62nd Airlift Wing, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, is shown at MacDill Air Force Base Oct. 1. The 62nd AW participated in combined exercise Ángel de los Andes/ Relámpago which reinforced U.S. Southern Command’s commitment to be a trusted partner within the area of responsibility. The exercise involved carrying cargo and personnel to and from Columbia.

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NEWS/FEATURES Air Force trailblazer, Maj. Gen. Leavitt, retires after 31 years of service by Jonathon Stefanko U.S. Transportation Command Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFNS)—Sept. 23 may have marked the close of Maj. Gen. Jeannie Leavitt’s distinguished career, but the legacy she’s crafted and the lives she’s influenced will undoubtedly resonate for generations, U.S. Transportation Command’s top general said during Leavitt’s retirement ceremony. Officiating the event, USTRANSCOM Commander Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost recounted the hurdles and triumphs that defined Leavitt’s storied 31-year journey. From being the Air Force’s first female fighter pilot to being the first woman to command the 57th Wing at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Leavitt’s tale is etched with many “firsts,” yet beyond the accolades and achievements, what truly propelled her was her character, Van Ovost said. “As her character was being shaped in those early years,” Van Ovost continued. “She had every opportunity to choose an easy path. To take roads well-traveled, but that’s not who she is.” From her early aspirations in aerospace engineering to confronting See LEAVITT, Page 11

Courtesy photo

Commander of U.S. Transportation Command Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost and Air Force Chief of Safety Maj. Gen. Jeannie Leavitt share words during Leavitt’s retirement ceremony Sept. 23, 2023, at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Leavitt retired after more than 30 years of service. During her time in the Air Force, she was not only the chief of safety and commander of the Air Force Safety Center but, most notably, the first female fighter pilot.

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DAF

From Page 3

an opening day keynote, underscoring the pivotal roles of respect and readiness in accomplishing the mission. “For me, it’s always all about readiness, it’s all about capacity [and] capability,” he said. “It’s about deterrence, and it’s about the ability to win if we have to fight. You win when you have the strongest team on the field, and you win when you have a team where everybody can trust everybody else and work together as a team to achieve a common goal.” Kendall stressed the link between mutual respect and readiness, stating that by fostering a sense of worth in every team member, mission success is inevitable. “That’s what we’re trying to build, and you build that by making sure everybody feels valued,” he said. “You build it by making sure everybody gets to work to their full potential, everybody is treated fairly and equally so they want to be on the team, and you’re invested in them and their level of capability.” Speaking on the essence of leadership, Kendall offered an insightful perspective to leaders on empathy and inclusivity. “It’s important for leaders to understand and have empathy for the people they lead as much as possible,” he said. “You can be a much more effective leader if you do that. If you start to be more inclusive and bring people into the conversation, you’re going to get better ideas and better solutions.” DAF Diversity and Inclusion leaders later unveiled the Department of the Air Force Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Strategic Plan, formalized mere hours before the event’s commencement. “The the elements of the strategy we just signed, are incredibly sound and focus on the mission, focus on culture and focus on institutionalizing things we believe in,” Kendall said.” All these things are going to pay dividends as we move forward.” “The essence of Respect, Recruit, Retain and Ready is intertwined deeply within the SAF DI mission and strategy,” she said. “By respecting and valuing the unique perspectives of every individual, we lay the foundation for recruiting a diverse, dynamic workforce. This, in turn, ensures we retain world-class talent that’s always ready to meet and overcome any challenge.” Carroll stated embedding these principles into strategy ensures the DAF isn’t just preparing for today’s threats but innovating for tomorrow’s challenges. Pedro said the heart of the SAF DI mission and strategy is an understanding that our true might comes from our diversity. “I’ve served alongside some of the most dedicated individuals in my career, and what stands out is not just their dedication to the mission, but their diverse backgrounds, their stories and their challenges,” he said. “Our SAF DI mission recognizes this. It ties directly to ‘Respect, Recruit, Retain and Ready’, ensuring that every individual, irrespective of their background, feels respected, is actively recruited, is retained for their unparalleled skills, and is always ready to rise to the challenges we face.” In a question-and-answer session with Malizia, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller and performing the duties of Under Secretary of the Air Force Kristyn Jones said recruiting a diverse group and focusing on retaining both Airmen and Guardians, especially during times of heightened global competition, is of

Photo by Capt. Shane Ellis

Col. Jenise Carroll, Secretary of the Air Force Diversity and Inclusion deputy director, addresses attendees during the Department of the Air Force Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Conference Sept. 1820 at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. paramount importance. “We need you. We need all of you. We need the talents of our great American population in order to be ready for the future, and that is where we’re required to think about retention and recruitment,” said Jones. “Everything that you all are doing here is breaking down those barriers.” Jones also spoke on mentoring and sponsorship, two crucial components for the Department of the Air Force in its recruitment and retention initiatives. “Culturally, I think we still have a way to go to be able to get those mentoring and sponsorship programs in place,” she said. “Even without a program, people can to reach out to somebody who doesn’t look just like you--they have a different background, different race, different gender— and you’re taking the time to get to know them and able to represent them when they’re not in the room.” “Leaders, thanks for investing in yourself and thanks for spending three days to make yourself better again in order to make our Air Force better, “she said. “I very much appreciate seeing these senior leaders throughout the audience who are working incredibly hard to help build the Force of the Future.” Bass emphasized unity and the shared responsibility towards an inclusive environment. “These aren’t women challenges, male challenges, Asian-American challenges, African-American challenges, or LGBTQI+ challenges,” she said. “These are people challenges, and all of us have a responsibility to create an environment where every single one of us can thrive.”

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NEWS/FEATURES ENDEX of GREEN FLAG-LITTLE ROCK marks STARTEX of Exercise STORM FLAG by Tech. Sgt. Robert Hicks U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center Public Affairs The 34th Combat Training Squadron kicked off Exercise Green FlagLittle Rock 23-10 Thursday as a live, joint training venue for Mobility Air Forces and international participants to rehearse a winning scheme of maneuver for future conflicts. “The primary objective of Green Flag-Little Rock is to provide relevant, challenging, and dynamic training in a simulated combat environment with an emphasis on joint force integration,” said Lt. Col. Therese Landin, 34th Combat Training Squadron commander. “GF-LR is a staple of the mobility community and gives Airmen, Soldiers, and international partners a direct linkage to Joint warfighting functions when preparing for future conflicts.” These quarterly exercises test proficiency in command and control, mission planning, contingency response elements, airlift/aerial refueling, aeromedical evacuation, isolated personnel scenarios, and air mobility support operations while supporting Joint warfighting functions. The majority of GF-LR exercises occur in conjunction with the United States Army’s brigade level training at the Joint Readiness Training Center See STORM FLAG, Page 12

Courtesy photo

A C-17 Globemaster from Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, takes off from a dirt landing strip in Fort Polk, Louisiana, Sept. 25, while participating in Green Flag-Little Rock 23-10. Air Mobility Command will bid farewell to Exercise GF-LR to make room for new flexible and scalable, flag-level exercises that will contribute to certifying mobility forces.

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Photo by Senior Airman Jessica Do

Thomas Palermo, 6th Maintenance Squadron honorary commander, sits in the cockpit of a T-1 Jayhawk at the 99th Flying Training Squadron JBSA-Randolph, Texas, Sept. 27, 2023. The squadron was formed during World War II as the first flying unit for African Americans known as the Tuskegee Airmen. The squadron now prepares prospective flight instructors to teach undergraduate pilots and combat systems officers at various bases in the Air Education and Training Command.

The STORM takes on JBSA

by Senior Airman Jessica Do 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

U.S. Air Force Col. Adam Bingham, 6th Air Refueling Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Raun Howell, 6th ARW command chief, along with 17 MacDill civic leaders, toured Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, Sept. 27-29th, 2023. The tour allowed MacDill civic leaders to see behind the scenes to gain insight of Airmen training requirements and the processes it takes to help them become proficient in their career fields. On the way to Texas from MacDill, civic leaders observed boom operators from the 91st Air Refueling Squadron preform aerial refueling. Tech. Sgt. Michael McGuire and Senior Airman Nathan Zelasko, 91st ARS boom operators, explained the process of air refueling, while demonstrating how the boom is flown to deliver fuel to receiving aircraft. After arriving at JBSA, the civic leaders met with Brian Hoffman, the 502nd Air Base Wing’s vice director at JBSA-Randolph, where they learned about the mission of JBSA and their community engagement program. From there, they visited the 558th Flying Training Squadron, where 8

they were briefed on the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Instrumental Qualification Course, Remotely Piloted Aircraft Fundamentals Course, and the Basic Senior Operator Course. Here, they operated RPA and T-6 Texan II simulators. To finish out the first day of the tour, they were briefed at the 99th Flying Training Squadron, one of the squadrons where pilots go to become T-1 Jayhawk first assignment instructor pilots, which also stands as the heritage squadron for the Tuskegee Airmen. On the second day, the civic leaders were up bright and early to attend a Basic Military Training graduation at JBSA-Lackland. Later, they toured the dorms and met with Airmen in training at the Security Forces Technical Training dining facility. “Attending the Airmen graduation instills confidence in me that we as a nation are in a secure place, and that there is hope for our youth if given proper training,” said Jeff Weckback, a MacDill civil leader. Wrapping up the day and the trip, the 91st ARS boom operators showcased their skills once again by refueling a B-1 Lancer from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. “As I was riding home last night in the cockpit just observing and be-

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See STORM, Page 16

Th do Th tio

Photo by Senior Airman Jessica Do

homas Palermo, 6th Maintenance Squadron honorary commander, sits in the cockpit of a T-1 Jayhawk at the 99th Flying Training Squadron JBSA-Ranolph, Texas, Sept. 27, 2023. The squadron was formed during World War II as the first flying unit for African Americans known as the Tuskegee Airmen. he squadron now prepares prospective flight instructors to teach undergraduate pilots and combat systems officers at various bases in the Air Educaon and Training Command. U.S. Air Force Col. Adam Bingham, 6th Air Refueling Wing commander, takes a video of a KC-135 Stratotanker refueling a B-1B Lancer assigned to Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Sept. 28. The KC-135 not only provides aerial refueling support to the Air Force, but also the Marine Corps, Navy, and allied national aircraft.

Photo by Senior Airman Jessica Do

BROWN From Page 3

airpower remains supreme. It was an unrelenting focus for Brown as CSAF and one he is likely to embrace in his new job as well. “I am committed to addressing today’s challenges while preparing for the future so we can better compete, deter and win,” Brown said during a change of responsibility ceremony in which he was installed as the service’s 22nd chief of staff. “To do so, we must no longer defer, but must accelerate the needed change and tough choices we’ve often discussed. We must develop and empower leaders and provide the quality of service and quality of life where our Airmen and families can reach their full potential.” Brown underscored these sentiments in a 2021 speech to the Nation Press Club. “Airpower has become as reliable as the breath you just took; you don’t need to think about it, you count on it, and you can’t live without it,” he told the press club audience. “The question that keeps me up at night is, what happens when our diplomats no longer have the might of the U.S. military or the power of the U.S. economy as their backstop? This is a world that none of us want to live in.” Brown worked tirelessly to shift the culture to allow innovative ideas and actions to bubble up from anywhere across the Total Force. “Our goal is empowering Airmen to innovate and find solutions to our Air Force problems. From the majcom down to the squadron level we’ve found that good ideas have no rank.” He aimed to develop Airmen with the attributes needed for what he described as “a high-end fight.” He was tenacious at reducing bureaucracy and streamlining decision-making processes. He pushed to reshape the service’s mindset to address strategic competition and challenges posed by China and other nations. And he advocated to design the force required to maintain the U.S. Air Force’s position as the most respected in the world. He pursued goals to infuse speed, innovation, and efficiencies while fostering collaboration at every opportunity. One example he often cited was rewriting service’s official doctrine and condensing it to 16 pages from 200. On large questions, such as ensuring the B-21 Raider remained on schedule and budget, Brown was meticulous and driven. The same is true on complicated modernization efforts such as the Sentinel ground based intercontinental ballistic missile upgrade that will be the backbone of the nation’s nuclear deterrent. Yet, he was also driven to force change in areas that are less obvious to many people. Foremost were those directly affecting Airmen, such as evolving the “command and leadership selection processes” and changing “enlisted promotions to better value experience,” among others. On efforts to reduce bureaucracy, Brown helped reform the service’s tattoo policy, leading to an average of 1,300 more recruitment-eligible Americans a year. And he supported efforts to make acquisitions more rapid and maximize multi-year procurement benefits by “making sure we can seize opportunities when we see them and giving clear demand signals to industry.” He valued candor, often telling Airmen and leaders he wanted them to be free to discuss “in the meeting” matters usually voiced “after the meeting.” Of his focus on “competition,” Brown pursued change based on his belief that the definition needed to be applied broadly. 10

Photo by Eric Dietrich

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. listens to remarks during a ceremony at the Air Force Memorial, Arlington, Va., Aug. 14, 2021. Brown was presented a red jacket, making him an honorary Tuskegee Airman. “Competition isn’t just about orders of battle, operations, activities, and investments. It is how we accelerate our understanding of our adversaries, how they make decisions through an emphasis on competitive thinking and comparative analysis so that we can better deter and be prepared for conflict,” he said earlier this month in a speech at the Air and Space Forces Association conference. In the same speech, Brown harkened toward the implementation of the Air Force’s Force Generation model, publication of the Air Force Future Operating Concept, and establishment of the Department of the Air Force’s seven Operational Imperatives as evidence of the service’s transition from the present-day force to the force required for the future. Throughout his career, Brown has been guided by what he describes as his “four tenets” – pay attention to detail; execute at a high standard; be disciplined in execution; and, have fun. “Regardless of our respective ranks and positions, we must execute to the best of our abilities, and we must do it right the first time because the application of Airpower is serious business where half-hearted efforts and playing for second place are not options,” he has said. Those beliefs and leadership perspective remained in place throughout his tenure as chief of staff, and the effects will remain with the U.S. Air Force even as Brown moves on. With Brown’s departure, Gen. David Allvin becomes acting Air Force chief of staff. It is expected to be a smooth and seamless transition. Allvin, who worked closely with Brown as Air Force vice chief of staff, has been nominated to replace Brown and is awaiting Senate confirmation. “When I became chief of staff of the Air Force three years ago, I expressed the need to accelerate change,” Brown said Friday at an event to mark the beginning of his term as chairman. “My conviction to this premise has not waivered. The journey of change must continue … to strengthen our national security.”

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LEAVITT From Page 5

Photo by Airman 1st Class Kevin Tanenbaum

Brig. Gen. Jeannie Leavitt, 57th Wing commander, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., poses for a portrait on the flightline July 15, 2016. Leavitt is responsible for 34 squadrons at 13 installations constituting the Air Force’s most diverse flying wing. policies that once barred women from combat-coded fighter aircraft roles, Leavitt’s resolve knew no bounds. With the unwavering support of her parents, she overcame challenges and pioneered new paths. However, recalling the obstacles faced by women in combat roles in the early nineties, Van Ovost emphasized that policy change alone was insufficient. Acceptance and recognition were battles unto themselves, and Leavitt was at the forefront of these transformative times. To help reshape misguided perceptions, Leavitt would venture to Hollywood, where she’d work with Disney on the captain movie project. This opportunity would give Leavitt a stage to tell her Air Force story and provide a better representation and window into what a lifetime of service looked like.

“[Jeannie] had to cope with a constant demand to be in the spotlight, because of her many firsts, something that’s not really representative of who Jeannie is,” Van Ovost said. “She much prefers to stand back, behind the scenes to guide and mentor. To take care of the people and the mission – [that’s] the true purpose behind her continued dedication to service.” Leavitt’s aspirations were never solely for herself, but about lifting an entire community. And through her tenacity and resilience, Leavitt laid the foundation for future generations to tread. “On behalf of all of those who journeyed beside and behind you, thank you for having the courageous character necessary to pave new roads for others to follow,” Van Ovost said.

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STORM FLAG From Page 7

Courtesy photo

An all-terrain vehicle is offloaded from a Spanish Air Force Airbus A400M Atlas at Fort Polk, Louisiana, Sept. 25, while participating in Green Flag-Little Rock 23-10. It was the last iteration of GF-LR and will now morph into STORM FLAG. The exercise will be designed to incorporate Air Mobility Command Agile Combat Employment operations and execute a winning scheme of maneuver to generate combat air power. from Fort Johnson, Louisiana, and the 548th Combat Training Squadron’s JRTC-Support program. The latest iteration began with the arrival of C-17, C-130J, A-400, and KC-46 aircraft along with the direct delivery of contingency response forces from the 521st Contingency Response Squadron and international participants from Spain and Germany. Throughout the exercise participants will execute a Joint Forcible Entry insertion of the 2/82 Airborne, complete a bare-base airfield opening scenario, conduct realistic isolated personnel training, and rehearse mission type orders for agile combat operations. This week U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center Commander Maj. Gen. John Klein and Command Chief Master Sgt. Courtney Freeman observed the exercise to see firsthand, the joint integration the realistic scenario provides. “Taking off from Pope Army Airfield and sending Army heavy-equipment out the back of an Air Force J-model at a simulated, newly established airfield is exactly the training our Mobility Forces need to be getting after with our joint and international teammates,” said Klein. “We must continue to prepare our Airmen to mobilize, deploy and fight at a rapid pace and there’s no better way to do that than to create realistic training at the speed, scope, See STORM FLAG, Page 14

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PAINT

From Page 2

respite that allowed us to channel our energy into spreading positivity through art.” Williams and other volunteers from across the installation took on the task of dispersing the painted rocks around the base for fellow personnel to discover. “The painted rocks help to promote positive psychology by giving people a chance to share a small moment of joy when they stumble across them,” said an anonymous military spouse. “And as an added bonus, using the Quick Response (QR) code attached to the rock you can enter into a contest for a gift card.” In total, Williams has distributed as many as 400 rocks in previous years and requests that if you happen to move any of the rocks to another location, please refrain from placing them in the grass. Instead, make sure to put them in an accessible location for others to easily spot and appreciate. “I like to paint rocks because it brings me joy to imagine someone stumbling upon them during their day, having their mood lifted by the unexpected burst of color and positivity,” said Williams. To learn more please visit https:// www.macdill.af.mil/Units/Integrated-Resilience

Photo by Airman 1st Class Sterling Sutton

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STORM FLAG From Page 12

complexity, and scale needed in a modern-day threat environment.” In order to do this, Air Mobility Command will bid farewell to Exercise GF-LR to make room for new flexible and scalable, flag-level exercises that will contribute to certifying mobility forces. The 43d Air Mobility Operations Group’s 34 CTS at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, in conjunction with the newly activated 49th Combat training squadron at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina were tasked to build upon GF-LR to develop training scenarios and exercise advanced warfighting capabilities to conduct operations in and through contested environments and evaluate proposed concepts for the future fight. To lay the foundation of lethality and enable the delivery of the Joint Force, the squadrons developed Exercise STORM FLAG. “We are building upon the foundation established by Green Flag-Little Rock and the 34 CTS and working with stakeholders across multiple commands to build the Storm Flag series of exercises to address the shift in our battlespace,” said Lt. Col. James Stikeleather, 49th Combat Training Squadron commander. “We have made it our personal responsibility to structure this exercise to prepare, posture, and present ready air mobility forces for employment to support national security objectives.” The exercise will be designed to incorporate AMC Agile Combat Employment operations and execute a winning scheme of maneuver to generate combat air power while continuing to move, maneuver, and sustain the supported force and subordinate force elements in a dynamic environment. In addition, the events will be scalable and held quarterly as a 300-level exercise and biannually as a 400-level exercise throughout the fiscal year. The first iteration is scheduled for March of 2024. “Our team is leaning far-forward into developing STORM FLAG as the exercise of choice to integrate into joint and coalition operations in order to fight, sustain and win across contested domains,” said Klein. “The goal of STORM FLAG is to provide combatant commanders a force that can explode into any theater and have the capability to lift, shift and maneuver to the point of attack anywhere at a moment’s notice.”

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COMMUNITY

EVENTS

Family First Fridays at SeaScapes Come celebrate Family First Fridays on Oct. 13 at SeaScapes from 3–10 p.m. There will be Italian fare and a kiddie kravings menu, drink specials, a DJ and karaoke. Visit macdillfss.com/seascapes/ for more information. Enjoy Lunch at MacDill Lanes MacDill Lanes and Hangar 6 is offering a mouthwatering Lunch and Bowl Special, making the experience of striking pins even more enjoyable. The Lunch and Bowl special is: purchase a $2 game (includes shoes) and receive 10% off your lunch with game receipt, every Wednesday – Friday from 11 a.m.– 2 p.m. Don’t forget to sign up for the Hangar 6 Frequent Diner card. Visit macdillfss.com/macdilllanes-bowling/ for more details. October 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. For a complete movie schedule, log onto macdillfss.com/library/. Glow Run – Oct. 20 The MacDill Youth Center is hosting a Glow Run Friday, Oct. 20 at the Bay Palms Golf Course at 7 p.m. This is a free, family fun run for all ages. Water and glow supply items will be provided (while supplies last). Visit macdillfss.com/ youth/ for more information.

91st ARS

Photo by Airman 1st Class Derrick Bole

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 91st Air Refueling Squadron pose for a group photo at MacDill Air Force Base Sept. 29. The 91st ARS operates under the 6th Air Refueling Wing with the KC-135 Stratotanker.

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)

Find more events at macdillfss.com

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, October 12, 2023 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 15

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ing quiet, I was in awe of the teamwork between the two pilots,” said Laurie Lupcho, a MacDill civic leader “The respect and comradery shown between teammates, when instilled with the core values and way of life, shows us as leaders that it really does start from the top down. We can make a difference, as managers of people by treating our employees, others, and each other the same way.” The Air Force has a responsibility to establish and maintain personal contact with local civic leaders in order to increase public awareness of the missions, policies, and programs of the Air Force and an understanding of the Department of Defense. The goal is to partner with members of the local community while exposing them to the missions of the armed services.

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, October 12, 2023 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT