MacDill Thunderbolt 10/28/21

Vol. 49, No. 43

Thursday, October 28, 2021

News/Features: page 3

Fuel anywhere

News/Features: page 3 In all we do

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

Outstanding Aircrew Member- page 8 Photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Hastings

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

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Michael Fulton, 50th Air Refueling Squadron superintendent, pauses for a photo in front of a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft on the flight line Oct. 6 at MacDill Air Force Base. Fulton was recognized as Air Mobility Command’s 2021 Gen. Robert “Dutch” Huyser Outstanding Aircrew Member Award, Boom Operator category for sustained excellence in airmanship.

NEWS/FEATURES

Kendall calls for ‘technically and operationally innovative approaches’

by Charles Pope Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (AFNS)—Offering equal doses of praise and objective - but disquieting - reality, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall told a major gathering of military and defense logistics experts Monday that the United States’ ability to move people and goods anywhere, at any time, has been unrivaled. But he warned that the nation’s logistics enterprise must adapt to be relevant for the challenges of today’s world.

Kendall’s keynote remarks to the National Defense Transportation Association and the U.S. Transportation Command’s fall meeting at a hotel in suburban Washington offered in unvarnished terms the challenges facing the United States posed by China and what the U.S. must do to best maintain global stability.

“I’m finding in my three months with the Air Force and Space Force, that our ability to think out-of-the-box and to adopt both technically and operationally innovative approaches to new and emerging operational problems is better than it might be, but not as good as it needs to be,” Kendall said to the audience of several hundred. “… In my opinion, we have not fully internalized the significance of that development or what it means for our national security,” he said of the challenges posed by a capable, motivated, well-resourced strategic competitor.

“We all recognize the change, but I’m afraid that to a certain degree, we are stuck in patterns of thinking, and acting, that no longer apply.”

To drive home the point, he said later in the speech: “Infinite logistical capacity and freedom of movement are not guaranteed for the United States military and our government partners.”

Photo by Andy Morataya

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall addresses the audience at the National Defense Transportation Fall Meeing in the Gaylod Hotel, National Harbor, Maryland, Oct. 18.

A proper response is multi-pronged and multi-domain one that involves all branches of the military as well as allies and partners, he said. But there is no time to waste, he added, echoing one of his con-

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.

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See KENDALL, Page 12

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

Air Force, Twelve, prove jet fuel can be made from thin air

by Corrie Poland Air Force Operational Energy ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS)—What if you could access fuel from anywhere on the planet, at any time, no tanker required? The Air Force thinks it’s possible with ground-breaking carbon transformation technology.

Separate from carbon capture and storage or carbon utilization, carbon transformation can turn carbon dioxide from the air into nearly any chemical, material, or fuel, including jet fuel.

In 2020, Air Force Operational Energy endorsed the carbon transformation company, Twelve, to launch a pilot program to demonstrate that their proprietary technology could convert CO2 into operationally viable aviation fuel called E-Jet. The project hit a major milestone in August of this year when Twelve successfully produced jet fuel from CO2, proving the process worked See FUEL, Page 14

Photo by Master Sgt. Joey Swafford

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 350th Expeditionary Aircraft Refueling Squadron, flies over Qatar, Feb. 13. Through an innovative project, the Air Force is attempting to create new fuel options aircraft use including carbon transformation that can turn carbon dioxide from the air into nearly any chemical, material, or fuel, including jet fuel.

In all we do

by Airman 1st Class Joshua Hastings 6th Air Refueling Wing/Public Affairs

The U.S. Air Force has a proud history of winning, attributable to the commitment of its Airmen who execute their duties with excellence.

What does it mean to be excellent? Why has the Air Force adopted and personified ‘Excellence in all we do’ as one of their core values?

Though this core value was officially recognized over 20 years ago, ‘Excellence’ has been a staple of the Air Force since 1947. Airmen of the 6th Air Refueling Wing located at MacDill Air Force Base are no exception to this standard.

The members of the 6th ARW ensure MacDill’s ability to deliver unmatched air refueling and installation support. MacDill’s refueling capabilities enable the air assets of the Defense Department and partner nations to travel freely without the need of a safe haven on land.

See EXCELLENCE, Page 13

Photo by Senior Airman Shannon Bowman

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Orchydia Sackey, a 50th Air Refueling Squadron pilot, looks through a cockpit window in a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft during flight, Oct. 15. Aircrew members assigned to the 50th ARS took off from MacDill to conduct agile combat employment training with the 366th Fighter Wing, based out of Mountain Home AFB, Idaho.

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WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Trevor Cokley

Andrew DeCarlo, a U.S. Air Force Academy cadet, deflects the puck to teammates giving him an assist to Clayton Cosentino’s first-period goal during a game against the University of Denver at the Academy’s Cadet Ice Arena in Colorado Springs, Colo., Oct. 15. Denver defeated Air Force 4-1.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Jesenia Landaverde Photo by Airman 1st Class Jessica Sanchez-Chen

Staff Sgt. Steven Chaney, 49th Security Forces Squadron patrolman, scales down the side of a building during the 49th Wing’s first rappel skills training at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., Oct. 5. SFS Airmen and firefighters learned rappel skills to use for rapid building entry and exit in hostile situations.

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Senior Airman Rosa Valencia, 8th Maintenance Squadron munitions technician, builds a GBU-38 bomb during the Third Quarter Load Crew Competition at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, Oct. 16. Munitions technicians had the opportunity to compete against each other in a bomb-building competition, testing their knowledge, speed and accuracy.

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NEWS/FEATURES

MacDill Pharmacy providing a medical-ready force

Photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Aisha Jennings, 6th Medical Support Squadron pharmacy technician, reaches for a prescription at MacDill Air Force Base, Oct. 20. Pharmacists and technicians at MacDill are trained to process and fill prescriptions for hundreds of different medical needs.

by Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Serving approximately 525,000 prescriptions to more than 241,000 beneficiaries annually can be a tough and stressful job.

“People who come to the pharmacy don’t want to be here,” said Senior Airman Aisha Jennings, 6th Medical Support Squadron pharmacy technician. “They are here because they’re sick and I want to make their experience as smooth as possible to help them feel better.”

Providing Airmen with proper healthcare doesn’t stop once they leave the doctor’s office and Team MacDill’s corps of dedicated pharmacists and technicians ensure the Air Force’s priorities of a ready medical force and a medically ready force.

“Here, we are able to take the time to care for our patients and go above and beyond to provide the medical services that they need,” said Jennings.

Pharmacy Week, celebrated the third full week in October, acknowledges the invaluable contributions that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians make to patient care.

These medication experts help maximize positive health outcomes and improve the quality of their patients’ lives through patient counseling and careful quality control.

See PHARMACY, Page 6 MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

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PHARMACY From Page 5

MacDill’s 6th MDSS enables the combat capability of the 6th Air Refueling Wing, U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Operations Command and 31 partner units and serves the largest single catchment area in the Department of Defense.

The pharmacy, comprised of 26 service members and 21 civilian contractors, is responsible for filling, on average, 40,000 prescriptions per month.

“We have special training for our technicians teaching them how to verify medications,” said Zirnita Mallory, 6th MDSS pharmacy supervisor. “There are all types of errors that can happen, and we have to make sure it’s the right person, right drug and right dose. It requires a lot of attention to detail.”

For member of the 6th MDSS pharmacy staff, quick care is most effective with incredible customer service and their pharmacists and technicians embody what it means to put service before self.

“I just love the way that we try to make everybody feel like a family,” said Mallory.

Jennings explained that she finds way to go the extra mile in all aspects of her life.

“I just love helping people! Whether I am at work, or in my personal life, it makes me feel good inside, and that’s why I come to work every day,” said Jennings. “Even just a simple thank you means a lot for me.”

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Photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Aisha Jennings, 6th Medical Support Squadron pharmacy technician, verifies prescriptions at MacDill Air Force Base, Oct. 20. Pharmacy technicians count tablets by hand to ensure their patients are receiving the proper amount.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin

Zirnita Mallory, 6th Medical Support Squadron pharmacy supervisor, poses for a photo at MacDill Air Force Base, Oct. 20, 2021. Pharmacists and technicians are recognized during National Pharmacy Week each year from Oct. 17 to 23 for their invaluable contributions to patient care.

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NEWS/FEATURES

MyVector updates help connect Airmen, Guardians Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS)—To help advance diversity efforts across the force, MyVector has recently added several features to the platform.

MyVector is one of the many tools Airmen and Guardians can use to enhance their career development, including tracking personal development and assignments, writing performance evaluations, and connecting with mentors as well as mentoring others.

Last summer, the Secretary of the Air Force stood up the Diversity and Inclusion task force to address the issue of racial, ethnic and other demographic disparities and their impact on the forces. The task force identified MyVector’s mentorship platform as an area that could help expand diversity efforts. Having more specific filters, such as race, ethnicity and disability, allows Airmen and Guardians to better tailor searches to their specific needs.

“The objective of expanding the mentoring filters in MyVector is to provide a better search experience for Airmen and Guardians to locate potential mentors with similar backgrounds,” explained Dr. Carrie Baker, a member of the SAF Office of Diversity and Inclusion. “We noticed

that the mentor request fields had limited search features and wanted to enhance this valuable resource.”

Lt. Col. Cindy Roberts, one of the leaders within the task force, explained that the new filters also applied to those in the Exceptional Family Member Program, or those who have identified themselves as having a disability, such as hearing loss or invisible wounds. The disability filter allows approximately 1,000 Airmen and Guardians who have identified themselves with a disability or an invisible wound to connect with other Airmen and Guardian mentors who have an identified disability.

These MyVector additions will advance Department of the Air Force inclusion practices to incorporate as many aspects of mentorship as possible and make it easier for members to find the best mentor for their needs.

“There may be someone out there struggling with a topic, but there’s no one near them to connect with, discuss their problem, or provide advice,” Roberts said. “These new filters help narrow down the search for a mentor that can best assist someone seeking advice on their unique topic.”

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50th ARS boom operator recognized as best in AMC

by Senior Airman Shannon Bowman 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

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ach year, Air Mobility Command recognizes Airmen that have made outstanding contributions to the Air Force’s global mobility mission.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Michael Fulton, 50th Air Refueling Squadron superintendent, was recognized as AMC’s 2021 General Robert “Dutch” Huyser Outstanding Aircrew Member Award, Boom Operator category, for sustained excellence in airmanship.

The award is named after Gen. Robert “Dutch” Huyser, a former aircraft commander who served in the Vietnam War and flew more than 9,000 hours in multiple aircraft during his military career.

“The fact that I received this award still has me in awe,” said Fulton. “I am blessed to work with the men and women of the 50th who truly set the standard, so for me to not identify this as a group award would be completely foolish.”

For Fulton, the best part of his job as the squadron’s superintendent is leading and supporting the 128 Airmen assigned to his squadron.

“As a young Airman, I was instructed to develop my own replacement,” said Fulton. “My goal is to empower our enlisted force to lead at all levels and to prepare Airmen for the next level of leadership.”

According to Fulton’s former supervisor, Chief Master Sgt. Kenneth Harwood, 92nd Operations Group superintendent, Fulton displayed leadership qualities early on as a boom operator, and as such, was offered several opportunities to teach and guide other Airmen.

“Master Sgt. Fulton is such a charismatic person with natural leadership abilities that just can’t be taught,” said Harwood. “He spends the time to get to know each one of his people so that he can provide guidance, mentorship and maintain discipline within the unit.”

Fulton credits his personal experiences, his squadron and the leaders who have set a good example for him for his own personal success.

“I overcame some struggles early on in my career, by changing my environment and emulating good leaders,” said Fulton. “It took so many people from the 50th ARS and the 6th Operations Group for me to receive this award and I’m truly thankful.”

Harwood explained that the Airmen in the 50th ARS respect Fulton, and that his dedication to the unit’s mission and Airmen permeates throughout.

“Master Sgt. Fulton is such a well-rounded person and is exactly the type of leader that the Air Force needs in my opinion,” said Harwood. “He is truly one of the best people that I’ve had the chance to work with and I consider myself lucky to call him my friend.”

Fulton offered some helpful advice to the new boom operators in his squadron.

“Take a moment to listen, keep a notepad and take notes,” said Fulton.

“Get uncomfortable, challenge yourself to take on new roles that you are unfamiliar with. Be prepared to fail, learn from the mistakes. And always put your unit before yourself. Be creditable and if you don’t know the answer, say it, and then go seek the answer.”

See AWARD, Page 10

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Courtesy photograph

(Above) Airmen from the 50th Air Refueling Squadron (ARS) ‘Red Devils’ pose for a photograph under the boom of a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft at MacDill Air Force Base. The 50th ARS recently won the 2020 Senior Master Sgt. Albert Evans Award, recognizing them as the best air refueling section in the Air Force.

(Left) U.S. Air Force Col. Brian Backman, 379th Expeditionary Operations Group commander, awards Master Sgt. Michael Fulton, 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron chief boom operator, the Air Force Commendation Medal in recognition of heroism, Oct. 21, 2020, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. On Aug. 17, 2020, Fulton was working out at the base gym when he witnessed an individual collapse, face-down, losing consciousness. Due to his prior training as an emergency medical technician, Fulton rushed to the individual, provided medical care and stabilized the member until first responders could arrive.

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Michael Battles

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AWARD From Page 8

Fulton’s former squadron commander Lt. Col. Menola Guthrie, 6th Operations Group deputy commander, explained that his authenticity and his ability to motivate Airmen were key to solidifying Fulton’s outstanding aircrew member award.

“Mike truly cares for each Airmen and pushes them to reach their full potential,” said Guthrie. “He goes out of his was to recognize Airman’s achievements which has helped with sky-rocketing morale, with our readiness exercises and our first squadron deployment despite COVID peaking.”

Among the achievements that led to Fulton’s award were: a deployment to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, where he served as the 50th Expedi-

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tionary Air Refueling Squadron’s first sergeant; provided guidance on emergency and tactical procedures directly impacting operations Inherent Resolve and Freedom Sentinel; being awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for actions that resulted in saving the life of a member of Al Udeid; and his unit being recognized as the 2020 Senior Master Sgt. Albert Evans Outstanding Air Refueling Section Award.

A native of Chicago, Illinois, Fulton became a boom operator in 2015 after serving 10 years as an aerospace medical technician. During his time as a boom, he excelled through several job taskings including a training administration noncommissioned officer, flight chief, operations superintendent, acting first sergeant and now squadron superintendent.

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KENDALL From Page 2

stant themes since becoming the Department of the Air Force’s highest ranking civilian leader.

“All of us involved in national security also need to develop a stronger sense of urgency, and we all must think carefully about the application of new and emerging technology to the operations we may be called upon to conduct in the not too distant future,” he said.

He also offered a blunt message to Congress about the need for replacing “legacy systems and excess capacity that has little or no relevance to the pacing challenges we face. We can protect the status quo, or we can protect America … I am very willing to work with the Congress to find creative ways to move forward, but we must move forward,” he said.

At the same time, Kendall acknowledged the roots of the U.S. military’s logistics enterprise are strong. The Air Force’s Air Mobility Command “pulled off the largest airlift of people in history — 124,000 people in 17 days.” Kendall also highlighted that AMC’s former commander, Gen. Jacqueline D. Van Ovost, has recently been confirmed and swornin as the new commander at USTRANSCOM. But that peacetime airlift operation is a far cry from what is likely to present itself in modern-world confrontation, where sophisticated weapons are combined with refined capabilities in space and in the cyber realm across vast distances, including the Pacific. There are also more traditional and less exotic concerns.

“A few years ago on a trip to Guam, I was struck by the massive and unhardened fuel storage tanks that support Andersen Air Force Base,” he said.

“Guam isn’t unique. We also need to make plans to deal with the precision munitions that [would] be used to damage the runways our forward tactical air wings depend on, including those in places like Guam,” he said.

Kendall used a recent example and a thought exercise to illustrate the point.

“Several months ago, hackers breached the Colonial Pipeline’s networks using a compromised password,” he said. “That’s all they needed, one password. They hacked into the East Coast oil pipeline and disrupted operations for a period of days. These Russian-based hackers caused a gas shortage, high fuel prices at the pump, and cost the Colonial Pipeline almost $5 million in ransom. This is just the tip of the iceberg. If we don’t protect our data, it is wide open for our competitors to steal or manipulate and to disrupt our military operations.”

For the thought exercise, he asked the audience to envision the Battle of the Atlantic, the World War II supply effort that is among the most acclaimed and historic wartime logistics achievement.

But imagine, he said, if the Germans who were unable to stop the crucial supply chain “had a large inventory of precision land-based antiship and land attack cruise and ballistic missiles. Suppose that the V-1s and V-2s, introduced as terror weapons late in the war, had come along earlier and included longer ranges, precision navigation, and smart seekers,” he said.

“Suppose this mix of ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles included hypersonic weapons. Imagine that those German U-boats car12

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Photo by Andy Morataya

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall takes question from the audience members at the National Defense Transportation Fall Meeing in the Gaylod Hotel, National Harbor, Maryland, Oct. 18. ried over the horizon anti-ship cruise missiles. Imagine that the Germans had a robust inventory of [signals intelligence] and [imagery intelligence] satellites that could provide real-time targeting and provide that data to the Luftwaffe, the Wehrmacht, and the Kriegsmarine. German submarines would not have to guess where the convoys might be; with off-board situational awareness and targeting, they could stand well off from their targets and engage them with coordinated attacks using cruise missiles.

“Think about what these developments would have meant in the Battle of the Atlantic. It isn’t a very pretty picture,” Kendall said.

“My point in leading you through this thought experiment is to emphasize two things: First, how different our current and future challenges to logistics are compared to what we are used to or have ever experienced. And second, how significant a threat we can expect to face from today onward,” he said.

Despite the challenges and questions, Kendall said “it is clear to me that the United States can adapt in response to novel challenges, but it’s also clear to me that we can’t assume the global freedom of maneuver that we have come to expect.”

Despite the challenges and concerns, Kendall also offered a sense of hope. Most of it is rooted in the daily performance and dedication of rank-and-file Airmen and Guardians across the Air and Space Forces.

“I truly understand how difficult your jobs are in today’s environment, during a pandemic, and with significant demands and resource constraints. Despite these challenges, you are still executing your jobs and maintaining our national security posture. I am awed when I see the amazing feats our military and industry teams accomplish every day,” he said.

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EXCELLENCE From Page 3

Photo by Senior Airman Shannon Bowman

An F-15 Eagle assigned to Mountain Home Air Force Base approaches the boom of a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to MacDill AFB during flight, Oct. 14.

For U.S. Air Force Col. Cory Damon, 6th ARW vice commander, excellence comes from the mentality of constantly honing one’s skills and reaching for higher standards.

“Excellence to me is not an end goal,” Damon said. “It’s a stepping stone to achieve greater success through continuous learning and improvement.”

Damon added that trust is formed when members are all reaching for excellence and that mindset is a key component to MacDill’s success.

“At MacDill, our operational KC-135 mission, our installation support to critical mission partners, and our necessity to provide strategic deterrence against near peer competitors is vital for our nation’s defense,” Damon said. “Our mutual trust in the pursuit of excellence provides care for our members and mission success.”

In-flight refueling specialists, commonly referred to as boom operators, are the Airmen responsible for extending the reach of America’s strategic fleet by supplying fuel to aircraft midair.

Senior Airman Kylie Strawser with the 50th Air Refueling Squadron exhibits excellence with her duties as a boom operator

through constantly training to improve her skills.

“Performing with excellence is important as a KC-135 boom operator for safety, efficiency and personal growth,” said Strawser. “Being a part of an aircrew requires particular attention to not only keep yourself safe, but your crewmembers as well.”

Strawser said that an aircraft receiving fuel are approximately 50 feet or closer to the KC-135 Stratotanker during the entirety of the refueling process, and that failing to pay attention or think critically could cause a mid-air collision.

With the inherent dangers of midair refueling, being excellent is imperative for both safety and mission success.

“As a boom operator, there are many people relying on your ability to perform the mission,” said Strawser. “As an individual, creating a culture of excellence will help you grow and promote growth in others along the way.”

The Airmen of yesterday embraced excellence as a standard of conduct, and that standard will continue to be foundational to the Airmen of today and the Airmen of tomorrow.

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FUEL

From Page 3

and setting up the conditions to create the synthetic carbon-neutral fuel in larger quantities. The first phase of the project is scheduled to conclude in December with a report detailing the process and findings.

For the Air Force, the implications of this innovation could be profound. Initial testing shows that the system is highly deployable and scalable, enabling the warfighter to access synthetic fuel from anywhere in the world. Reliable access to energy and fuel is paramount to military operations. Recent joint wargaming and operational exercises have underlined the significant risk that transporting, storing, and delivering fuel poses to troops – both at home and abroad.

At the height of the war in Afghanistan, attacks on fuel and water convoys accounted for more than 30% of casualties. Yet, fuel demand is only expected to increase as advanced weapon systems and operations require increasing levels of power.

“History has taught us that our logistics supply chains are one of the first things the enemy attacks. As peer-adversaries pose more and more of a threat, what we do to reduce our fuel and logistics demand will be critical to avoid risk and win any potential war,” said Roberto Guerrero, deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for operational energy.

Currently, the Department of the Air Force relies on commercial fuel to operate, both domestically and abroad. The Air Force must use a combination of trucks, aircraft, and ships to ensure fuel is delivered to meet warfighter demand. However, many areas of operation cannot always easily reach traditional access points of the supply chain, particularly during conflict.

Twelve’s carbon transformation platform could allow deployed units to create fuel on demand, without the need for highly skilled fuel experts on site. The Air Force sees the opportunity for the technology to provide a supplemental source to petroleum-based fuels to decrease demand in areas that are typically difficult to deliver fuel to.

“With carbon transformation, we are untethering aviation from petroleum supply chains. The Air Force has been a strong partner in our work to advance innovative new sources of aviation fuel,” said Nicholas Flanders, Twelve co-founder and CEO.

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Most synthetic fuels, which are created by a mix of carbon monoxide and hydrogen known as syngas, are produced through burning biomass, coal, or natural gas. Twelve’s technology eliminates the need for fossil fuels, producing syngas by recycling CO2 captured from the air and – using only water and renewable power as inputs – transforming the CO2.

The process of converting syngas into liquid hydrocarbon fuels is not new. Known as Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, the multistep method was created in the 1920s by German scientists and aided the German war effort during World War II. Today, it is widely used to produce liquid fuels for transportation.

Fischer-Tropsch certified synthetic fuels are approved as a ‘drop-in’ fuel for each specific aircraft, first commercially, and then by the U.S. military and the aircraft’s associated system program office. The highest blend currently certified is a 50/50 blend of FT synthetic fuel and petroleum fuel. Twelve’s system produced FT-Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene, which can be blended with petroleum – up to a maximum blend of 50%.

Once the first phase of the program concludes at the end of 2021, the Air Force Operational Energy office will look to the next phase of scaling the technology to produce synthetic fuel in larger quantities. If brought to scale, the platform would enable more agile operations and decrease dependence on foreign oil, while having the added benefit of mitigating carbon emissions – a Department of Defense key priority under Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III. While there remain a number of unanswered questions to make this technology operational, such as how to power the production of the syngas in remote areas and where water sources for the necessary hydrogen will come from (Twelve notes that water for the process can also be captured from the air), the team sees this is a positive first step in a truly innovative program.

“My office is looking at a number of initiatives to not only optimize aviation fuel use for improved combat capability, but to reduce the logistics burden as well,” Guerrero said. “We’re excited about the potential of carbon transformation to support this effort and Twelve’s technology – as one of the tools in our toolbox – could help us get there.”

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COMMUNITY

EVENTS

Zombie 5K Run Oct. 29 Starts at 7 a.m. Bay Palms Golf Complex. Bring the family and enjoy a fun 5K. Wear your creepiest, scariest, funniest costume.

Runners, joggers and walkers are welcome. Free T-shirt. Log on at macdillfss.com/short-fitness-center or call 828-4496 for more info Cardboard Boat Regatta Nov. 19 Registration is open until Nov. 5. Limited number of teams.

Open to all squadrons and mission partners. Max 5 persons per team. 1st place prize, $500 FSS gift card. Log on at macdillfss. com/ for registration form. Submit NLT Nov. 5 to Outdoor Recreation or email macdillafbevents @gmail.com. Call 515-3704 for more information.

MacDill Marina Boat Rentals, Kayaks, Paddle Boards, Canoes, Bicycle Rentals kids, mountain and beach cruisers available. Reservations can be made by calling 828-4983 from Wednesday to Monday 7:30 a.m. 5:30 p.m. or log on at macdillfss. com /marina/ for more info.

NAF job openings To apply log on at USAJOBS. gov. For a quick view of MacDill jobs log on at macdillfss.com/ open-jobs. Call 828-2911 Monday, Wednesday and Friday 7:30 a.m.

- 3:30 p.m.

Find more info on these events and more go to: macdillfss.com

Hispanic Heritage Month!

Photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Juan Aguirre-Alger, 6th Force Support Squadron career assistance advisor, speaks to service members during the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at MacDill Air Force Base Oct. 14. Aguirre spoke about how diversity and inclusion are vital components to the Air Force’s mission and how it gives the Air Force a competitive advantage over near-peer adversaries.

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

Catholic (in-person) - Sunday - 8 & 9 a.m.

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

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

Other Faith Groups Off-base referral as needed

For more details and information, visit the Chapel Facebook page at http://www.facebook/6amwhc/

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

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Force Support Squadron Services Effective as of 21 OCT 2021 OPERATIONAL

LIMITED SERVICES

CLOSED

MASK REQUIRED INDOORS REGARDLESS OF VACCINATION STATUS ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Common Access Card (CAC) - ByAppointment Only or Mission Essential Actions (Initial CAC issue; lost CAC; PIN Reset; CAC expiring within 7 days; emergency hardships Retiree/Dependent ID Cards - 2 Kiosks available at the BX for renewals or by appointment only Passports - ByAppointment Only Military Personnel Flight APF/NAF/CIV Personnel Office Manpower & Organization Office School Liaison/EFMP NAF Cashier Cage Private Org/Unit SM&W Funds Emergency Financial Assistance

EVENT SUPPORT Breakaway Event Center Theater

FOOD OPERATIONS DFAC Rickenbacker’s Cafe Brews ofthe Bay Bar Smoothie Bar (Fitness Center) 8 Iron Grill (Golf Course) Boomers Bar & Grill (Breakaway Event Center) Hangar 6 Grill (Bowling Center) SeaScapes Restaurant AAFES Food Operations

Follow Us on facebook @macdillfss

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MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Main Base Pool FamCamp Marina - 1/2 or Full Day Boat/ Equipment Rentals, Snacks & Drinks Boat/RV Registration + Wet Slips Golf Course Arts & Crafts Center Bowling Information, Tickets & Travel DIYAuto Hobby Shop DIYWood Shop Skeet Range Archery - by Reservations Only CarWash/Resale Lot

READINESS/DEVELOPMENT

Fitness Center - Masks may be removed while engaged in physical activity; 24/7 Access Activated; Outdoor Fitness Classes Intramurals/Sauna/Child Care Access Authorized Facility Hours: Monday - Friday 0500-2030 Weekends/Holidays 0600-1400 Child Development Centers (CDCs) Family Child Care School Age Program Youth Center Military & Family Readiness Center Open forwalk-in customers and appointments.

Classes & Workshops are a mixture ofvirtual and in person.

Library Base Education Base Training Office Airman Leadership School Professional Development Center/FTAC WAPS/Vol. Education Testing Lodging (MacDill Inn)