Thunderbolt 11/16/2023

Vol. 51, No. 47

Thursday, November 16, 2023

News/Features: page 3 Elecgtric plane arrives at Eglin

News/Features: page 3 More awards for Allies Refuge

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

Photo by Airman 1st Class Derrick Bole

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

Champa Boom, MacDill Air Force Base mascot, is revealed to members of the 6th ARW leadership team during a meeting at MacDill AFB Nov. 8. Champa Boom is a mascot representing a boom operator in a tanker, and is MacDill’s first mascot.

NEWS/FEATURES

Secretary Kendall attends EADS CBC2 success, modernization milestone Eastern Air Defense Sector Public Affairs ROME, N.Y. (AFNS)—Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall and leaders from the North American Aerospace Defense Command, U.S. Northern Command, Joint Staff, Royal Canadian Air Force and Office of the Secretary of Defense were recently in attendance at NOARAD’s Eastern Air Defense Sector in Rome to underscore the Air Force’s commitment to modernizing its air defense capabilities.

The event marked a pivotal milestone in the service’s modernization of tactical command and control capabilities as part of the Advanced Battle Management System portfolio of efforts.

The NORAD’s EADS performed the initial operating capability rollout of the ABMS’ Cloud-Based Command and Control system, or CBC2, a platform that will provide greater decision space for decision makers and end users.

CBC2 incorporates a large number of tactically relevant data feeds as well as artificial intelligence and machine learning to assist decision makers with maintaining detailed situational awareness of the battlespace. The platform uses this data to develop courses of action from which leaders can make higher quality See EADS, Page 16

Photo by Patrick Young

Brig. Gen. Daniel Clayton, Advanced Battle Management System cross-functional team director, Brig. Gen. Luke Cropsy, Department of the Air Force Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management integrating program executive officer; Lt. Gen. Davgin R.M. Anderson, Joint Chiefs J7; Maj. Gen. Denise Donell, New York Air National Guard commander; Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall; Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, Acquisition and Sustainment Radha Inyengar Plumb and Brig. Gen. Paul Bishop, NYANG chief of staff, pose for a picture during a visit to the Eastern Air Defense Sector in Rome, N.Y., Oct. 26.

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.

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NEWS/FEATURES

BETA’s ALIA electric aircraft arrives at Eglin AFB

by Matthew Clouse Air Force Research Laboratory Public Affairs EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS)—AFWERX Airmen and several local media outlets gathered at Duke Field on Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, to witness one of the quietest Air Force aircraft flyovers ever. BETA Technologies, an electric aerospace company and AFWERX Prime division partner, made several low passes in its ALIA electric aircraft as the audience celebrated its delivery to the Air Force Oct. 26, 2023.

AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Air Force and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the Air Force. This includes partnering with BETA and other electric aircraft companies to bring zero-emission aviation to the military along with other benefits, including a quiet noise profile and the cost savings to operate and maintain its fleet without dependency on traditional fossil fuels.

“We are really excited about companies like BETA when they invent things like this,” said Col. Elliott Leigh, AFWERX director and chief commercialization officer for the Department of the Air Force. “It is going to transform the way we see air travel in the world, but it is also going to transform the way we have air power in the Air Force. We’re going to learn what we can do with vehicles like this and we’re going to take it to our warfighters.”

BETA’s ALIA electric aircraft has a 50-foot wingspan, a range of 250 miles with a top speed of 138 mph and is 90% quieter than a helicopter.

While ALIA has the capability to transport five passengers, the Air Force test objective is to demonstrate its potential to support agile combat employment logistics with its payload capacity of 1,000 pounds.

See ELECTRIC, Page 13

Photo by Samuel King Jr.

BETA’s ALIA electric aircraft has a 50-foot wingspan, a range of 250 miles with a top speed of 138 mph and is 90 percent quieter than a helicopter. While ALIA has the capability to transport five passengers, the Air Force test objective is to demonstrate its potential to support agile combat employment logistics with its payload capacity of 1,000 pounds.

AMC announces additional awards for Operation Allies Refuge

by Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

SCOTT AFB, Ill.—Air Mobility Command will award eight Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Bronze Star Medals, 229 Air Medals and 98 Meritorious Service Medals for actions taken during Operation Allies Refuge. Some of the medals will be presented during a private gathering at the 2023 Airlift Tanker Association Convention, in Grapevine, Texas, Nov. 9.

Those being awarded include maintainers, loadmasters, Raven-trained security forces, aeromedical evacuation personnel and pilots across the Total Force, multiple major commands and services. The majority of the decorations were awarded with combat devices and seven of the Air Medals include valor devices.

See AWARDS, Page 12

Photo by U.S. Air Force Capt. Mark Lawson

An Afghan girl lays on the floor of a C-17 Globemaster III near Kabul, Afghanistan. The blouse covering the girl belonged to U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Nicolas Baron, 305th Air Mobility Wing loadmaster, who was a member of the crew that airlifted refugees to safety

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WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Airman 1st Class Sterling Sutton

Father Martin Okoro, 6th Air Refueling Wing Catholic priest, presides over a confirmation ceremony at the base chapel on MacDill Air Force Base Nov. 1. The Air Force Chaplain Corps is dedicated to accelerating the spiritual readiness and resilience of Airmen and their families by offering counseling and worship services to the MacDill community.

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Alexander Cook

Photo by Airman 1st Class Derrick Bole

Airmen assigned to the 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron use a rope harness while working on a KC-135 Stratotanker at MacDill Air Force Base Nov. 3. The aircraft was grounded to fix an issue with the landing gear.

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A U.S. Air Force Airman performs a post-flight inspection on a KC-135 Stratotanker at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Oct. 29. The U.S. and partner nations maintain a highly agile fighting force, leveraging the most advanced platforms to dominate the warfighting landscape for the long-term security and stability of the region.

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NEWS/FEATURES

Physical therapy embeds Into 92nd Maintenance Squadron

by Airman 1st Class Clare Werner 92nd Air Refueling Wing

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash.—The 92nd Medical Group’s Operational Support Team is currently embedded with the 92nd Maintenance Squadron as part of an Air Force initiative to provide more readily available access to physical therapy and mental health assets for units with unique hours, mission requirements or other specific needs.

The OST officially started its six-month embed with the 92nd MXS July 24, 2023, to enhance physical and mental readiness for maintainers who may not be able to frequently travel to and from the 92nd MDG facility due to non-standard duty times and mission requirements. This marked the first such program at Fairchild Air Force Base.

Capt. Natalie Garrett, the OST’s physical therapist, described the embedment process as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for Airmen that enables them to get treatments within their work center rather than having to make a separate trip to the 92nd MDG facility.

“It takes the middleman out, so the member doesn’t have to drive all the way over to the MDG in order to get some tips to prevent injury,” said Garret. “I think OST, as a model, is really great and it’s not just going to make life easier for maintenance people, but for anybody we’re embedded with.”

“We want to cut out whatever barriers possible to the member,” she added. “If we can fit it into their workday, it opens that door for them to start seeing the benefits and they understand how we can make a positive impact on their life.”

Photo by Airman 1st Class Clare Werner

William Saultes, the team specialist assigned to 92nd Medical Group’s Operational Support Team, instructs an Aerospace Ground Equipment Airman on how to correctly perform a stretch during an injury prevention class at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, Oct. 19.

See PHYSICAL, Page 10

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100th ARW’s KC-135s first tankers in USAFE equipped with RTIC data link

Photo by Karen Abeyasekere

The Real-Time Information in the Cockpit system shown outfitted on a KC-135 Stratotanker at RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom, Oct. 18. The RTIC system has the capability to display information relevant to the warfighter, including map overlays, data from ground stations with Link 16 access.

by Karen Abeyasekere 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs RAF MILDENHALL, United Kingdom (AFNS)— Aircraft assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing are the first tankers in U.S. Air Forces in Europe to be equipped with a new data link system, allowing them to communicate and share information with other aircraft.

Some KC-135 Stratotankers have recently been fitted with the Real-Time Information in the Cockpit system – more commonly known as “RTIC” – giving them the ability to see tactical data link information in the jet.

“We’ve got extra equipment, including three screens and two radios, which can all be configured and moved to different locations around the aircraft, but their default positions are at the pilots’ and navigator seats,” said Capt.

Jarod Suhr, 100th Operations Support Squadron tactics officer and KC-135R pilot. “‘Link 16 is a picture of all of the machines and platforms including aircraft, ground systems and command post that are all talking to each other and sharing information. It builds situational awareness for the people operating those systems.”

He explained that Link 16 is the data link via which RTIC operates, and the RTIC system refers to the specific hardware on the KC-135.

“Think of it like RTIC is your laptop, and Link 16 is the internet,” Suhr remarked. “It’s mostly for sharing tactical See RTIC, Page 11

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A KC-46A Pegasus tanker assigned to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., practices refueling operations on another KC-46A en route to Travis Air Force Base, Calif., Oct. 21. This joint air interoperability exercise is the first-ever certification event for the KC-46 tankers assigned to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.

JB MDL completes KC-46A Pegasus AFFORGEN certification story and photos by Airman 1st Class Simonne Barker 87th Air Base Wing Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS)—Roughly 120 service members and five KC-46A Pegasus tankers assigned to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, participated in JB MDL’s first certification event for the KC-46A during Neptune Series exercise at Travis Air Force Base, Oct. 21-Nov. 2.

Throughout the two-week exercise, 305th Air Mobility Wing Airmen certified the KC-46 Mission Generation Force Element in preparation for the upcoming Air Force Force Generation deployment cycle. Evaluations on the ability to successfully accomplish Air Mobility Command competencies, maximize joint air interoperability, and strengthen global warfighting capabilities, were priorities during the exercise.

“Our team did not disappoint. [The Neptune Series] accomplished the first AFFORGEN model proof of concept in the KC-46 enterprise and set the framework for future certification events on this airframe,” said 1st Lt. Britton Beasley, KC-46 Aircraft Maintenance officer in charge during the exercise. “We showed that we’re capable of executing an entirely organic large force movement to a deployed location. We proved that we can generate, recover and perform up

to intermediate-level maintenance on deployed aircraft for the 2nd ARS to execute their certification in the air.”

The joint air interoperability exercise was composed of multiple JB MDL squadrons, including the 605th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 305th MS, 305th Operations Support Squadron, 2nd Air Refueling Squadron, and 87th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

Jointly, these squadrons sharpened their skills to generate, fly and deliver airpower superiority. Airmen implemented agile combat employment concepts in simulated deployed scenarios, testing their proactive and reactive responses with limited personnel and equipment.

“The most challenging part of this exercise is being away from home station without home-station support,” said Staff. Sgt. Daniel Myers, 605th AMXS KC-46A crew chief. “This Neptune Series, for maintenance, has proved that we can all be muti-capable Airmen in the generation of this aircraft.”

Flexibility, adaptability and endurance were vital to mission success. JB MDL Airmen increased proficiency by applying cross-functional training to scale down the number of participants while also preserving high-end readiness essential for training to win today and tomorrow.

See KC-46, Page 12

Senior A Air Forc Lakehur

Airman Lane Hilderbrand, 605th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron flying crew chief, marshals five KC-46A Pegasus’ during the Neptune Series at Travis ce Base, Calif., Oct. 24. The joint air interoperability exercise is the first certification event for the KC-46A tankers assigned to Joint Base McGuire-Dixrst, N.J. (Far left) Senior Airman Lane Hilderbrand, 605th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron flying crew chief, checks the main landing gear pressure for the KC-46A Pegasus during the Neptune Series at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., Oct. 24.

(Left) Senior Airman Lane Hilderbrand, 605th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron flying crew chief, performs a pre-launch inspection on the KC-46A Pegasus during the Neptune Series at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., Oct. 23. The joint air interoperability exercise is the first certification event for the KC-46A Pegasus tankers assigned to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, November 16, 2023 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 9

PHYSICAL From Page 5

Fairchild’s OST consists of a physical therapist, a team specialist, a strength and conditioning coach and a licensed clinical social worker to improve injury prevention by molding a program for the unit in which they’re embedded.

Garrett said the 92nd MXS was selected for the embed program using an Air Force “Knowledge Exchange” omputer system’s data on units that may be at higher chance for work-related musculoskeletal injuries and mental health risks. After categorizing the units, the OST initiated discussions with the commanders of those units to see which of those could support the six-month embed timeline.

“We did a lot of data analysis and spent a lot of time talking with Lt. Col. Abigail Curtis, the 92nd MXS commander, about embedding with this unit,” said Garrett.

“The command team has been so supportive about it.”

According to Garrett, initiatives like this enable units to enhance their readiness by providing physical and mental help resources directly at the source, minimizing lost travel time and increasing accessibility.

“I think that this is a great stride forward in providing preventative health care,” Garrett explained. “We really need to try to prevent members from getting injured as much as possible. The fact that we’ve made step in that direction is great, and I hope we’re able to impact as many people as possible across the base.”

Photo by Airman 1st Class Clare Werner

Dali Phillips, the strength and conditioning specialist assigned to 92nd Medical Group’s Operational Support Team, coaches a group of Aerospace Ground Equipment Airmen on how to perform a stretch during an injury prevention class at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, Oct. 19. Phillips and the OST taught this class to help Airmen assigned to the 92nd Maintenance Squadron become more aware of common injuries relating to their career field and how to prevent them.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Clare Werner

Airmen assigned to the 92nd Maintenance Squadron sample healthy meals during a nutrition class at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, Oct. 31. The OST taught this class to help Airmen assigned to the 92nd MXS learn how easy meal preparation can be along with how simple it can be to make healthier food choices.

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RTIC

From Page 6

information; for example, two fighters can share target information between them over a data link, but thanks to RTIC, we now also have the ability to see some of that tactical information that we don’t normally get or wouldn’t want to ask for over the radio – it’s complicated to ask for things via voice.”

The tactics officer described how RTIC is a situational awareness and tactical awareness tool for aircrew.

“It gives us the ability to communicate more effectively in the combat environment,” he said. “It’s the main way that most of our ‘Blue Force’ [US partners and allies] systems are already sharing information; we’re basically just speaking the same language as most of the other tactical platforms that are out there.

“The benefits this new system brings include increased awareness, a form of tactical survivability and a secure way of communicating – it’s very hard to listen in to. It’s information sharing, and allows us to communicate in less permissive environments,” said Suhr. “Twenty years ago, if we needed to share information between two aircraft, we had to do it over voice radio; I had to key the mic and talk to you, then you would talk back. Then someone decided, ‘Hey, we should be able to do this computer-to-computer’ and I could then see a text message pop up on my screen. That’s way more efficient and it doesn’t take that extra time for someone to hear the message and process it. It just evolved from there.”

Suhr explained that RTIC allows the KC-135 to bridge communications with other platforms on the data link.

“Everything in the Blue Force must be data-link enabled because it’s the only way that we’ll be able to communicate effectively with each other in the future, due to the vast amount of information that we have to share.

The RTIC is bringing the KC-135 into the modern communication landscape,” he said.

The RTIC system will be invaluable to RAF Mildenhall’s KC-135 crew as it’s the first time they have had real situational awareness of what’s going on in the battlespace.

“What Link 16 gives our crews, on top of being able to communicate, is the ability to see all the other things that are in the link,” said Lt. Col. Tyler Berge, 100th Operations Group deputy commander. “It gives us threats, target data, locations of Blue Force partner nations that are playing, so

you can see it all. Right now, when I go out and fly, I have very little understanding of who’s around me or what’s out there – now, with RTIC, I have that; I can see it all on the screen that’s in front of me.

“We can see where threats are, and it gives us the ability to avoid them and push further into the fight, while remaining safe at the appropriate level of risk,” he remarked. “It also gives us situational awareness on other airplanes; right now, if I have a receiver coming to us to get gas, I might have an idea of where they’re coming from if I talk to tactical [command and control] or an air traffic control facility. With this, I can see where they are coming from, along with their air speeds and altitudes so I can make decisions on my own to put the tanker in the right spot in the air space to make the move happen faster and have a better plan of what’s going on by having all that information at my fingertips.”

Bergesaid the RTIC system displays nformation relevant to the warfighter, including map overlays, data from ground stations with Link 16 access and details on a multitude of different weapons systems.

“This is huge in providing survivability for us,” Berge said. “It enables us to utilize the most amount of airspace, while keeping our crew safe. It allows us to instantly see on the map how close we can get; before, I would take a chart and have to physically draw that onto a piece of paper or laminated chart and fly with it to work out where we were. Now, we have a GPS signal that gives us our exact location and the location of any threat, so I know instantly both where I need to turn before I go into the weapons engagement zone, and also the exact location of the receivers I’m refueling, where to meet them, and if I need to change direction.”

“It makes us even more effective; it keeps us safer and allows us to more of the airspace than we’ve ever been able to use before,” Berge said. “Communication is key – we’re used to always having tactical C2, so somebody from the air operations center or an air battle manager would tell us who needs gas and where we then need to go, now anybody who is on Link [16] can get on there and say, ‘I need a tanker’ and we can get on there and say, ‘I have extra gas – come to me!’ We have the ability to communicate and figure out who needs gas and who doesn’t. Instead of waiting on a receiver to come get their gas, only to find out they went home an hour ago, we now have the option of offering that gas to someone else. These types of capabilities will be huge, in a contested environment.”

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AWARDS From Page 3

“It is with great humility, gratitude and honor that I have the opportunity to recognize the actions of these mobility heroes,” said Gen. Mike Minihan, commander of AMC. “This recognition is long overdue but I hope everyone involved in this incredible operation knows our deepest appreciation for their sacrifice while saving more than 124,000 American and Afghan lives.”

The latest decorations were awarded from the sixth awards board reviewing the records of Airmen involved in OAR, the first hosted by AMC. A seventh board is scheduled at AMC next week.

“We continue to reveal incredible actions taken to carry out this mission and it is our duty to recognize each and every one of them,” said Minihan. “Airmen proved, once again, that they can make the impossible, possible. But, it came with great personal sacrifice and risk.”

Last year, in a historic announcement, AMC leadership announced 96 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 12 Bronze Star Medals, and a Gallant Unit Citation for those who supported the operation in 2021.

For additional information please reach out to Air Mobility Command Public Affairs at AMC.PA.ADO@us.af.mil or by phone at 618-229-8587.

KC-46 From Page 8

“Our Airmen and our aircraft are ready,” said Lt. Col. Joshua Crockett, 2nd ARS commander and MGFE commander. “This experience tested and validated our ability to rapidly project global airpower from home station anywhere at any time. Throughout this certification event I’ve witnessed the team’s ability to deliver with high levels of precision, consistently and over an extended duration. Without a doubt, our MGFE will fuel the joint force mission and maneuver at the tempo required to win.”

Multiple aspects of real-life deployment scenarios were incorporated to simulate a realistic atmosphere for the exercise, aiding in crew preparation for future missions. This training opportunity strengthened warfighter capabilities and successfully integrated AMC priorities.

“My primary role as intel was to integrate with the mission planning cell and provide knowledge of potential threats to our tankers, ensuring the safety and success of the mission,” said Airman 1st Class Antonio Ramirez, 305th OSS KC-46 Intelligence Support. “We contributed to this certification by providing a threat picture, which allowed our tankers to conduct strategic maneuvers to avoid said threats while conducting air refueling.”

The Neptune Series of events invested in readiness and strengthening global warfighting capabilities. This joint air interoperability exercise ushers JB MDL into a new era of rapid air mobility.

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ELECTRIC From Page 3

Located 10 miles north of Eglin Air Force Base, Duke Field was strategically selected as the test field for ALIA. The field is home to the Air Force’s rotary wing test squadron, the 413th Flight Test Squadron.

“All of the testing will be contractor owned and operated, but the 413th FLTS wrote the test and safety plan,” said Maj. Riley Livermore, 413th Flight Test Squadron flight commander. “We are responsible for coordinating daily flight operations to include range scheduling and logistics support. Then we’ll write a report following the conclusion of the test deployment to report our findings.”

AFWERX first partnered with BETA in December 2019 and has since awarded the company several contracts. Over the years, BETA has provided AFWERX with three simulators, including a mobile simulator that has conducted pilot training and demonstrations and two Level-3 electric chargers. The charger at Duke Field was completed Oct. 16 and is the first charging station on a military installation.

“Part of the testing process was to install an aircraft charger on a military installation to capture lessons learned and hopefully inform and accelerate future projects at different bases,” Livermore said. “The fixed charging station will also help us write procedures and safety requirements for the Air Force.

They’re currently not defined because the technology is new.”

The first ALIA flight test is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 7, 2023.

Photo by Jennifer Bryant

Col. Elliott Leigh, AFWERX director and chief commercialization officer for the Department of the Air Force, shakes the hand of Kyle Clark, founder and CEO of BETA Technologies, to celebrate the delivery of BETA’s ALIA electric aircraft to the Air Force for testing at Duke Field, Florida, Oct. 26. The field is home to the Air Force’s rotary wing test squadron, the 413th Flight Test Squadron.

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COMMUNITY

EVENTS

November base theater movies MacDill Base Library will be hosting 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/.

Powerlifting competition Contestants will be evaluated on three rounds of squats, dead lifts, and bench press. Prizes will be awarded to the first place male and female in each of the following weight categories: under 175 lbs. and over 176 lbs. Warm up starts at 11 a.m., competition starts at 11:15 a.m. Visit macdillfss.com/ short-fitness-center/ for more information.

MacWonderland, save the date Join the fun at the Breakaway Event Center on Friday, Dec.1 to kick off the start of the holiday season with the base tree-lighting and winter festival. There will be free treats, face painting, live reindeer, skating rink, photos with Santa, food trucks and tons of holiday cheer. This free event is open to everyone with access to MacDill AFB. For details, visit macdillfss.com/ macwonderland.

Youth soccer registration Youth co-ed soccer registration is now open for ages 5-12 now through Dec. 22. Youth Center member cost is $50 and non-member cost is $60. For more information, contact Youth Center Sports at 828-7958 or visit macdillfss.com/youth/.

Find more events at macdillfss.com

The Champ!

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster

U.S. Air Force Col. Edward Sczpanick, 6th Air Refueling Wing commander, left, and Chief Master Sgt. Raun Howell, right, recognize Tech. Sgt. Joseph Hoyer, 6th Operations Support Squadron air traffic control crew lead, during a Champion of the Week recognition at MacDill Air Force Base Nov. 7. Hoyer was recognized for managing and scheduling 25 Airmen and civilians, ensuring 24/7 coverage in support of the 6th ARW’s $48 million Flying Hour Program. The 6th ARW FHP is the highest performing flying program in Air Mobility 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.

Monday-Wednesday Mass - 12:10 p.m.

www.macdill.af.mil/chapel

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

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

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

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

Islamic Service - Friday 1:30 p.m. (space reserved) Other Faith Groups - Please contact the Chapel at (813) 828-3621 or via email at 6ARW.HCADMIN@us.af.mil

For more details and information, visit the Chapel Facebook page at http://www.facebook/6amwhc/ or MacDill’s Chapel website is: https://www.macdill.af.mil/chapel MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, November 16, 2023 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 15

EADS

From Page 2

and faster decisions that improve operational outcomes.

Kendall recognized the extraordinary progress achieved by the CBC2 team, highlighting their dedication and technical expertise.

“The successful deployment of the CBC2 system is a testament to the hard work and ingenuity of our Airmen,” he said. “Their dedication to advancing our command-and-control capabilities is instrumental in achieving the department’s second operational imperative — achieving operationally optimized Advanced Battle Management Systems — while maintaining technological superiority in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.”

CBC2 is being developed through the USAF’s agile software development methodology, which enables software developers to work with end users throughout the development process, in a collaborative approach encouraging adaptive planning, evolutionary development, continuous delivery and continual improvement.

NORAD’s and USNORTHCOM’s participation in combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control through CBC2 helps to eliminate stovepipes of information and data, and ensures operational users take part in developing future C2 systems essential to homeland defense.

EADS is the first NORAD and USNORTHCOM Air Defense Sector to launch the platform in what will be a continuous and iterative approach that consistently provides new capability in response to user-generated feedback.

As CBC2 transitions into its next phase of development, the program will focus on delivering the next release of capability to Canadian Air Defense Sector, or CADS. Both EADS and CADS should have the new system in place by mid-2024. Future releases are planned to take place at Air Defense Sectors in Alaska, Hawaii, and Washington throughout 2024.

EADS Commander Col. Joseph Roos said the new system could enhance the ability of operators to defend North America.

“The capabilities that the CBC2 platform

U.S. Air Force photo

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall acknowledging the hard work and initiative of the CBC2 team and recognizing the initial operating capability rollout of CBC2 as a success in bringing next generation technology to the forefront of national defense. could bring to our operators ensures they will have the most advanced and effective technologies to find, fix, track and target airborne threats,” Roos said.

EADS is permanently assigned to NORAD and reports directly to Continental U.S. NORAD Region, located at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. The bi-national sector, comprised

of New York Air National Guard members and a Canadian Forces detachment, is responsible for the aerospace defense of the eastern United States to include the National Capital Region around Washington, D.C., and supports NORAD’s Integrated Tactical Warning and Attack Assessment and Northern Command’s homeland defense missions.

Be sure to visit the official 6th Air Refueling Wing website at www.macdill.af.mil 16

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