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Let’s Go: Air Mobility commander lays out mobility warrior creed

by Maj. Hope Cronin

Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

ORLANDO, Fla.—A new mobility mantra began to echo between Airmen attending the Airlift/Tanker Association conference hosted in Orlando, Florida, Oct. 28-30 following AMC Commander Gen. Mike Minihan’s remarks during the first evening: “Let’s Go.”

“It’s a contract between us,” said Minihan. “It’s the mobility contract.”

Minihan outlined three layers of meaning behind the phrase, which he characterized as a warrior’s creed, during his virtual keynote speech with Airmen at the event.

“The first level of understanding is that you need to know that when I say “Let’s Go” to you, it means I appreciate the oath you took, I appreciate the uniform you wear, and I appreciate the fact that it takes all of us to get this done – and I’m expecting that it’s coming back that way to me,” said Minihan.

See WARRIOR CREED, Page 14

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Zachary Boyer

U.S. Air Force airmen attend Air Mobility Command commander Gen. Mike Minihan’s keynote speech during the 53rd Airlift/Tanker Association Convention in Orlando, Florida, Oct. 28th.

50th ARS boom operator recognized as best in AMC

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

Each 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.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Hastings

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.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Christopher Santos, 6th Maintenance Squadron maintenance unit section chief and senior fitness trainer, lifts a weighted ball during Airmen Fitness School at MacDill Air Force Base Nov. 16. MacDill’s Airmen Fitness School focuses on functional fitness activities and resiliency skills to build and sustain a thriving and resilient Air Force community. “A healthy and fit Airman has the capacity to deal with stress, fatigue, and ultimately reduce the risks they present to safety and the mission. This program is a way to get after those requirements that have been overlooked in the past and incorporate them into training a more well-rounded, resilient, and capable Airman,” said Santos. Staff Sgt. Rochelle James, Navajo Nation in Arizona member and 6th Security Forces Squadron, joined the Air Force because she felt it is “her turn” as the granddaughter of a Marine and Navajo Code Talker. Now she shares her culture with anyone who’s willing to listen.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Hastings

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Stacey Patterson, 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMXS) crew chief, latches on a boom sighting window to a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft at MacDill Air Force Base Nov. 19. Boom operators look out of boom sighting windows when refueling aircraft, making it imperative that the windows are properly secured.

MacDill investing in Airman development, empowerment

by Airman 1st Class Joshua Hastings

6th Air Refueling Wing/Public Affairs

Mission success within the Air Force only happens with its No. 1 asset— its people.

The Professional Development Center and Airman Leadership School teamed up to provide members at MacDill with the first-ever professional development week, which included classes on teamwork, emotional intelligence and leadership. These classes are part of an Air Force initiative to empower Airmen to be multi-capable and adaptable team builders, as well as courageous problem solvers who can deliver in any environment.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jose Lopez Rodriguez, 6th Force Support Squadron ALS instructor, facilitated several classes throughout the week.

Lopez Rodriguez said the majority of an Airman’s development throughout their career comes from on-the-job training catered toward the technical aspect of one’s duties, and that these classes help Airmen grow in other areas.

“We were thinking about the MacDill AFB team members,” Lopez Rodriguez said. “We all have different missions and responsibilities. There is a lot of power in sharing experiences and networking.”

See DEVELOPMENT, Page 13

Photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Warner

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jose Lopez Rodriguez, Airman Leadership School (ALS) instructor, facilitates a professional military education class at MacDill Air Force Base, Oct. 28, during Professional Military Education week.

From Page 2

For p a r e n t s n e e d i n g short-term child care — such as a babysitter — Barron said the DOD has partnered with “Sittercity.”

“If you go on to Military OneSource, we have waived the registration fee,” she said. “You can go right into the portal there and you can put in your information and a list of people will come up — and of course it’s up to you to talk to them and vet them and all of that. But they’ve had their background checks done.”

Barron said both the DOD and the services are working hard to improve access to child care for military service members and their families.

“ T h e r e ’s j u s t n e v e r enough child care, because we have a young force,” she said. “You know, we’re always going to have young people coming in, we’re always going to have babies ... and children.”

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Amy Lovgren

Airmen from the 133rd Airlift Wing, along with their families and friends, take part in Family Day activities in St. Paul, Minn., Sept. 14, 2019.

Airmen can apply for Rated Prep Program until Dec. 31

by Capt. Kenya Pettway

Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANT ONIO-RAN-

DOLPH, Texas (AFNS)—The Air Force extended the deadline for Airmen applying for the Rated Prep Program until Dec. 31.

Active duty Air Force officers and enlisted personnel interested in becoming rated officers have until Dec. 31 to apply for the Spring 2022 Air Force Rated Preparatory Program, scheduled for March 20-25, 2022, and March 27-April 1, 2022, in Denton, Texas.

U.S. Air Force rated career fields consist of pilots, combat systems officers, air battle managers and remotely piloted aircraft pilots.

RPP provides qualified Airmen interested in cross-training to an Air Force rated career field the opportunity to gain and strengthen basic aviation skills.

“The Rated Preparatory Program provides a unique opportunity for officers and enlisted personnel to become rated officers,” said Brig. Gen. Brenda P. Cartier, AETC director of operations and communications. “Through RPP, qualified Airmen gain skills they may have not had the opportunity or resources to gain before entering the Air Force. We want to provide our Airmen the tools to pursue their lifelong dream of flying in the Air Force — a dream they may have never thought possible.”

Program participants will receive self-paced ground training, about eight flight hours in a Civil Air Patrol Cessna 182 Skylane, and additional training in FAA-certified simulators — helping them become more competitive for rated selection boards.

“RPP has proven successful in improving students’ Air Force Officer Qualifying Test and Test of Basic Aviation Skills scores, which are

See RATED, Page 10

U.S. Air Force graphic

Courtesy photo

Afghan citizens are transported as part of Operation Allies Refuge, an emergency evacuation of more than 124,000 from Afghanistan in August. Members of the 91st. Air Refueling Squadron were instrumental in the success of the operation by providing refueling support and assisting Afghan children at Al Udeid Air Base.

91st ARS Airmen reflect on Operation Allies Refuge support

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

During their most recent deployment to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, not only did the 91st Air Refueling Squadron provide six months of air refueling support to U.S. Central Command operations, but it also demonstrated what it means to be multi-capable Airmen during the largest personnel evacuation operation in global history.

When the call came for the U.S. Air Force in August to ensure the airlift of more than 124,000 Americans and vulnerable Afghan citizens from Kabul, Afghanistan, the 91st ARS Airmen were tasked to both fuel the airlift mission and provide lifesaving aid to the children affected by their emergency evacuation from Afghanistan due to the Taliban takeover.

“There was an aircraft that came in that was full of children, and we went out there and started to help move them into a passenger terminal on base,” said Lt. Col. Ivan Blackwell, 91st ARS commander. “We ultimately became these children’s full-time caretakers; we worked to keep them safe and to provide essentials to them until the State Department could get them through in-processing.”

In addition to providing a haven and helping the Afghan children arriving at Al Udeid AB, the Airmen from the 91st ARS continued to complete their tasked flying missions, with more than 100 sorties flown in support of Operation Allies Refuge.

“The air refueling operations never stopped,” said Blackwell. “Many times, our Airmen had just flown or worked 12- to 15-hour days, however, they still wanted to work another eight hours helping the children.

“At times we had to force our Airmen to leave so they could get adequate crew rest to keep the flying mission going.”

According to Capt. Zachary Vadnais, a 91st ARS KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft pilot, when they received the notice that their six-month deployment would be extended, they understood the magnitude of what they were being tasked to support and the 91st ARS was ready

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michael Eiland, a boom operator assigned to the 91st Air Refueling Squadron and children from Afghanistan pose for a photo, Aug. 26, at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. Eiland and Airmen with the 91st ARS provided assistance to children evacuated from Afghanistan, during Operation Allies Refuge (photo was altered to protect children’s identity).

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Cassandra Wesley, a boom operator assigned to the 91st Air Refueling Squadron (ARS) and children from Afghanistan interact in a passenger terminal at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Aug. 26, 2021. In support of Operations Allies Refuge, 91st ARS Airmen were tasked to both fuel the airlift mission and provide lifesaving aid to the children affected by their emergency evacuation from Afghanistan (photo was altered to protect children’s identity).

From Page 7 considered at rated selection boards, by about 40 percent,” said Kathryn Gifford, AETC rated diversity improvement program analyst. “Of the 93 RPP students trained in fiscal years 19 and 20, 70 applied to the undergraduate flying training board, with 55 (78%) of applicants selected for a rated position.”

Airmen who can meet the requirements below are encouraged to apply.

Officer requirements:

u Be of high moral character. u Obtain group commander (or higher) approval and endorsement (on application). u Score at least minimum passing for the Air Force physical fitness test. u Take the AFOQT and TBAS to receive Pilot Candidate Selection Method initial scoring results prior to RPP. Then, retake the AFOQT and TBAS two-four weeks after completion of RPP. Note: The AFOQT and TBAS cannot be attempted more than three times total. RPP officials will provide an exception to policy for RPP graduates who require a waiver for retest intervals, and for those who have tested twice already. u Have less than five hours of total civilian flight time. Note: Applicants with greater than five hours of flight time will be considered on a space-available basis. u Prior to attending RPP, obtain the appropriate Air Force flight physical specific to the rated carrier field. For example, Initial Flying Class 1 for pilots. u Meet UFT board requirements post RPP in accordance with AFMAN 36-2100. u Review Civil Air Patrol-assigned study material prior to class start date.

Enlisted personnel requirements:

u Must be under 33 years of age on March 20, 2022. u Prior to attending RPP, have or obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with at least a 2.5 GPA. u After completion of RPP, apply to an Air Force officer commissioning source at the next available opportunity.

Airmen interested in applying to the program can find additional information via the call for nominations on MyPers here (CAC required).

For any questions, email AF.Rated.PrepProgramWorkflow@us.af.mil with “Attn: Rated Prep Program” as the subject line.

The Air Force Rated Preparatory Program is led by Air Education and Training Command’s Rated Diversity Improvement Team, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, and supported by Civil Air Patrol.

RPP is not a commissioning program, nor does it guarantee participants will be selected for an Air Force rated position.

Effective as of 22 NOV 2021

OPERATIONAL LIMITED SERVICES CLOSED MASK REQUIRED INDOORS REGARDLESS OF VACCINATION STATUS

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Common Access Card (CAC) - By Appointment 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 - By Appointment 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 of the Bay Bar Smoothie Bar (Fitness Center) 8 Iron Grill (Golf Course) Boomers Bar & Grill (Breakaway Event Center) Hangar 6 Grill (Bowling Center) SeaScapes Restaurant Fridays from 1500 - 2000; Limited drink menu; Food trucks available. AAFES Food Operations

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Main Base Pool - Lap Swim Only – Tues - Fri: 0600-0800 & 1030-1330 *No Reservations Required 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 DIY Auto Hobby Shop DIY Wood Shop Skeet Range Archery - by Reservations Only Car Wash/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 for walk-in customers and appointments. Classes & Workshops are a mixture of virtual and in person. Library Base Education Base Training Office Airman Leadership School Professional Development Center/FTAC WAPS/Vol. Education Testing Lodging (MacDill Inn)

From Page 8 to do its part.

“We were there to do one job and all of a sudden we had this other need arise,” said Vadnais. “So, we made the decision that we were going to do everything we could to offer help to these children.”

Over the course of two weeks, the 91st had provided aid to 84 children who were evacuated from Afghanistan to Al Udeid. In that time they provided food, water, shelter and even raised funds to purchase essentials for the children.

Although their deployment was extended, knowing that their participation ultimately helped improve and save the lives of these Afghan children made their efforts worthwhile.

“It was a squadron-wide effort and we could sense such a deep human need from these children,” said Vadnais. “It was an honor to help the helpless and give aid to these people when they needed it most.”

For both Blackwell and Vadnais, this deployment is one both will always remember.

“We saved lives on this deployment without a doubt,” said Blackwell. “Undeniably, there are people alive today thanks to Capt. Vadnais and a squadron full of Airmen just like him and I couldn’t be more proud of my team.”

In total the 91st Air Refueling Squadron flew more than 1,000 sorties during their deployment to Al Udeid and provided more than 4,000 man-hours assisting with efforts to support Afghan travelers in support of Operation Allies Refuge.

From Page 3

“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.”

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 Expeditionary 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.

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

From Page 5

Throughout the week, all Department of Defense personnel and civilians in attendance discussed their various perspectives while cultivating new relationships, according to Lopez Rodriguez.

“We spent a lot of time understanding the behaviors of a leader because there are many misconceptions out there,” said Lopez Rodriguez. “Once we know some of those qualities such as integrity, competence, courage and character, we can develop them and instill them in our force.”

Per the Airman’s Creed, being a leader is part of what it means to be an Airman. Developing the next generation of leadership within the Air Force coincides with the Air Force’s objective to accelerate change.

The members in the ‘Developing the Leader Within You’ class shared their thoughts with one another on how noncommissioned officers can be effective in guiding their subordinates and how to promote healthy work environments on all levels.

“I believe if you have faith in your Airmen, that goes a long way,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Sol Trinidad, a member of the 290th Joint Communications Support Element. “If you have faith in them, and show them that you have faith in them, maybe they will excel and become that leader that they could be.”

Air Force leadership will continue to be crucial in having success wherever the fight takes place. Team MacDill is committed to elevating Airmen to flourish in any role they may take on throughout their careers.

From Page 3

Minihan’s second layer of meaning identified “Let’s Go” as a contract between one another. It asserts an Airman is trained, ready and understands his or her role in the mission – and vice versa.

Minihan’s third and final layer of meaning to “Let’s Go” tied directly to the pacing challenge presented by China.

“They’re designing a force to defeat you – a boutique force to establish a new rules-based order that is led by them, that serves only them,” said Minihan.

Minihan spent nearly a decade supporting the Indo-Pacific Command mission prior to assuming command of AMC. The experience informed his focus and the impetus behind the warrior creed.

“The third level of understanding of ‘Let’s Go’ is that we all understand what the pacing challenge is – that we understand that the peace, prosperity and prestige of America is at stake here,” said Minihan. “We also understand that we are going to use winning language . . . and we are going to adopt a lexicon that gets after the win part.”

Minihan cited the creed as a professional contract that all mobility Airmen should understand moving forward.

“This is incredibly important work,” Minihan said. “‘Accelerate change and win’ isn’t just something we talk to, it’s something we have to walk to and deliver on. The peace, prosperity and prestige of America is counting on us to do our jobs. Let’s go!”