17 minute read
Week in photos
Photo by Senior Airman Brandt Self
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Anthony Stuart, a military working dog handler assigned to the 39th Security Forces Squadron, waits with his K-9 partner, Nico, prior to a joint training event at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Nov. 22. Explosive ordnance disposal, medical and military working dog experts conducted operations to detect explosive devices, react to enemy contact, prepare wounded personnel for evacuation and provide followon care at fortified medical facilities.
Photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew D. Sarver
The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” perform their last show of the 2021 season at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Nov. 10. The Thunderbirds perform for people around the world displaying the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents.
Photo by Senior Airman Michael Janker
Airmen from the 914th Air Refueling Wing, Air Force Reserve, and the 107th Attack Wing, Air National Guard, greet members of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts as they prepare to enter the field at Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, N.Y., Nov. 21. The game, hosted by the Buffalo Bills, was designated as a Salute to Service game honoring service members, veterans and their families.
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
Follow Us on facebook @macdillfss macdillfss.com
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)
Annual DoD Housing Survey underway for tenant feedback
6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
The Department of the Air Force is asking tenants of privatized housing to share their experiences and opinions of the programs via the DoD Tenant Satisfaction Survey through Dec. 13.
The survey, administered by CEL & Associates, Inc., is currently available through an email link to all MacDill AFB residents between Oct. 28 and Dec. 13. The OMB Control Number is: 0704-0553. The Department of the Air Force is funding the survey, and CEL & Associates is an independent third-party provider.
By using a third-party firm, service members and their families can provide their open,
See SURVEY, Page 12
U.S. Air Force photo
A U.S. flag flies on a MacDill Air Force Base housing unit in 2015. The Department of the Air Force is asking tenants of privatized housing to share their experiences and opinions of the programs via the DoD Tenant Satisfaction Survey through Dec. 13.
M o s a i c T i g e r 2 2 - 1 h i g h l i g h t s A C E i n a u s t e re l o c a t i o n s
by Airman 1st Class Briana Beavers
23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga.—Although the Mosaic Tiger 22-1 exercise operated mainly from Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, its success would not have been possible without simulated contingency locations.
Among many things, this Lead-Wing exercise tested the ability of purpose-built rescue and attack assets to conduct operations in austere locations. In the second iteration of Mosaic Tiger, Moody incorporated locations such as MacDill Air Force Base and Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida, to highlight its Agile Combat Employment capabilities.
“During Mosaic Tiger, we will deploy to a forward operating base and from there we will forward deploy to contingency locations, which are basically stripped-down runways,” said Maj. Zachary McClelland, 23rd Wing A5/7 director of plans. “We will project combat power using our contingency location teams to get our aircraft back in the fight which will make it much more difficult for a strategic competitor to attack our assets.”
The ACE and Lead-Wing concepts combat potential contention from strategic competitors in the future. By mobilizing assets throughout multiple contingency locations, targeting becomes more difficult for opposing forces.
“Our bases are no longer sanctuaries,” said Lt. Col. Edward Brady, 75th Fighter Squadron commander. “As we look at potential armed conflict with a state such as Russia and China, the problem that we’re facing is ‘how does the (Air Force) generate air power from bases that are not as secure.’”
The 23rd Wing worked to solve that problem and experienced the benefits of ACE.
“We were able to more quickly launch, recover and maintain aircraft from dispersed locations,” McClelland said. “This will allow us to hold (strategic competitors) at risk from (austere) locations that are defendable and easy to relocate.”
The potential benefits ACE provides for projecting combat power come with challenges for Command and Control (C2), which is how operational decisions from the commander reach dispersed forces.
However, the dedicated members of Moody AFB worked to combat that issue.
“(The Deployed Intelligence Combat Element kit) gives us the ability to pick up and move to a bare base in a condensed amount of time and re-establish our communications,” said Master Sgt. Shane Law, 23rd WG A2 superintendent. “If something popped off on the other side of the globe, we can go there, then set up a Combat Intelligence Cell in about 30 minutes.”
The DICE kit allows intel analysts to easily establish secure communications downrange with a smaller footprint.
Throughout the exercise, the A-staff managed communications systems like DICE kits, which allowed Airmen at contingency locations the ability to accurately execute the commander’s intent.
“We made a lot of strides,” said Col. Ryan Hayde, 23rd WG vice commander and Mosaic Tiger’s Air Expeditionary Wing commander. “I think we definitely showed that the staff concept can work with the Lead Wing. I definitely saw a lot of improvement throughout the week as far as how the staff was executing as we ran through a lot of challenges.”
With ACE being such a robust concept, obstacles come with opportunities for multiple solutions.
“There are a lot of variables to Air Force Generation and ACE, we will try things and adjust as needed, and we surely won’t get it 100 percent correct at the start, but that is why we test and apply lessons to make it better,” said Maj. Gen. Mark Slocum, Air Combat Command director of operations, during an ACC strategic validation exercise in August. “You’re a part of a massive change that’s coming for our forces for the future fight … this is an exciting time to be in the Air Force and bring needed change for our warfighters.”
The implementation of ACE is a strategy that is helping to evolve the Air Force and its operations. With ACE in place, the Air Force is continually adapting to provide air dominance and support to military operations around the globe.
Photo by Staff Sgt. Melanie A. Bulow-Gonterman
U.S. Air Force tactical air control party Airmen assigned to the 15th Air Support Operations Squadron walk across the flightline during Mosaic Tiger 22-1 at Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida, Nov. 16. Mosaic Tiger 22-1 allowed Team Moody to practice Agile Combat Employment and Lead-Wing concepts at simulated contingency locations.
Photo by Staff Sgt. Melanie A. Bulow-Gonterman
A U.S. Air Force tactical air control party Airman assigned to the 15th Air Support Operations Squadron, looks through a scope during Mosaic Tiger 22-1 at Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida, Nov. 17. TACPs provide medium range reconnaissance, command and control, and precision strike capability to the Combined Forces Air Component Commander.
Photo by Senior Airman Jasmine M. Barnes
U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 23rd Wing and 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing prepare to travel to Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida, during Mosaic Tiger 22-1, Nov. 16. Mosaic Tiger tested the expeditionary skills of the contingency location teams, which included Airmen from various career fields. Avon Park and MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, were used as the simulated contingency locations during the exercise.
Academic achievers can score rewards with Exchange’s You Made the Grade program
by Keiana Holleman
DALLAS—The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is saluting military children who excel in the classroom—and those good grades are paying off.
The Exchange’s You Made the Grade program, now in its 22nd year, rewards academic excellence for students in first through 12th grades, including those who are home schooled. Students who maintain a B average or higher are eligible to receive a $5 Exchange gift card each grading period during the 2021-22 school year.
Military students face unique challenges. According to the Department of Defense Education Activity, military children move six to nine times before graduating high school—three times more often than civilian children.
“Military life poses challenges that our youngest heroes consistently overcome,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Osby, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “Military kids face multiple moves, new schools and parental deployments. The Exchange’s You Made the Grade program celebrates the resiliency of military students and rewards their hard work in the classroom.”
Students who make the grade qualify to enter a worldwide sweepstakes to win a $2,000, $1,500 or $500 Exchange gift card. Drawings are held in December and June. The most recent sweepstakes winners were from Travis Air Force Base, Fort Hood and U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys.
To receive the $5 gift card, students can visit their local PX or BX customer service area and present a valid military ID with proof of a B average or higher.
To enter the You Made the Grade sweepstakes, students can complete the form on the back of the gift card reward sleeve and mail it to:
You Made the Grade
PO Box 227398
Dallas, TX 75222-7398
Students can submit one sweepstakes entry for each grading period. The next drawing will take place in December.
Facebook-friendly version: Good grades pay off at the Exchange! High-achieving students can score rewards each grading period and a chance to win a share of $4,000 in gift cards with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s You Made the Grade program. Read more:https:// wp.me/p9Q7PG-1V2
For free, unlimited access to all the fun things to do in Tampa Bay and to sign up for weekly emails, visit
MACDILL COMMISSARY SANTA VISIT
2021
DECEMBER 10, 2021 12:00PM-2:00PM
From Page 7 honest and anonymous impressions of living in privatized or government-owned housing. The survey data will be shared with Air Force housing program leaders and project owners to continue improving both the government and privatized housing experience.
The survey results guide the decisions the Department of the Air Force makes today and will impact future generations of members and their families.
The survey has been distributed since the inception of the privatized housing program in the mid-1990s in varying forms funded by privatized project owners. This year, all the military departments were tasked to jointly review the survey questions on an annual basis and the standardized questions are used across all military departments for both privatized and government family housing.
With the Air Force funding the survey, housing program leaders will receive and review the survey data and comments for completeness and accuracy before it’s released to privatized project owners.
Residents are encouraged to check the primary email address on file with the privatized project owner to ensure it is an email address other than a .mil or .gov to avoid any issues in receiving the survey link.
Residents are also encouraged to add AirForceHousingSurvey@celassociates.com to their allowed senders to prevent blockage from antispam software in their email.
Surveys were emailed out to MacDill AFB residents on or shortly after Oct. 28, residents who have not received an email link can contact AirForceHousingSurvey@celassociates.com for assistance.
For more information about the DoD Annual Tenant Satisfaction Survey, contact MacDill’s Military Housing Office at the following:
MacDill Military Housing Office Email: macdill.housing@us.af.mil Phone: 828-5404 OMB Control Number is: 0704-0553
Photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Hastings
A KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft sits parked on the flight line at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Nov. 9, 2021. The refueling capabilities of the KC-135 enable the air assets of the Defense Department and partner nations to travel freely without the need of a safe haven on land.
From Page 3 the important work of our predecessors. Just as we did in CAP’s early years, volunteers continue to perform vital missions for America, including homeland security, youth training, the advancement of science and technology, and so much more. Our proud past is a launching pad for us to rocket into the future.”
Civil Air Patrol was founded in December 1941, one week before the U.S. entered World War II. Since then, its mission has evolved over the past eight decades to meet the ever-changing needs of America’s communities with advanced lifesaving technology and world-class programs in youth development and education.
As the operator of the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft, CAP also serves as the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force to perform emergency services duties as assigned, including conducting search and rescue missions; supporting local, state, and federal agencies after natural disaster; providing pandemic relief; participating in joint training exercises; and more.
In 2015, Civil Air Patrol became a Total Force partner of the Air Force in a noncombatant role, complementing the combined efforts of the Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard to preserve life and relieve suffering.
“Congratulations, and happy anniversary, Civil Air Patrol. I’m happy to be here with you, and to be working with you as a partner every day,” said Brig. Gen. William D. Betts, vice commander, First Air Force and Air Forces Northern Command, who touted the organization’s ability to always adapt so that its members stay mission-ready.
“Some of the technology used in emergency services missions today did not exist decades ago — GPS, forward-looking infrared, 3D scanning capabilities, digital photography, cell forensics and more, have changed the way CAP operates and the results are impressive, saving more lives, preserving property, and relieving human suffering in ways that could not have been imagined decades ago. This is what makes CAP an invaluable Total Force partner. The investment in dollars and lives saved is a hallmark of CAP.”
Civil Air Patrol’s education programs for youth span grades K-12 with science-based aviation and aerospace education curriculum, interactive STEM kits, and career exploration. Volunteer University, the organization’s adult learning center of excellence, provides online, onsite, and on-demand opportunities for adult members to hone existing skills and learn new ones to help create a highly trained and effective volunteer workforce.
Programs for CAP cadets aged 12-18 focus on developing well-rounded community-minded servant leaders by integrating education, enhancing physical fitness, increasing confidence and more. Civil Air Patrol is also helping address the looming national pilot shortage with innovative programs like Cadet Wings that provide scholarships to train cadets 17 and older to be private pilots — an opportunity that can change the trajectory of a young life.
Today’s Civil Air Patrol looks different than it did 80 years ago, but at its core the organization remains the same — serving in meaningful ways that meet the nation’s needs in ways no other organization can match.
“You should all be proud of the work you do as selfless volunteers of serving America’s communities, saving lives, and shaping futures,” Betts said. “You should be equally proud and grateful for the work of those who came before you, to bring us this far, and prepare Civil Air Patrol for the next 80 years.”
EVENTS
Fridays at Seascapes
Seascapes Bar is open every Friday from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. with food trucks and a full bar. Find more info at macdillfss.com/seascapes
Free golf lessons Wednesdays
For active duty and their spouses from noon – 1 p.m. Golf balls and clubs provided.
Youth soccer registration
Registration extended until Dec. 10 for youth soccer on base. Register your child ages 3-12 at the youth center or by calling 828-7438. Visit macdillfss.com/ youth for more information.
Holiday Golf Outing, Dec. 11
8 a.m. shotgun start on the South course. Two-person teams. Dress in your best holiday attire. Visit macdillfss.com/bay-palmsgolf-complex for more information.
Library Holiday Bash, Dec. 11
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Join us at the base library for holiday fun for all ages. We will have crafts, activities, games, holiday movies and Grinch popcorn. Visit macdillfss. com/library for more information.
Santa’s Helper 5K – Dec. 17
Join us at the Short Fitness Center for the Santa’s helper 5K. Run, walk or jog your way around MacDill AFB in your most festive attire to win prizes. Visit macdillfss.com/short-fitness-center for more information.
Find more events at: macdillfss. com
New homes for fish!
Photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Hastings
Volunteers install oyster reef balls along the shoreline at MacDill Air Force Base Dec. 2. The install was part of a MacDill initiative to help reduce erosion and improve coastal resiliency, provide an attachment surface for oysters to grow on which will filter the water, and provide habitat for numerous species of fish and wildlife.
CHAPEL SCHEDULE
Normal Hours- Monday - Friday - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. After hours chaplain, call 828-4362/4361.
Monday-Thursday Mass - 12:10 p.m.
www.macdill.af.mil/chapel Catholic (in-person) - Sunday - 8 & 9:30 a.m.
Protestant services (virtual) -Sunday -
11 a.m. at www.facebook.com/6amwhc
Other Faith Groups
Off-base referral as needed
For more details and information, visit the Chapel Facebook page at http://www.facebook/6amwhc/
