Thunderbolt 12/28/2023

Vol. 51, No. 52

Thursday, December 28, 2023

The year in photos- part I of II

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster

Photo by Airman Senior Airman Lauren Cobin

(Clockwise from top) Eighteen U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotankers assigned to the 6th and 927th Air Refueling Wings, and two U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawks assigned to the 5th Battalion, 159th Regiment, participate in Operation Violent Storm at MacDill Air Force Base April 26. A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, meets his family on the flight line at MacDill Air Force Base April 6. The Airman had just returned from a deployment in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Marine vessels patrol the Tampa Bay coastline during Operation Neptune Storm at MacDill Air Force Base May 17.

THE YEAR IN PHOTOS Cohen Allen, a Jefferson High School freshman, lays in the boompod of a KC-135 Stratotanker during a tour at MacDill Air Force Base March 14. Students with Jefferson High’s Kingsman Academy met pilots, boom operators and maintainers with the 6th Air Refueling Wing to gain exposure to various careers in the aviation field. Kingsman Academy is a leadership program focused on providing educational opportunities to African American youth.

Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin

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,

2

u

the Department of the Air Force or the 6th Air Refueling Wing.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force, 6th Air Refueling Wing or the Publishing Company of the products or service advertised.

For retail advertising, call (813) 226-3318.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron.

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, December 28, 2023 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

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 , FL 33621. Call the Thunderbolt at 828-2215. : 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.

THE YEAR IN PHOTOS

Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin

Crew chiefs with the 6th Maintenance Group pose for a photo after completing Operation Violent Storm at MacDill Air Force Base April 26. The exercise consisted of an “elephant walk,” with 18 KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft mobilizing through the efforts of more than 700 personnel from across the installation, all in under six hours.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Derrick Bole

Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin

A U.S. Army UH-60 Blackhawk assigned to the 159th Aviation Regiment hovers over MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Mar. 15, 2023. The UH-60 provides air assault, general support, aeromedical evacuation, command and control, and special operations support to combat, stability and support operations to the Army.

A civic leader from the Tampa Bay Chamber Military Advisory Committee poses for a photo during a tour at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, May 18, 2023. The civic leaders toured air crew flight equipment to gain a better understanding of the 6th ARW mission and the different roles associated with aviation.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, December 28, 2023 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 3

THE YEAR IN PHOTOS

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Alexander Cook

Reserve Officer Training Corps and Junior ROTC cadets, along with 6th Air Refueling Wing leadership pose for a group photo in front of a KC-135 Stratotanker during Military Career Day at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, April 28, 2023. The event provided an opportunity for students to receive an interactive tour featuring static displays, exhibits, and demonstrations of MacDill’s aircraft, units, and mission partners.

Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin

Photo by Airman 1st Class Michael Killian

Josh Hayes, a cornerback with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, tries on a A player on the 6th Security Forces softball team “Gobblers” laughs flight helmet during a tour at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, June 2, during the Police Week softball game at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, 2023. Groups like the Buccaneers visit MacDill to gain a better under- May 17, 2023. The softball tournament was held along with other events standing of the Air Force mission and the different roles associated with as part of Police Week which honors those who have made the ultimate military aviation. sacrifice in the line of duty.

4 WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Thursday, December 28, 2023 MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u

u

u

THE YEAR IN PHOTOS Airmen assigned to the 45th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron conduct medical response training at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, June 5th, 2023. The team executed simulated medical scenarios and a B-52 Stratofortress refueling mission in conjunction with the 50th Air Refueling Squadron.. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster)

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, December 28, 2023 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 5

THE YEAR IN PHOTOS

Photo by Senior Airman Joshua Hastings

The Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101 conducts training operations on the flight line at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, June 9, 2023.

The VMFAT-101 “Sharpshooters” are based out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, and train U.S. Marine Corps pilots on the F/A-18 for interdiction and close air support. The VMFAT-101 conducted a two-week training operation at MacDill.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Derrick Bole

Photo by Senior Airman Joshua Hastings

U.S. Air Force Col. Erich Schroeder, 6th Medical Group commander, U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Denlie Cadangan, 6th Operations Suppasses the 6th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron guidon to Col. port Squadron air traffic control apprentice, reviews information during Deana Dominguez, 6th OMRS commander, during a change of com- on-the-job training at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, June 21, 2023. mand ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, June 15, 2023. The Air Force air traffic control specialists are responsible for managing the passing of the guidon symbolizes the official start of Dominguez’s ten- flow of aircraft through all aspects of flight and ensure the safety and efficiency of assets on the ground and in the air. ure as the new 6th OMRS commander.

6 WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM Thursday, December 28, 2023 MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u

u

u

THE YEAR IN PHOTOS

Photo by Airman 1st Class Sterling Sutton

Service members assigned to joint special operations forces parachutes during a low altitude training mission over MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, June 8, 2023. In order to maintain their jump status, paratroopers and special operations forces must complete routine jump training.

Be sure to visit the official 6th Air Refueling Wing website at www.macdill.af.mil MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, December 28, 2023 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 7

THE YEAR IN PHOTOS

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster

Airmen assigned to the 50th Air Refueling Squadron prepare for deployment at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 28, 2023. The team departed to the U.S. Central Command’s Area of Responsibility in support of Air Mobility Command’s objective to project, connect, maneuver, and sustain combat power anywhere on the globe, from the ground up.

An A-10C Thunderbolt II assigned to the 122nd Fighter Wing, Fort Wayne Air National Guard Base, Indiana, is shown on the flight line at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, March 15, 2023. The A-10C is a twin-engine jet aircraft that can be used against light maritime attack aircraft and all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles.

Photo by Senior Airman Joshua Hastings

8

u

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, December 28, 2023 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

THE YEAR IN PHOTOS

Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin

U.S. Air Force recruits tour the 6th Security Forces Squadron at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, June 14, 2023. Recruits from across Florida toured MacDill to gain a better understanding of the Air Force mission and the different roles associated with military aviation.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, December 28, 2023 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 9

THE YEAR IN PHOTOS

Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Cobin

U.S. Air Force Col. Cory Damon, vice commander of the 6th Air Refueling Wing, is drenched with water after his fini flight at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, April 26, 2023. The final flight, or fini flight, is a tradition among pilots and aircrew to celebrate one’s last flight with their unit or on a certain airframe.

U.S. Air Force Academy cadets tour the 6th Medical Group building at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, June 13, 2023. The cadets visited MacDill and toured multiple facilities to help them pick out their future careers in the Air Force.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Derrick Bole

10

u

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, December 28, 2023 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

THE YEAR IN PHOTOS

Photo by Deb Henley

(Badge was blurred for security reasons) Lt. Col. Erica Stooksbury discusses the execution of the Regional Air Movement Coordination Center exercise with Anne Smerekanicz, 505th Combat Training Squadron RAMCC lead, at Hurlburt Field, Fla., May 17, 2023. The RAMCC exercise tested air operations centers and trained two air component specialty teams to respond to a humanitarian aid/disaster relief, or HA/DR, operations.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Cameron Miller, 6th Security Forces Squadron operations officer, fires an M18 pistol at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, June 8, 2023. Miller practiced drills with the handgun to prepare for a concealed carry course test. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Derrick Bole)

Photo by Airman 1st Class Derrick Bole

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, December 28, 2023 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 11

EVENTS 6th FSS holiday hours For a full list of 6 Force Support Squadron program facilities, dining options, and recreational facility closures for the Holidays, visit bit.ly/DecHolidayHrs. New Year’s Eve Party Step into a New Year’s celebration like no other.

Join us for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve bash at SeaScapes Restaurant, where the glimmering waters meet a night of indulgence and excitement!

Tickets are limited. Tickets include party favors/ hats, food, champagne toast at midnight, DJ, and karaoke. Doors open at 6 p.m., $20 per person or $35 per couple. For more information visit bit.ly/ NYE23party.

2024 Theme Park passes on sale Universal Orlando’s 2024 Military Freedom Pass and Disney World’s Armed Forces Salute tickets are now available at the ITT office located inside the BX on MacDill. Visit the MacDill ITT office inside the BX or visit macdillfss.com/information-tickets-travel/ today!

Biggest Loser Challenge Get a jump start on your “New Year, New Me” fitness goals with the Short Fitness Center’s Biggest Loser Challenge. Register now through January 5. All weigh-ins are in person. Stop by the front desk or visit macdillfss.com/short-fitnesscenter for more information.

Find more events at macdillfss.com

12

u

WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, December 28, 2023 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT