Thunderbolt 02/10/2022

Vol. 50, No. 6

Thursday, February 10, 2022

24th SOW Det. 1’s first readiness exercise

- page 8

News/Features: page 3 Outstanding Airman

News/Features: page 3 Optimized flying

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

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

Photo by Airman 1st Class Hiram Martinez U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ismael Hayes, the noncommissioned officer in charge of Air Transportation for the 24th Special Operations Wing (SOW), Detachment 1, and Airman 1st Class Zoe Stough, a ground transportation support operator with the 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron, load cargo onto a semi-truck at MacDill Air Force Base Feb. 1. The 6th LRS ensured all cargo was prepared for loading, conducted safety inspections to prevent any hazardous situations, and exchanged feedback with the 24th SOW, Det. 1 Airmen throughout the exercise.

NEWS/FEATURES

McKenzie says ISIS leader who died during U.S. raid was ‘evil’

by Terri Moon Cronk DOD News The ISIS leader who died during a U.S. Special Operations long-range helicopter raid on a mission to capture him in northwest Syria was “every bit as evil and committed to attacks on the United States and its partners as was his predecessor [Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi],” said Marine Corps Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., commander of U.S. Central Command.

McKenzie spoke to the Middle East Institute yesterday on the latest developments in U.S. strategy and the challenges and opportunities facing the United States and its regional partners in the year ahead. He also commented on Wednesday night’s raid in Syria, part of Centcom’s area of responsibility.

Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, also known as Haji Abdullah, refused to give himself up to U.S. special operators and killed himself in a massive explosion, McKenzie said. There were no U.S. casualties.

“While Baghdadi was iconic and a philosopher, in ISIS, [Abdullah] was actually far more of an operational planner and director of operations,” the general said. “He was directly or indirectly responsible for numerous atrocities, including those against the Yazidis early on and ISIS’ reign of terror in Iraq and Syria,” he added.

“He killed himself and his immediate family without fighting, even as we attempted to call for his surrender and offered him a path to survive,” he said, noting that Abdullah was ejected from the building during the explosion and was identified by fingerprint and DNA analyses.

“I want to commend the expertise and bravery of the U.S. forces that executed the mission and our interagency partners who planned, supSee ISIS LEADER, Page 12

Photo bt Navy Capt. William Urban

Marine Corps Gen. Frank McKenzie, the commander of U.S. Central Command, directs operations with Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Farrell J. Sullivan, commander of the Naval Amphibious Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Afghanistan, Aug. 17.

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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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

6th CPTS Airman goes above and beyond for Team MacDill

by Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin “Finance is often something people dread,” admits Senior Airman Bryan Chappell, a financial service technician assigned to the 6th Comptroller Squadron (CPTS).

From determining the availability of funds to processing the dispersing of payments and performing audits, Airmen assigned to the 6th CPTS recognize the importance of their role in serving the military community.

“To succeed in the world of finance you definitely need to have attention to detail, especially working with pay,” said Staff Sgt. Uniqua Miles, a 6th CPTS travel team supervisor. “You have to be customer service oriented and able to put customers at ease by demonstrating sensitivity towards each unique situation.”

For Chappell, his passion for helping others and dedication to his team is what has driven him to successfully ensure customers are taken care of.

See OUTSTANDING, Page 11

Photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Bryan Chappell, a financial service technician with the 6th Comptroller Squadron (CPTS), poses for a photo outside of his office at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Jan. 27. Chappell has been recognized as an outstanding Airman from the 6th CPTS for his exceptional customer service skills, innovation and many other contributions which have left a positive impression on his team.

Air Force launches pilot program to incentivize optimized flying Air Force Operational Energy ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS)—As part of its effort to streamline operations and increase aircraft range and capability, the Department of the Air Force launched the pilot Mission Execution Excellence Program to incentivize optimized flying on aircraft that consume the most fuel across the enterprise.

MEEP will encourage Airmen to increase their use of efficient flying ‘best practices,’ which will not impact their mission and training requirements, through direct and indirect incentives.

The pilot phase will focus primarily on C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, the largest Air Force fuel consumers, at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, and Travis Air Force Base, California, and will continue through December 2022. MEEP will mainly work with pilots and operations planners, as well as maintainers and logisticians, and will leverage Airman innovation to integrate improved techniques See FLYING, Page 13

Courtesy graphic

As part of its effort to streamline operations and increase aircraft range and capability, the Department of the Air Force launched the pilot Mission Execution Excellence Program to incentivize optimized flying on aircraft that consume the most fuel across the enterprise. MEEP will encourage Airmen to increase their use of efficient flying ‘best practices,’ which will not impact their mission and training requirements, through direct and indirect incentives.

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WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Staff Sgt. Betty R. Chevalier

U.S. Air Force Gen. Mark D. Kelly, commander of Air Combat Command, operates a Quad-legged Unmanned Ground Vehicle during a base security demonstration at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Jan. 24. The 325th Fighter Wing is the Department of Defense’s first Installation of the Future and will stand as the foundation to future installation designs. Kelly visited to gain a better perspective on Tyndall’s recent advancements.

(Far left) U.S. Air Force pararescuemen from the 57th Rescue Squadron perform a static line jump over Aviano Air Base, Italy, Jan. 12. The training exercise ensures the Airmen can accomplish their mission sets including personnel recovery and combat search and rescue.

U.S. Special Operations Command photo

Photo by Senior Airman Thomas S. Keisler IV

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(Left) U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Tim Szymanski, U.S. Special Operations Command deputy commander, retired from the U.S. Navy during a ceremony Jan. 28 in historic Hangar 5 on MacDill Air Force Base.

Szymanski’s retirement marks the end of a 37-year career that began when he graduated from the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, and was commissioned into the U.S. Navy as a naval surface warfare officer in 1985.

NEWS/FEATURES DAF announces Spark Tank ‘22 finalists

by Isabel Zaru-Roque Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS)—The Department of the Air Force’s Spark Tank program enters its fifth year and is poised to again highlight the creative and innovative spirit amongst our Airmen and Guardians. The Air and Space Force vice chiefs, along with other senior leaders across both services, selected six ideas to advance. The finals will be held at the Air Force Association’s Aerospace Warfare Symposium as senior leaders decide who will be declared winner of Spark Tank ‘22 and take possession of the coveted 3D printed Spark Tank trophy.

As the Department’s flagship innovation event, Spark Tank plays a central role in establishing the Department’s strategic mindset for delivering future capabilities. In his 2020 whitepaper titled “Accelerate Change or Lose,” Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.said, “The United States needs an Air Force that can fly, fight, and win in the air domain as a member of the joint team. In recent years, faced with lesser adversaries, we have taken air superiority for granted, and it is easy to forget that the joint force loses without access to the air and the ability to deny that access to our enemies.”

Similarly, in “Spacepower, Doctrine for Space Forces,” Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond stated, “As a lean, mission-focused, digital service, the United States Space Force values organizational agility, innovation, and boldness. Elevating these traits starts with empowering small teams and prizing measured risk-taking as opportunities to rapidly learn and adapt. These principles apply equally to operations and day-to-day tasks. The United States Space Force must draw upon these traits to relentlessly advance military space power for the nation.”

“Spark Tank presents each Airman and Guardian with the opportunity to leave a mark of excellence on our core competencies through an improvement or innovation born of their subject matter expertise and ingenuity,” said Brou Gautier, Spark Tank director. “It also affords us occasion to celebrate those risk-takers, idea makers and intrapreneurs who refused to accept the status quo and developed solutions that advance our capabilities or improve our return on investment in order to inspire more of the same.”

Co-produced by the Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, Management Rich Lombardi, and AFWERX, this annual event is designed to unleash our total force innovation capacity, reflecting leadership’s continued efforts to empower intrapreneurs, celebrate their problem-solving skills and give them a stage to share their ideas with fellow service members, the Department’s senior leaders, and the world. Only the top 3% of ideas submitted to the Spark Tank campaign were selected to compete as finalists.

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NEWS/FEATURES Reduce your risk of developing cancer

by By Greg Chadwick Air Force Materiel Command Health & Wellness Team WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio—Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. About one of every three Americans will develop some form of malignancy during his or her lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Our genes, lifestyle, and the environment around us work together to increase or decrease our risk of getting cancer. Each person’s cancer risk is made up of a combination of these factors.

A cancer risk factor is anything that increases your chance of developing cancer; a cancer protective factor is anything that decreases your See CANCER, Page 14

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Courtesy graphic

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. About one of every three Americans will develop some form of malignancy during his or her lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Genes, lifestyle, and the environment work together to increase or decrease risk of getting cancer. Each person’s cancer risk is made up of a combination of these factors.

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24th SOW Det. 1 conducts first readiness exercise under AFSOC story and photos by Airman 1st Class Hiram Martinez 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

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irmen from the 24th Special Operations Wing, Detachment 1, participated in their first joint deployment exercise since transitioning from United States Special Operations Command to Air Force Special Operations Command Jan. 31 - Feb. 1, at MacDill Air Force Base.

The 24th SOW, Det. 1 conducted the exercise to validate their ability to provide short-notice civil engineering, force protection and logistics support toward a wide variety of special operation missions across the globe.

During the exercise, Airmen secured their cargo, prepared it for loading, and ensured it was ready for a safety inspection.

“This is our first deployment exercise under AFSOC,” said Tech. Sgt. Ismael Hayes, the noncommissioned officer in charge of Air Transportation for the 24th SOW, Det. 1. “We wanted to get an understanding of some of our new roles and how we would proceed with our missions from here on out.”

Hayes added that although the transition from SOCOM to AFSOC did not entirely change their mission, it would help them get it done faster.

“We’re all about time,” said Hayes, “Now that we’re working with AFSOC, we’re able to work seamlessly with other units across the 6th Air Refueling Wing.”

Alongside the 24th SOW, Det. 1, were Airmen from the 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron, conducting safety inspections and providing cargo loading support throughout the exercise.

“Working with the 24th SOW was definitely interesting,” said Staff Sgt. Nasya Didomenico, a passenger terminal representative with the 6th LRS. “We ensured that all the cargo was prepared for loading, conducted the safety inspections to prevent any hazardous situations, and exchanged feedback with the Airmen conducting the exercise.”

Didomenico added that the 24th SOW Airmen were extremely efficient during the exercise and the 6th LRS is looking forward to a higher operations tempo now that the 24 SOW, Det. 1 is under AFSOC. “We definitely still have the same mentality when it comes to doing our job,” said Hayes. “However, we’re very much looking forward to what the future has in store for us being able to work under AFSOC and with the support of the 6th ARW.”

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ismael Hayes, the noncommissioned officer in charge of Air Transportation for the 24th Special Operations Wing (SOW), Detachment 1, and Airman 1st Class Zoe Stough, a ground transportation support operator with the 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron, load cargo onto a semi-truck at MacDill Air Force Base Feb. 1. The 24 SOW, Det. 1 conducted their first joint deployment exercise since transitioning from United States Special Operations Command to Air Force Special Operations Command.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ismael Hayes the noncommissioned officer in charge of Air Transportation for the 24th Special Operations Wing, Detachment 1, helps load cargo at MacDill Air Force Base Feb. 1. The 24th SOW, Det. 1 conducted the exercise in order to validate their ability to provide short-notice civil engineering, force protection, and logistics support toward a wide variety of special operation missions across the globe.

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U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Felix Alvarez, a 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron (LRS) dispatch operator, tosses a cargo rope during a joint deployment exercise at MacDill Air Force Base Feb. 1.

The 6th LRS regularly assists multiple tenant units stationed at MacDill, ensuring cargo is secure and ready to ship anywhere in the world.

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SPARK TANK From Page 5

Spark Tank 2022 Finalists: Blood Delivery by UAV Maj. Giselle Rieschick 99 Medical Support Squadron Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada Air Combat Command

F-22 Project FoX (Fighter Optimization Experiment) Maj. Allen Black 412th Test Wing Edwards AFB, California Air Force Materiel Command

Custom Facemasks for Fighter Pilots and Beyond Maj. Ryan Sheridan 10th Air Base Wing USAFA, Colo.

United States Air Force Academy

Time is a critical aspect in combat casualty care. The sooner a combat casualty receives definitive care, particularly within the “golden hour” after injury, the better the chance of survival. The timely availability of blood products within the “golden hour” is essential to saving lives. Recent advancements in the medical use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, highlight the increased efficiency and reduced costs across a number of uses including blood delivery.

The F-22 Raptor was recently upgraded with an Open Systems Architecture Rack (OSA) which opens the door to revolutionize the way in which F-22 mission systems are developed and acquired. Project FoX, or the Fighter Optimization Experiment, provides a transformative way to accelerate the delivery of new software capabilities to the aircraft while decreasing the cost by taking a tablet connected to a government interface that puts the aircraft data into a common format. This allows the aircraft to have some of the best applications downloaded that are portable across platforms and provide real test, training, and tactical benefits.

Are our pilots struggling with oxygen masks that don’t fit? Where is the line between “fit” and “comfort”? We have the capability, but not the capacity to solve a problem that many warfighters suffer with in silence. Advanced 3D imaging, local design, and rapid prototyping will utilize a robust network infrastructure to align civilian partnerships to support the diverse facial features of our pilots with customized masks to optimize the human weapon system.

Aerial Tow Rehookup - Novel Range Extension Cadet Grant Schlichting United States Air Force Academy Cadet Wing USAFA, Colorado United States Air Force Academy The Airborne Aircraft Carrier has become a reality. Instead of constraint designs to fit within the mothership, the Aerial Tow Rehookup solution is to tow aircraft behind the mothership.

This opens up the design space for aerial recharging of electronic vertical take-off and landing, supersonic towing of various platforms, and towing stealth assets to the frontlines of highly contested environments. This could provide Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets to loiter over enemy territory longer and spend less time during ingress and egress.

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DAGGER: Developing Airmen and Guardians with Games for Enhanced Readiness Matthew Correia Eaker Center Maxwell AFB, Ala. Air Education and Training Command DAGGER: Developing Airmen and Guardians with Games for Enhanced Readiness is the application of sound, proven educational practices with game-based learning. It addresses the Air Force Chief of Staff’s Action Order – Airmen to transform the way we deliberately professionally grow our Airmen and Guardians, by building better Airmen and Guardians on Air Force foundational competencies and core values.

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Project Arcwater Senior Master Sgt. Brent Kenney and Tech Sgt. Matthew Connelly 52nd Fighter Wing Spangdahlem AB, Germany United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa Water and power are nonnegotiable when standing up a forward operating location. But it’s not to get fuel and water on location. What if we could generate from thin air? Project Arcwater is an agile combat employment system that aims to significantly decrease the logistics of transporting water and energy needs at offthe-grid locations through solar panels, a water harvester, and AC/heating tool, creating 26 gallons of potable water out of thin air.

OUTSTANDING From Page 3

“To me, this job is extremely self-rewarding,” said Chappell. “My favorite part about my job is anytime that I am able to sit down with a member to help explain or straighten out their finances.”

Though handling customers with frustrations can be a difficult obstacle, for Chappell, finding ways to resolve issues for these individuals makes the challenge worthwhile.

“When I make a tedious process smooth and easy for a member to follow and understand, I know I gave them a huge sense of relief,” said Chappell. “In turn, helping others provides me with a lot of personal satisfaction.”

More than in-person service, Chappell and the finance team are actively looking for more efficient and progressive ways to serve the MacDill community’s financial needs.

Most recently, Chappell has headed up an initiative to create a new customer service-based website.

“The idea behind the website was to give members a user-friendly portal to find all relevant information to anything they could possibly need from our office,” said Chappell. “With this platform information is only a click or scroll away. I attempted to make it impossible to get lost in the website, keeping everything accessible on the same page.”

Chappell added that he plans to include written and video instructions on how to fill out different forms for the finance office that would allow members to get the information they need and ultimately save them from having to make unnecessary appointments.

More than delivering incredible customer service; Chappell continues to excel professionally by taking college courses, designing new automation to file financial reports, and maintaining a positive role in his community as the treasurer for the American Society of Military Comptrollers Tampa Bay Chapter.

Miles, Chappell’s supervisor, highlighted that he has hit the ground running since arriving at MacDill AFB nearly a year ago. His dedication even earned him a below-the-zone promotion to the rank of senior airman.

“There is just something different about Chappell,” said Miles. “He has a different drive, a different work ethic, a determination to not only get things done, and get them done effectively, but to innovate change where he sees it. He will continue to be an asset to any team he works on.”

Chappell and members of the 6th CPTS are committed to changing the stigma of ‘dreading’ financial help and will continue to keep a watchful eye on Team MacDill’s financial data to ensure funds are being utilized responsibly and efficiently.

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

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ISIS LEADER From Page 2

ported and executed the mission,” McKenzie said. “I would also like to acknowledge the support of our Syrian Democratic Forces partners in Syria, who made invaluable contributions to the success of the mission.”

The general said the Defense Department deeply regrets the loss of life of any non-combatants, but ISIS fighters were directly or indirectly responsible for every family member who perished in the mission through their “cowardly” acts or through their choice to fight U.S. forces.

He added the professionalism of U.S. forces saved the majority of noncombatants and pursued every possible opportunity to save all of those who were present.

“The death of Haji Abdullah is a clear signal that the United States remains focused and committed to finding and eliminating the terrorists who are plotting to do us harm, and we will not rest while their organizations remain committed to terrorism and violence against the international community in the United States of America,” the Centcom commander said. “It’s also a signal to all of those who wrongfully proclaimed that the United States was no longer interested in or committed to security in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Nothing could be further from the truth, and this mission confirms that,” he added.

Some of the most immediate and credible threats to the U.S. homeland emanate from the Centcom area of responsibility, McKenzie said.

Following the conclusion of the Afghanistan war in late July 2021, the United States now appreciates with the “stunning clarity of hindsight” that neither the Afghanistan government nor its defense forces retain the will to defend their country in the U.S.’ absence, he noted. “As soon as this became clear, Centcom set in motion what would ultimately prove to be the largest airborne, non-combatant evacuation operation in history, a separate mission that concluded on 30 August, 2021. After the evacuation of over 123,000 Americans, third-country nationals and atrisk Afghans, this was an exceptionally complex and dangerous mission conducted in contact with ISIS-K, a vile foe. I will never forget the heroic and innocent lives that were lost during this operation. But neither will I forget the thousands of lives saved and the dedication of the men and the women who made the U.S. evacuation possible,” he added.

McKenzie said that even without a U.S. presence, the United States cannot relent in its campaign to degrade and ultimately defeat the violent extremist organizations that would export terror to our shores, adding that ISIS remains the greatest terrorist threat to the United States. “We have come a very long way since the dark days of 2014 when ISIS had overrun Raqqa [in Syria] and Mosul [Iraq] and threatened Baghdad with the invaluable contributions of nations that would form Combined Joint Task Force Operation - Inherent Resolve,” he noted.

ISIS has, nevertheless, reconstituted as an asymmetric threat, and it continues to terrorize the innocent populations of Iraq and Syria whenever it can, McKenzie added.

ISIS’ desire to harm the United States is as intense as ever, he said, adding that there is a way to deal with them. “ISIS fighters are brutal and relentless, but they’re also fairly conventional military targets,” the general said. “Our task is to find, fix and finish them.”

Iran remains a central threat, McKenzie said. “Specifically, my mission is to deter Iran from undertaking malign activities that undermine 12

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Photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Justin Whitley

Marine Corps Gen. Kenneth McKenzie Jr., commander, U.S. Central Command, passes through sideboys as he boards amphibious assault ship USS Boxer, July 23, 2019. the security and stability of the region,” he added.

“It’s my assessment that Iran is now evaluating its options — everything from de-escalation in diplomatic normalization to ramping up attacks against coalition forces,” McKenzie said.

From a geostrategic perspective, the general said it’s not surprising that China has made deliberate, steady inroads into a region that’s essential to its “Belt and Road” initiative. “Last year’s strategic cooperation agreement between China and Iran, as well as recent joint naval exercises with Iran and Russia in the Indian Ocean, sent a clear signal of China’s intention to counter American influence in the region,” he said. The Chinese are eager to push the sale of their military equipment to U.S. partners, and they’re fully aware it compromises the United States’ ability to integrate these countries into collective defense architectures, he added.

“The Chinese move with great speed, notwithstanding major muscle movements. in the South China Sea, and this sort of insidious activity is what the frontline of strategic competition looks like today, and nowhere is it more active than in the Middle East,” McKenzie said.

Turning to Russia, “We need not await the passage of time to discern the nature of Russia’s interests in the region or elsewhere,” he said.

“Whereas China’s approach is rational and patient, that of Russia is essentially opportunistic.”

Russia’s disregard of international norms is nowhere clearer at present than on the borders of Ukraine, where Russia has amassed a concentration of conventional military power that belies any legitimate, peaceful purpose, McKenzie said, adding that as the Centcom commander, Ukraine would not normally demand his attention, but the situation there is far from normal.

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FLYING From Page 3

and best practices into their day-to-day operations.

The Air Force plans to incentivize Airmen to increase their use of six key efficiency techniques across the force that can be implemented to lower energy demand and improve readiness.

Precision Fuel Planning – Decrease excess fuel carriage during planned flights when possible Reduced Engine Taxiing – Reduce the number of engines running during taxi to only what is required for safe operation when possible Reduced Use of Auxiliary Power Units (APU) – Limit the use of APUs during ground operations and utilize more efficient ground power equipment when possible Reduced or Simultaneous Engine Start – Minimize the time between engine start and takeoff by reducing engines running or starting the engine simultaneously when possible Descent Profile Technique – Employ continuous descent operations in a low-drag configuration, with minimal engine thrust when possible Cruise Altitude Selection – Fly at optimal cruise altitudes when possible “We’ve met with a number of commercial airlines and freight and transport companies to see how they operate in the most efficient and effective way possible using 21st century tools,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary of Air Force Operational Energy, Roberto Guerrero. “There are a lot of opportunities to support Airmen in flying more efficiently – like software that helps Airmen fuel plan more easily or flying tech-

niques that pilots can implement, maintenance practices to improve engine performance and ways to improve load plans. Many of these are low-hanging fruit that we simply need to fund and incentivize.”

Initial estimates show that employing MEEP can improve energy intensity – or the mission effectiveness per gallon of fuel – by 3%. This is expected to increase capability and readiness while generating as much as $80 million per year in fuel cost savings that can be returned to the Air Force or participating wings.

The program is made up of three components: data and metric collection visibility, focused wing-level interaction, and direct and indirect incentives. Collaborating with the wings and in-house innovation cells, MEEP will collect and analyze flight and fuel data to gather feedback, track performance metrics, and address any challenges. Through various education and training programs, the teams will develop relevant dashboards for near-real-time operator feedback, connect with survey analytics, encourage operator reporting compliance, employ planning software to support operations, and conduct focus groups to collect qualitative data.

Incentives include direct transfer of operations and maintenance funds or funding of wing priority projects, funding or rebates in proportion to savings, and ‘soft’ incentives like awards and recognition to individual Airmen and wings that show increased energy-aware behavior.

Once the pilot phase is complete, AFOE plans to expand the program to other bases and aircraft.

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CANCER From Page 6

chance of developing cancer. Some risk factors for cancer can be avoided, but many cannot. For example, both smoking and inheriting certain genes are risk factors for some types of cancer, but only smoking can be avoided.

Regular exercise and a healthy diet may be protective factors for some types of cancer. Avoiding risk factors and increasing protective factors may lower your risk, but it does not mean that you will not get cancer.

It is usually not possible to know why one person develops cancer and another doesn’t. But research has shown that certain risk factors may increase a person’s chances of getting cancer.

The risk of developing cancer increases with advancing age; 80% of all cancers in the United States are diagnosed in people 55 years of age or older. Certain behaviors and other modifiable factors also increase risk, such as tobacco use, having excess body weight, drinking alcohol, sunlight, and having an unhealthy diet.

You can lower your risk of getting many common kinds of cancer by making healthy choices. Screening tests can find some cancer early, when treatment works best. Vaccines can help prevent several kinds of cancer. To reduce your risk of developing cancer: Protect your skin from the sun. Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the US, with more than 5 million new cases annually.

Most skin cancers are a result of exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight. To lower the risk of skin cancer, limit being exposed to UV rays. u Avoid the sun when UV rays are strongest, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. u Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen, with a sun protection factor of at least 30. u Wear clothes to protect the skin, such as long sleeves and long pants. u Cover the head with a wide-brimmed hat that shades the face, neck, and ears. u Put on wrap-around sunglasses that have UV protection for the eyes and the skin around them. u Avoid sunbathing, tanning beds, and sun lamps. u Check skin regularly to spot any new growths or areas, and report them to a doctor right away.

Avoid tobacco in all its forms, including exposure to secondhand smoke.

Tobacco use remains the most preventable cause of cancer death. Cigarette

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smoking increases the risk of at least 12 different cancers, with 30% of all cancer deaths in the US, including 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths, attributed to smoking. Using other tobacco products such as cigars or pipes also increase the risk for lung cancer. After smoking, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US. Radon is a naturally occurring gas that forms in rocks, soil, and water. It cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled.

When radon gets into homes or buildings through cracks or holes, it can get trapped and build up in the air inside. People who live in these homes breathe in high radon levels. Over long periods of time, radon can cause lung cancer. Get your home tested for radon. Nearly one out of every 15 homes in the US has high radon levels according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Limit alcohol consumption. An estimated 6% of cancer cases are attributed to alcohol intake. Drinking alcohol is linked to cancers of the mouth, breast, liver, esophagus, colon, and others. Cancer risk increases with alcohol volume, so limit alcoholic beverage consumption to one drink a day for women, and no more than two drinks a day for men.

Eat a healthy diet. Approximately 4% of all cancer cases are attributed to dietary factors. Diets with an emphasis on a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish or poultry, and fewer red and processed meats are associated with lower risk of cancer.

Maintain a healthy body weight. An estimated 5% of cancers in men and 11% in women are attributed to excess bodyweight. Maintaining a healthy weight might lower the risk of various types of cancer, including cancer of the breast, prostate, lung, colon and kidney. Being overweight causes the body to make and circulate more estrogen and insulin, hormones that can stimulate cancer growth. One of the best ways to get an idea if you are at a healthy weight is to check your body mass index, a score based on the relationship between your height and weight. Most people are at normal weight if their BMI is below 25.

Be physically active. Approximately 3% of cancer cases are attributed to physical inactivity. Being physically active might lower the risk of breast cancer and colon cancer. Exercise fights obesity and lowers levels of hormones like estrogen and insulin, which have been linked to cancer.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

See CANCER, Page 16

COMMUNITY

EVENTS

6TH FSS is hiring in the following areas: * recreation * food service * hospitality * child and youth For job information, visit: https://macdillfss.com/open-jobs/ Auto Hobby shop open The Auto Hobby shop is open every Wednesday - Friday from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, visit https://macdillfss.com/arts-and-trade-crafts/ Valentine’s craft bazaar, Feb. 11 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. A homemade craft bazaar will be held in building 2017 by the FamCamp. opens at 9 a.m. For more information, call 515-3704 I love to lift event, Feb. 11 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Join the powerlifting competition at the Short Fitness Center. Participants will lift as much weight as they can to win prizes. *Covid protocols in place day of event.

M&FRC- bundles 4 babies, Feb. 15 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Multiple base agencies will provide information and services to assist participants in preparing for the arrival of their new baby. Participants will also receive a bundle of information, resources and a special gift (if eligible).

Find more events at macdillfss.com

Run for Maj. Raymond Estelle II

Photo by Senior Airman David D. McLoney

Raymond Estelle III leads Airmen towards the finish line during the annual Estelle 5K run at MacDill Air Force Base Jan. 28. The Estelle 5K run is hosted in honor of Maj. Raymond Estelle II, one of nine Americans killed during a shooting incident in Afghanistan in 2011.

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-Thursday Mass - 12:10 p.m.

www.macdill.af.mil/chapel

Catholic (in-person) - Saturday - 5:30 p.m. (confession 4:30 p.m.) Sunday - 9:30 a.m. (confessions by appointment) 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/

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

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CANCER From Page 14

Get immunized (HPV & Hepatitis vaccines). Certain viruses have been linked to cancer, but are preventable through vaccination. In the U.S., approximately one-third of liver cancers are linked to the hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus. The hepatitis B vaccine can help lower liver cancer risk. Talk to your physician about age recommendations for the human papillomavirus vaccine. The HPV vaccine helps prevent most cervical cancers and several other kinds of cancer.

Get regular screenings. Getting screening tests regularly may find

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breast, cervical, and colon cancers early, when treatment is likely to work best.

For more information on to how prevent cancer, visit USAFwellness.com or contact your local Civilian Health Promotion Services team. Comprehensive information on cancer prevention can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website atcdc.gov.

MACDILL THUNDERBOLT