Thunderbolt 03/31/2022

Vol. 50, No. 8

Thursday, February 24, 2022

News/Features: page 2 NATO defense ‘ironclad’

News/Features: page 3 ‘Candy Bomber’ passes

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

Journey from AirFest spectator to F-22 Team commander - page 8 Photo by Senior Airman Ryan C. Grossklag

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

U.S. Air Force Maj. Joshua “Cabo” Gunderson, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team commander, prepares to receive fuel from a MacDill Air Force Base KC-135 Stratotanker, April 17. Gunderson, a Tampa native, rendezvoused with the KC-135 assigned to the 50th Air Refueling Squadron in-between performances for the SUN ‘n FUN airshow in Lakeland, Fla.

NEWS/FEATURES

Defense secretary says U.S. commitment to NATO defense ‘ironclad’

by Jim Garamone DoD News The NATO allies are united in opposing Russia’s actions along Ukraine’s borders, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III emphatically said U.S. commitment to the common defense is ironclad.

The secretary spoke at the conclusion of meetings of the alliance’s defense ministers in Brussels today.

In addition to the many moves the United States has made to strengthen NATO in the past months, Austin announced that a U.S. Army Stryker company will deploy to Bulgaria for joint training opportunities.

“These troops will be departing Germany in coming days, and they will help ensure our readiness and interoperability with Bulgaria as our NATO ally,” the secretary said.

Russia has amassed more than 150,000 troops along Ukraine’s borders including in Crimea, Belarus and in the Black Sea. “In many ways, this brings Russian troops right up to NATO’s doorstep,” he said. “So, let me begin today by making clear that America’s commitment to NATO and to Article 5 remains ironclad. As President Biden said a couple days ago, we will — if we must — defend every inch of NATO territory.”

The secretary said there is no reason for Russian President Vladimir Putin to order troops to invade Ukraine. “Ukraine does not threaten anyone, let alone its Russian neighbors,” Austin said. “And yet, that is what Moscow would have us believe. That is how Mr. Putin continues to justify his assembly of significant combat power.”

See NATO, Page 10

Photo by Chad J. McNeeley

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III answers questions during a news conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Feb. 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

‘Candy Bomber’ passes away Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS)—Retired Col. Gail Halvorsen, also known as the “Candy Bomber,” passed away Feb. 16. He was 101 years old.

Starting his career in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942, Halvorsen served as a pilot until his retirement in 1974, after accumulating more than 8,000 flying hours and 31 years of military service.

“Colonel Halvorsen was an American hero,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. “He made such a positive impact on this world and will be remembered for his kindness and bringing joy to those who desperately needed it. His selfless dedication and willingness to help See CANDY BOMBER, Page 12

U.S. Air Force graphic by Rosario “Charo” Gutierrez

Retired Col. Gail Halvorsen, also known as the “Candy Bomber,” passed away Feb. 16, 2022. He was 101 years old. Starting his career in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942, Halvorsen served as a pilot until his retirement in 1974, after accumulating more than 8,000 flying hours and 31 years of military service. Halvorsen went down in history for his selfless acts during the Berlin Airlift in 1948 and 1949 by attaching handkerchief parachutes to chocolate bars and dropping them from his aircraft to the children below.

In memory of ‘Chappie’: the first US black 4-star general

by Katie Lange DOD News

WASHINGTON (AFNS)—There are numerous Black American service members who broke barriers and could be highlighted during Black History Month. On Feb. 11 however, it is the 101st birthday of Gen. Daniel “Chappie” James Jr., the first Black man to become a four-star general in any U.S. military branch.

James died shortly after he left service in 1978, but his accomplishments are worth celebration. As an African American Airman who served in three wars, James overcame extreme poverty, racism and segregation — including in the military — to become a skilled tactician in combat and a steady-handed leader whose speeches on patriotism and the American way were highly regarded.

Humble beginnings James was born Feb. 11, 1920, in Pensacola, Florida, and was the youngest of 17 children.

His dad was a laborer at a gas company and his mother was a teacher.

When James was young, his mother decided she would teach her own children because she wasn’t impressed with the quality of education at the local segregated public school, according to an Air Force Magazine article. She started her own school, which gradually attracted other neighborhood kids. She ran the school for 52 years until she died at the age of 82.

One of the most memorable things she taught her pupils was to never quit. Clearly, her youngest son took that to heart.

From dreams to reality As a Black child in the segregated South, James wasn’t sure what type of job he would one day be able to get, but he grew up watching the takeoffs and landings at nearby Pensacola Naval Air Station, Florida, which gave him the dream of being a pilot.

Chappie, as they called him — a nickname that was his brother Charles’ until Charles passed it down to James – graduated high school in 1937. At 6 feet, 4 inches tall and 250 pounds, the athletic teen earned himself a foot-

See CHAPPIE, Page 6 MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

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U.S. Air Force photo

During Vietnam, Gen. Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. flew 78 combat missions, including the infamous Operation Bolo mission where seven communist MiG-21 aircraft were destroyed.

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WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Staff Sgt. Jared Bounds

Airmen with the 172nd Airlift Wing Honor Guard stand ready to present the colors at a change of command ceremony at Thompson Field, Jackson, Miss., Feb. 6. The ceremony welcomed Col. Britt A. Watson as the new 172nd AW commander.

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Photo by Senior Airman Ericka A. Woolever

Photo by Senior Airman Cameron Otte

Two U.S. Air Force pararescuemen assigned to the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron jump from a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules over East Africa, Feb. 15, 2021. The 82nd ERQS maintains jump proficiency to provide secure, reliable, flexible combat search, rescue and recovery capabilities in support of U.S. Africa Command in North and East Africa.

An F-15E Strike Eagle, assigned to the 144th Fighter Wing approaches a KC-10 Extender assigned to the 60th Air Mobility Wing, to receive fuel so it can continue security patrol during Super Bowl LVI above Los Angeles, Calif., Feb. 13. The KC-10 provided 83,000 pounds of fuel to three F-15s throughout event.

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NEWS/FEATURES Decreasing injuries the goal

by Lisa Gonzales Air Force Safety Center KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M.—What is safety? Safety is the state of being safe or not being dangerous or harmful; freedom from harm or danger or a safe place according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary and the Oxford dictionary gives its definition as the state of being safe and protected from danger or harm.

A safety professional may feel the job is broad and wide, requiring interactions with multiple agencies inside and outside the Air and Space Forces. They include investigating a variety of hazards and mishaps that may lead to or involve injuries and fatalities. On top of all that, mishap prevention calls for trending and analyzing a copious amount of data.

Data that spans all plains of the injury field such as injury mechanisms, affected body parts, injury types, activities, different work-shops, installations, job specialties and so much more! Are we alone? No … here are a few great ways some teams at the Air Force Safety Center are tackling these same challenges.

The Department of the Air Force has a well-established and robust See SAFETY, Page 13

U.S. Air Force graphic

The Department of the Air Force has a well-established and robust safety program in place to safeguard personnel. The programs assist personnel in identifying areas of concern and giving them the opportunity to be proactive in finding and fixing hazards before they occur. This is a multi-front approach working with other agencies and services to expand resources, knowledge and expertise.

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CHAPPIE From Page 3

ball scholarship to the famed Tuskegee Institute in Alabama.

James was expelled from his academic studies at Tuskegee during his senior year for going on too many “escapades” that were frowned upon by the institution, said Howard E. Halvorsen, Air Force historian.

However, he was still able to attend the Civilian Pilot Training Program offered through Tuskegee. It was one of the first training opportunities offered to minorities.

He graduated from the program in March 1942 with his civilian pilot certification. He eventually earned a bachelor’s degree from Tuskegee too, Halvorsen said, but he didn’t get that until 1969 when the school awarded him the degree based on the credit hours he’d earned during his military career.

James met his wife, Dorothy Watkins, while they were both enrolled at Tuskegee. They married on the campus in November 1942 and had a daughter and two sons. The oldest of the two sons, Daniel James III, went on to have his own illustrious Air Force career.

James stayed at Tuskegee as a civilian instructor pilot for the Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet Program until January 1943, when he joined the program himself.

He was commissioned into the Army Air Corps the following July. He was never sent overseas to fight in World War II after he completed his fighter pilot combat training. Instead, he spent the next several years training cadets in the U.S. Combat capable When the Air Force began implementing its desegregation plan in 1949, James was finally sent overseas. He was assigned to the 18th Fighter Wing’s 12th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, an integrated unit in the Philippines. James later told his son that very few white service members initially talked to him, but he persisted anyway.

James was sent to Korea in July 1950 as part of the Korean War and completed 101 combat missions during his deployment. A year later, he was back in the U.S. and working his way up the ranks, including a stint at the Pentagon.

By the time the Vietnam War began, he was a colonel. In June 1967, James deployed to Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, where he was named vice commander of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing. The unit was under the command of then-Col. Robin Olds, who James knew from working at the Pentagon.

James flew 78 combat missions into North Vietnam and helped Olds plan and lead the famed Operation Bolo in January 1967.

In what’s often considered the greatest air battle of the war, U.S. fighters destroyed seven enemy MiG-21 aircraft during Operation Bolo, which was the highest total kill of any air mission during Vietnam.

The mission, which saw no U.S. losses, is how the 8th TFW earned its nickname “The Wolf Pack” — because Olds told his pilots they would be “wolves in sheep’s clothing.”

Steady under pressure After returning to the U.S., James served as vice commander of the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

He was persistent, tactically skillful and seen as a steady combat 6

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leader — attributes that earned him his next role as the commander of the 7272nd Fighter Training Wing at Wheelus Air Base in Libya. It was August of 1969, and Muammar Gadhafi had just successfully overthrown the Libyan king.

The U.S. had agreed to turn Wheelus AB over to the Libyans prior to the coup, and James was responsible for the withdrawal. He kept a cool head despite the tensions, which led to a successful and conflict-free drawdown.

“James’ leadership and diplomatic skills were put to full use in that delicate situation in which the new anti-Western, radical Libyan leader sought to expel the Air Force,” Halvorsen said. “Back home, James’ speeches on Americanism and patriotism were so well regarded, many were read into the Congressional Record.”

Military officials had begun to take notice of his public speaking skills when James was at Eglin AFB. After Libya, he was tapped to be a deputy assistant secretary of defense for public affairs. When he took the job in March 1970, he was also promoted to brigadier general, making him the first Black general in the Air Force.

In September 1974, James took over as vice commander of the Military Airlift Command based at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. He had been promoted twice by this time, attaining his third star as lieutenant general.

Making history … again On Sept. 1, 1975, James was officially promoted to the rank of fourstar general, becoming the first Black man to attain the rank in the U.S. military.

“If my making an advancement can serve as some kind of spark to some young Black or other minority, it will be worth all the years, all the blood and sweat it took in getting here,”{James said upon earning a fourth star.} Along with the promotion came the position of commander in chief of North American Aerospace Defense Command, which gave him operational command of all U.S. and Canadian strategic aerospace defense forces.

In December 1977, James took over as special assistant to the U.S. Air Force chief of staff, but he retired two months later on Feb. 1, 1978, for health reasons. Sadly, James died in late February 1978 of a heart attack. The 58-year-old was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Legacy James’ successes earned him numerous military and national accolades throughout his career, including the George Washington Freedom Foundation Medal in 1967 and 1968. He was also awarded honorary Juris Doctor degrees from at least five higher-education institutions – along with his Tuskegee degree.

James’ name lives on across the military, but perhaps most notably at the institution at which his career started.

In May 1987, Tuskegee University dedicated the Gen. Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. Center for Aerospace Science and Health Education to the general. The center includes the James Center Arena, where the school’s basketball teams currently play.

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NEWS/FEATURES AF announces officer performance report static closeout dates begin October

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (AFNS)—The Air Force is taking another major step in a series of transformations within its officer evaluation system with the implementation of officer performance report (OPR) static closeout dates (SCODs) for officers in the grades of O-1 to O-6.

“As we continue to fully execute Action Order A (Airmen), implementing officer static closeout dates is key to ensuring transparency and consistency are cornerstones of our feedback and evaluation systems,” said Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services. “SCODs deliver improved predictability to our officers, raters, and units, while also providing a synchronized comparison of performance within peer groups. This arms officers with a more complete understanding of their performance assessment, their strengths and weaknesses, and where they stand among their peers. This is essential to ensure we give

Airmen an opportunity to fully develop to their capabilities and excel at the Airmen Leadership Qualities they’ll need to be successful in the future.”

In developing solutions that best support the Air Force’s talent management strategy, transitioning from non-standardized annual and change of reporting official (CRO) OPR closeout policies to SCODs increases transparency by ensuring stable, steady, and reliable assessments from senior raters and rating chains.

Additionally, consistent predictability of evaluations for Airmen and leadership helps reduce current administrative burdens of evaluation tracking and timing. The transition to officer SCODs fully aligns all Airmen--officers, enlisted, and civilians--with steady evaluation and appraisal timelines across the calendar year.

After carefully studying various implementation options, Air Force leaders established the See SCOD, Page 11

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U.S. Air Force graphic by Staff Sgt. Kiana Pearson

Implementation of officer SCODs will occur in phases for Regular Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard Airmen. The first SCOD for officers begins with first and second lieutenants Oct. 31, followed by colonels on Feb. 28, 2023, lieutenant colonels and majors on May 31, 2023, and captains on Aug. 31, 2023.

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Raptor demo pilot looks forward to Tampa Bay AirFest homecoming

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

A

fighter jet soars through the sky, performing precision banks, acrobatic aerial maneuvers and demonstrating superior airpower. The cheers of the crowd are a mere whisper compared to the deafening roar of the engines from the aircraft overhead.

Used effectively for recruiting, air shows can inspire the masses and encourage young people to aim high and pursue their dreams of becoming pilots or one of the aircrew members that make these demonstrations possible.

For U.S. Air Force Maj. Joshua Gunderson, annual childhood visits to airshows at MacDill AFB fueled his passion for military aviation and set the course in his journey to being named Air Combat Command’s F-22 Demonstration Team commander in January 2020.

“I would attend the MacDill AirFest every year with my mother who was a strong advocate for my desire to pursue aviation,” said Gunderson. “One of the highlights was seeing the F-15C Eagle demonstration, and meeting the pilot. That experience meant a lot to me and helped drive me towards pursuing a career as an Air Force fighter pilot.”

As a Tampa native, Gunderson explained that he has been looking forward to his homecoming, and especially having the opportunity to perform in front of friends and family at the 2022 Tampa Bay AirFest here at MacDill.

“Pretty much all of my family lives in the Tampa area and I’m humbled to have the opportunity to fly in front of them,” said Gunderson. “They have always been proud of my military service, and for many, this will be their first time seeing me fly over my hometown.”

As the F-22 Demo commander, Gunderson leads an 18-member team and has traveled the globe to showcase the capabilities of one of the world’s premier 5th-generation fighter aircraft for more than 10 million spectators. Gunderson also represents Air Combat Command, the United States Air Force, the Department of Defense and the United States of America at more than 20 air shows annually.

“The most important part of our job is to interact with the local communities,” Gunderson stated. “We aim to show people in every community that their goals are always attainable. Whether it’s flying a 165 million dollar fighter jet or to become a jet mechanic, doctor, lawyer, or whatever your passion is…everything is attainable through hard work and dedication.”

What began with an experience witnessing awe-inspiring aerial performances at AirFest as a child, resulted in the accomplishment of a life-long dream for Gunderson. He hopes to continue inspiring the next generation of youth to reach for their goals in the same way as the expert pilots he watched on MacDill’s flight line.

See RAPTOR, Page 14 “My first piece of advice to young kids watching our team perform at

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Photo by 2nd Lt. Sam Eckholm

U.S. Air Force Maj. Josh Gunderson, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team commander and pilot, prepares to launch out for a morning demo at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., Jan. 22, 2020. Maj. Gunderson has over 1,500 hours flying both the F-15 Eagle and F-22 Raptor and is in his first year as commander of the F-22 Raptor Demo Team.

Photo by 2nd Lt. Sam Eckholm

(Above and below) U.S. Air Force Maj. Josh Gunderson, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team commander and pilot, performs a pre-flight walk-around at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., Jan. 22, 2020. Maj. Gunderson has over 1,500 hours flying both the F-15 Eagle and F-22 Raptor and is in his first year as commander of the F-22 Raptor Demo Team.

Photo by 2nd Lt. Sam Eckholm

U.S. Air Force Maj. Josh Gunderson, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team commander and pilot, takes off to perform a practice demo at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., Jan. 22, 2020. Representing Air Combat Command, the F-22 Demo Team travels to air shows all across the world showcase the performance and capabilities of the world’s premier 5th-generation fighter.

NATO

From Page 2

Officials in Moscow have said that Russian forces are withdrawing at the conclusion of military exercises. “Quite the contrary, we see them add to the more than 150,000 troops they already have arrayed along that border — even in the last couple days,” the secretary said.

Russian forces are approaching the border with Ukraine. The Russians have added more combat and support aircraft and have sharpened their readiness in the Black Sea. They’re even stockpiling blood supplies, the secretary said.

“I was a soldier myself not that long ago,” he said. “I know firsthand that you don’t do these sorts of things for no reason. And you certainly don’t do them if you’re getting ready to pack up and go home.”

Austin said the NATO allies must remain vigilant and be prepared for Russian false-flag operations. “We will continue to explore ways to enhance our readiness as the United States and others have done with additional troop deployments to NATO’s eastern flank,” he said.

“And we will closely match Russian words to Russian deeds: What they say [as opposed] to what they actually do.”

Putin has said he wants more dialogue, and Austin and the rest of the NATO leaders have said they welcome that sentiment. “We believe there is still time and space for diplomacy to work, and we are in lockstep with our allies and partners toward that end,” Austin said.

“A peaceful outcome that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity represents the best outcome — for Ukraine, to be sure, but also for Russia and for the Russian people. If Mr. Putin is serious about achieving that sort of outcome, he will find in the United States and in this alliance no better or more serious interlocutor.”

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jacob Albers

Two F-15C Eagles taxi to the runway for a local area familiarization flight in support of NATO operations at Lask Air Base, Poland, Feb. 11.

If he is not serious about dialogue and re-invades a sovereign country, “it will be Mr. Putin who will bear the responsibility for the suffering and the immense sacrifice that ensues,” he said.

“I joined the United States Army in the middle of the Cold War, and I have served and fought alongside NATO allies for the better part of my adult life,” the secretary said. “But I can honestly say that I have never seen the alliance more relevant, more united or more

resolute than I do right now. Mr. Putin says he doesn’t want a strong NATO on his western flank. He’s getting exactly that.”

Austin said he is “incredibly proud” of the NATO alliance, and he said he’s “satisfied in the knowledge that we will be sure-footed in the face of aggression, but dedicated, as always, to the prospect of peace. There is nothing inevitable about this looming conflict. It can still be averted. The path of diplomacy may be difficult, but it is still worth the trek.”

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SCOD

From Page 7

officer SCOD schedule to integrate with the existing enlisted evaluation and civilian appraisal closeout periods to improve evaluation planning and tracking across the Air Force. Additionally, the selected approach minimizes excessive exceptions to policies or undue workload shifts, while still delivering relevant officer performance data to a variety of talent management selection boards.

“While many talent management factors related to close out dates were considered and we optimized recency of the close out date to associated promotion boards, we also recognize no SCOD date is 100% perfect, but we believe the established dates provide the best options for our Air Force considering all factors,” said Kelly.

Like the enlisted SCOD policy, officer SCOD OPRs will use accounting dates to establish the officer’s assigned unit and the rating chain responsible for processing and signing the evaluation on the SCOD. Accounting dates will be approximately 120 calendar days before each SCOD and established as the third day of the month (like enlisted Airmen) in order to provide consistency across all evaluation accounting dates.

The implementation of officer SCODs will occur in phases for Regular Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard Airmen. The first SCOD for officers will begin with first and second lieutenants on Oct. 31, 2022, followed by colonels on Feb. 28, 2023, lieutenant colonels and majors on May 31, 2023, and captains on Aug. 31, 2023. All SCODs will repeat annually thereafter. Those in a promotion-select status will align their OPR with the SCOD of their selected grade.

Similar to the enlisted transition to SCODs, the Air Force developed an officer transition plan that provides accelerated and equitable steps to begin the first SCOD for each grade. The transition plan ensures no officer’s first SCOD OPR is less than six-month reporting period or exceeds a 16-month reporting period. The transition plan standardizes reporting periods during the SCOD implementation for each grade and maximizes equitable time to assess all officers’ performance before the first SCOD. For Regular Air Force colonel-selects and major-selects who already met promotion boards in 2021, AFPC will provide special instructions to ensure that all promotion-select officer evaluations closeout with equitable reporting periods.

Introducing SCODs into the officer evaluation system also eliminates the need for CRO evaluations. CRO evaluations will be eliminated in phases for each grade several months prior to the occurrence of their first SCOD. This change eliminates the need for nearly 29,000 Airmen CRO reports annually and removes the unscheduled workload associated with CRO evaluations.

Officer SCODs further eliminate the need to maintain other legacy evaluation products like education & training reports (TRs) and letters of evaluation (LOEs), as the Air Force transitions to a more agile and digital data-based evaluation system. Instead, the newmyEvaluation (myEval) application will include a feature called “Education & Training Input,” that will be used to document academic and training accomplishments on the SCOD OPR.

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CANDY BOMBER From Page 3

those in need embody the core values of the Air Force, and his legacy will live on in the ethos and values of the greatest Air Force in the world.”

Halvorsen went down in history for his selfless acts during the Berlin Airlift in 1948 and 1949. Then-Lt. Halvorsen took it upon himself to help boost the morale of the children in West Berlin by attaching handkerchief parachutes to chocolate bars and dropping them from his aircraft to the children below.

He would also rock the wings of his aircraft as he came in to notify the children of which plane was carrying the chocolate. The German children began calling him “Uncle Wiggly Wings.”

Soon, Halvorsen’s idea was expanded into “Operation Little Vittles,” which garnered public support and donations.

By the end of the airlift, 25 plane crews had dropped 23 tons of chocolate, chewing gum and other candies over Berlin.

Halvorsen’s efforts stand as a symbol of the impact one small gesture can have on an entire community.

“As I look back at Operation Little Vittles and the years that have followed, there is one human characteristic above all others that gave it birth – the silent gratitude of the children at a barbed wire fence in Berlin, July 1948,” he wrote in his autobiography.

The Berlin Airlift is arguably the mission that put heavies on the map. It was the first major victory over the Soviet Union in the Cold War, and it was a tremendous success for the then-new U. S. Air Force.

In 1994 after retiring, Halvorsen requested to assist in the delivery of food to refugees fleeing from the conflict in Bosnia.

“We have our freedom to choose, and when the freedom is taken away, air power is the only quick way to answer a crisis like that,” he recalled during an interview with Airman Magazine.

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SAFETY From Page 5

safety program in place to safeguard personnel. The programs assist personnel in identifying areas of concern and giving them the opportunity to be proactive in finding and fixing hazards before they occur. This is a multi-front approach working with other agencies and services to expand resources, knowledge and expertise.

The Air Force Safety Center’s Epidemiology Branch partnered with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health for the past five years to conduct several case studies, one being on finger, wrist and hand injuries and their affected job specialties. The partnership has provided a better understanding of common injuries associated with DAF specialties and explores possible solutions and/or recommendations for future mitigation and prevention.

“To better understand injuries it’s important to explore the various facets of injuries such as affected body parts, injury types, affected job specialties and work with civilian and federal partners when possible,” said Lt. Col. Heidi Stallings, AFSEC injury epidemiologist. “NIOSH has provided us wonderful expertise and support we otherwise would not have.”

In a separate analysis, AFSEC reviewed data from 2017 through 2021 for on-duty mishaps being reported throughout the DAF. Those most notably reported were slips, trips and falls with sprains and strains, lacerations, and head-strikes. The DAF saw a 13% decrease in head-strikes from the five year data pull.

Highlights from NIOSH and DAF efforts are shown below, providing a well-researched summary of safety data.

Finger / Hand / Wrist Injuries – NIOSH’s case study consisted of ten years of data, from fiscal year 2008 through 2018, covering injuries affecting fingers, hands, and wrists across aircraft maintenance and back shops such as civil engineering and metal works. These types of injuries accounted for 32% of all on-duty mishaps. The study identified that there were 14,552 noncombat finger/hand/wrist injuries in the United States Air Force during that timeframe.

The preliminary NIOSH study shows a 26% decrease in FHW on-duty injuries. Focus materials and training was distributed through the AFSEC public website, social media and other internal methods for utilization in safety offices and throughout the DAF to minimize and mitigate injuries.

Slips, Trips Falls –This focus was on elevated working surfaces to include aircraft and vehicle maintenance across all work areas. Slips, trips and falls account for the third largest type of injury mechanism which in turn caused sprains and strains, and second in line to cause fractures and contusions. Fractures accounted for 44% in lost work days, due to fractures that may require surgery, recuperation or physical therapy with follow up medical visits. When proper risk management is used injuries can be avoided.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2020, falls are among the top three leading causes of work-related death annually for workers in the United States. Falls in the workplace are avoidable, by taking extra precautions to find and fix fall hazards and taking the steps it takes to prevent them.

Sprains and Strains – When reviewed across all work areas, sprains and strains accounted for the top injury type for on-duty injuries due to slips, trips and falls in most cases. A general downward trend is noted for on-duty cases; although, a specific analysis is not available for the exact cause of the downward trend.

Head Strikes – The use of head protection, if and when feasible, is recommended in all work areas where head-strikes are possible. By wearing a bump cap or a hard hat, head injuries can be prevented. Aircraft maintenance had the highest number of head and neck injuries, 3.6 times higher when compared to Security Forces. Working on aircraft or the flightline has inherent risks involved; however, when proper risk management and a job hazard analysis is done, it can help alleviate those risks. Wearing the proper protection can help protect your head from lacerations or concussions.

Laceration injuries – The focus on maintenance, logistics and civil engineering showed 122 documented amputations from 2015 through 2021, 80% (97) affected fingers and accounted for over 76% of permanent partial disability cases within amputations overall. Working with a saw accounted for 13% of finger amputations.

The DAF has seen an overall decrease in on-duty mishaps, while a reduction in numbers is good, the goal will always be zero.

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SAFETY From Page 13

“We encourage every Airmen and Guardian to have open discussions on safety issues they see within their work areas,” said William Walkowiak, chief of Occupational Safety at the Air Force Safety Center. “Empowering Airmen and Guardians to get involved in their shops to minimize or mitigate hazards before an injury occurs will help continue the downward trend.”

No matter the workplace, the responsibility of mishap prevention and

safe operations falls to every member of the Air and Space Forces to take the extra look around the work area to identify hazards and implement the controls necessary to minimize or mitigate them.

For additional information about occupational safety mishap prevention programs visit the Air Force Safety Center website at https://www. safety.af.mil/Divisions/Occupational-Safety-Division/.

RAPTOR From Page 8

AirFest would be that no matter your goals, life is a team sport,” said Gunderson. “The second piece of advice would be to pursue your passions in life regardless of whatever obstacles exist. Life will always have hurdles but those can all be overcome with hard work and determination.”

At the helm of one of the most coveted seats in the Air Force, Gunderson credits his team and fellow service members for their commitment to protecting the nation’s freedoms.

“The men and women of this team are so dedicated to the Air Force and to serving this country,” stated Gunderson. “The aerial demonstration we fly directly represents the hard work and dedication of the servicemen and women across the globe who sacrifice their time, effort and sometimes their lives protecting our freedoms.”

For now, Gunderson’s focus will be on leading the demo team, re-

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cruiting and retaining America’s finest personnel into the Armed Forces, enhancing international and domestic relationships, and notes that at some point he would consider returning to live in the Tampa area.

“Returning home is definitely something I am considering, but I still plan on serving my country in the Air Force for a while longer,” said Gunderson. “Lots of things can change between now and the end of my service but having family in Tampa makes it one of my top choices. For now, I want to keep flying jets and I hope to continue serving in that capacity.”

Gunderson is scheduled to perform demonstrations during both days of the Tampa Bay AirFest 2022. For more a complete schedule of performances, visit www.tampabayairfest.com. For more info about the F-22 Raptor Demo Team visit https://www.jble.af.mil/F-22-DemoTeam/.

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COMMUNITY

EVENTS

6FSS is hiring in the following areas: • Recreation • Food service • Hospitality • Child and youth For job information, visit: https://macdillfss.com/open-jobs/ Private organizations needed for AirFest 2022 Mar. 26-27 AirFest is an incredible way to raise money for your MacDill booster clubs! If your organization is interested in supporting AirFest, call Resource Management at 828-6962, or email 6fss. privateorg@us.af.mil.

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/ Seascapes bar open Fridays Enjoy the sunset at the Seascapes bar. Open every Friday from 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. with food trucks from 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Youth Center teens night out Friday Calling all teens. Join us 6 p.m.

- 9 p.m. at the Youth Center for fun and games. Open to ages 1318.

Find more events at: macdillfss. com

ALS school of the year!

U.S. Air Force photo

U.S. Air Force Col. Benjamin Jonsson, 6th Air Refueling Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Shae Gee, 6th ARW command chief, congratulate the Chief Master Sgt. Aubert E. Dozier Airman Leadership School staff for being recognized as Air Mobility Command’s Airman Leadership School of the year.

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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