Thunderbolt 2/29/2024

News/Features: page3

AIMlandsinPuertoRico

News/Features: page3

Firefighterstraintostayprepared

Week in photos: page4

Images fromthe week

Community: page15

Events, Chapel, more...

U.S.AirForce TechnicalSgt.RyanStrittmatter, 927thAirRefuelingWingaircraftmetalstechnician,left,AirmanLogan Ollis,6thMaintenanceSquadronaircraftmetalstechnologyapprentice,center,andAirman1stClassThomasAllard, 6thMaintenanceSquadronaircraftmetalstechnician,discussplansatMacDillAirForceBaseFeb.21.The6thMXS metalstechnologyflightiscriticaltothe base’s operations,and by extension,theentire AirForce.Itsworkembodies ablendofhardwork,dedication,creativity,andextremeprecision,elementsessentialforexcellinginafieldthatdemandsnothingshortofperfection.

PhotobySeniorAirmanMichaelKillian

NEWS/FEATURES

DAFmembers recognizedduringBEYA STEMawards

byStaffSgt.AdamR.Shanks

SecretaryoftheAirForcePublicAffairs

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS)—TwoDepartmentoftheAir Forcemembersreceived awards duringthe2024BlackEngineer of the Year Awards, Science, Technology, Engineeringand MathematicsconferenceheldattheBaltimore ConventionCenter, Maryland, Feb. 15-17.

Atthe19thAnnualStarsandStripesDinner Feb. 16,anAir ForceAirmanandaSpace ForceGuardianwererecognizedfortheiraccomplishmentsinSTEM-relatedfieldsoverthe pastyear.

DepartmentoftheAir ForceSecretary Frank KendallexplainedhowSTEMfieldsarevitalin Great PowerCompetitionandhowleveraging diversetalentsplaysanintegralpartinnationaldefense.

“TheAirandSpace Forcerelyonthebest leadersandtechnicalexpertsintheworld,” Kendallsaid.“Theyperformourmissionand keepAmericasecurefromgrowingthreats. I’m gratefulforeverythingtheSTEMcommunity doestoadvancethatmission.TheDAFhasthe besttalentourcountryhastooffer.”

Air ForceChiefofStaffGen.DavidAllvin joineddistinguishedguestsonstagetointroduceLt.Col.Shari Perkins, theAir Force’sannual awardwinner. ApriorenlistedAirman,

Yeardinnerandawardsceremony,Baltimore,Md.,Feb16.TheeventhonoredtopAfricanAmericanmilitaryleadersinscience,technology,engineeringandmath.

Perkinsholdsmultiple advanceddegreesand nowservesintheDAF’sexecutiveactiongroup. Additionally,Perkinsledprojectsthatyielded morethan$25,000infundingfor40STEM-re-

COMMANDER’SACTIONLINE

TheActionLineprovidestwo-waycommunicationbetweenthe 6thAirRefueling Wingcommander and theMacDillcommunity. Personnelmaysubmitquestions,concernsorcommentsviaemailto macdillwingcommander@us.af.mil or Facebook@6thARWCommandTeam

MacDill Thunderbolt

Publisher: Joe Deluca

Editor: Nick Stubbs

The MacDillThunderbolt ispublishedby the Times Publishing Company, a private firm in no wayconnected with the U.S. Air Force. This commercial enterprise newspaper is anauthorized publication for distribution to members of the U.S. militaryservices on MacDill. Contents of the MacDill Thunderbolt are notnecessarily the officialviews of,or endorsed by the U.S. government,the Departmentof Defense,

the Departmentof the Air Force or the6th Air Refueling Wing.

The appearance of advertisingin thispublication,includinginserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsementby the Departmentof Defense, the Departmentof the Air Force,6th Air Refueling Wingor the Publishing Companyof the products or serviceadvertised.

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

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, orpatronagewithout regard to race,color, religion, sex, nationalorigin, age, marital status, physical handicap,politicalaffiliationor any other non-merit factorof the purchaser,user,orpatron.

latedscholarshipsforyouth.

“Icantellyoufrompersonalobservation,

SeeDAF,Page12

MacDillontheweb

Website: www.macdill.af.mil

Facebook: www.facebook.com/

MacDillAirForceBase

Instagram: macdill_afb

Twitter: @macdill_afb

Newsitems for the MacDillThunderbolt can be submitted tothe6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs office,8208 Hangar Loop Dr., suite14, MacDill,FL 33621. Call the Thunderbolt at828-2215. : 6arw.pa.macdillthunderbolt@us.af.mil.

Deadline forarticle submissions isnoon, Wednesdays to appear in the next week’s publication. Articlesreceived after deadline may be considered for future use. All submissions areconsidered for publicationbased onnews value and timeliness.

Everyarticleandphotographis edited for accuracy, clarity, brevity, conformance with the “Associated Press Stylebook andLibel Manual” and Air Force Instruction 35-101.

PhotobyAndyMorataya

U.S.SpaceForce ViceChiefofSpaceOperationsGen.MichaelGuetlein(right)presentsan awardtoU.S.SpaceForceBrig.Gen.JacobMiddletonduringthe2024BlackEngineerofthe

AIMlandsin PuertoRico

bySeniorAirmanJessicaDo 6thAirRefuelingWingPublicAffairs

SeveralmembersfromMacDillAir Force Base’s AviationInspirationMentorship(AIM) teamtraveledtoPuertoRicotomeetwithlocal schoolsinthecommunitytoenhancetheirunderstandingof aviationcareerswithintheAir Force, Feb. 12-14th, 2024.

“AIMisaprogramthatdoesoutreachfor communitiessothatwecanteachandinspire thenext aviatorsfortheAir Force,” said U.S. Air ForceCapt.AshleyMorgan,91stAirRefueling Squadronpilot.

Detachment1oftheAir ForceRecruiting Service, JointBaseSanAntonio-Randolph, Texas, developedtheAIMconcept tofurtherpromotetheRatedDiversityImprovement.RDIis astrategythatseekstostrengthendiversityin ratedcareerfieldsintheAir Force

SeeAIM,Page10

MacDillfirefighterstrain tostayprepared

byAirman1stClassDerrickBole 6thAirRefuelingWingPublicAffairs

To ensurethesafetyofourAirmenhereatMacDill,firefightersstrive tomaintainahighstandardofphysicalandtechnicalreadiness. Their strengthandknowledgeallowsMacDillAirmento chargethestorm whenitcomes.

“Fitnessiseverythingforafirefighter,” saidAirman1stClassMichael Banks, 6thCivilEngineerSquadronfirefighter. “The waywetrainmakes thedifferencebetweenbeingabletosaveonepersonandsavingfour.”

Firefightersexercisedailywithgoalsofenduranceandstrength.“Our kitcanweighupwardsof60pounds,” saidBanks. “Wenotonlyneedtobe strongenoughtowearthekit, butalsotocarryanotherpersonforvery longperiodsoftime.”

Everyday, firefighterstrainasateambyusingamixofstrengthand enduranceexercisestomaintainexceptionalphysicalfitness. Theyfrequentlydoweight-training, long-distanceruns, high-intensity-training, andmanyotherexercisemethods.

SeeFIREFIGHTERS,Page6

PhotobySeniorAirmanJessicaDo

U.S.AirForceSeniorAirmanKeeganSalas,91stAirRefuelingSquadronboomoperator,performsaerial refuelingovertheGulfofMexico,Feb. 14. The91stARSoperatesunderthe 6thAir RefuelingWingwiththeKC-135Stratotanker.

PhotobyAirman1stClassDerrickBole

U.S.AirForce Airman 1stClassMichaelBanks,6th Civil Engineer Squadronfirefighter,inspectspartsofafireenginefollowingtrainingat MacDillAirForceBaseFeb.12.Firefighterstraindailytomaintainproficiencywiththeirequipment.

WEEKINPHOTOS

Airmenassignedtothe442nd AircraftMaintenanceSquadron loadcomponentsofanA-10C ThunderboltIIassignedtothe 303rdFighterSquadron,WhitemanAirForceBase,Missouri, ontoaC-17GlobemasterIIIassignedtothe89thAirliftSquadron, WrightPattersonAFB, Ohio,atMacDillAFBFeb.15. The303rdFScompletedatwoweeklongcloseairsupportexerciseover AvonPark,Florida, utilizingMacDillAFBasatemporarydutystation.

U.S.AirForceAcademycadetIsabellaFlodinservestoanopponent fromtheU.S.MilitaryAcademyattheUnitedStates TennisAssociation NationalCampus,OrlandoFeb.17.TheserviceacademieswerefeaturedforCollegeMatchDay, aUSTA neutral-sitecollegetennisshowcaseevent.TheAirForcemen’sandtheArmywomen’s teamwon4-1.

U.S.AirForcehonorguardsmenassignedtoMacDillAirForceBase, standatattentionduringDr.DoraMays’ retirementceremonyatMacDillAFB,Feb.15.Mays retiredafter30yearsofcivilianservice,includingmorethan20yearsatMacDill’sMilitaryFamilyReadinessCenter.

PhotobySeniorAirmanJoshuaHastings

PhotobyAirman1stClassDerrickBole

PhotobySeniorAirmanZacharyFoster

Metal TechsRefineSuccess

bySeniorAirmanMichaelKillian 6thAirRefuelingWingPublicAffairs

WithintheheartofMacDillAir ForceBase, the6thAircraftMaintenanceSquadronmetalstechnologyflightworkinanenvironment whereprecisionand fabrication meet challenges with creativity. This uniqueflightiscriticaltobaseoperations, andbyextension, theentire Air Force.

“Wearethelastlineofdefenseofmaintenance”saidAirman1stClass

Firefightersspendtheir downtimetrainingnot justtheirbodies, butalso theirminds.

“Wegettogetheratmultipletimesthroughoutthe daytoreviewourstandardoperatingprocedures (SOPs),” saidAirman 1st ClassDanielZizzo, 6th CivilEngineerSquadron firefighter. “It’sincredibly importanttoknowexactly whatweneedtodoand wheretobeinordertobest protectthepeopleatMacDill.”

Afirefighter’sSOPsgive themguidanceonmanyof the situationsthey might faceinthefield.

Firemengatherdailyto reviewSOPsthatconsistof guidanceforsettingupfire engines, properequipment maintenance, emergency procedures, andothertopicsvitaltoperforming theirjobandmaintaining theiroccupationalproficiency.

“Ourjobistheepitome ofmaintainingreadiness,” saidZizzo. “Fromoperatingourtrucksandexercising, tosecuringourequipmentandworking48-hour shifts, wetraintokeepeveryoneonbasesafe.”

Firesdon’t waitfor firefighterstobeready, thereforeourAirmenmustfight tostayonestepahead ofdisaster, hereonthe Championship Peninsula.

(Above)U.S.AirForceAirman1st ClassDanielZizzo,6thCivilEngineerSquadronfirefighter,performs aninclinebenchpressatMacDillAir ForceBaseFeb.12. Zizzoperforms physicaltrainingwithhissection dailytomaintainphysical readiness.

(Left)U.S.AirForceAirman1stClass DanielZizzo,6thCivilEngineer Squadronfirefighter,inspectsparts ofafireenginefollowingtrainingat MacDillAirForceBaseFeb.12.Firefighterstraindailytomaintainproficiencywiththeirequipment.

PhotobyAirman1stClassDerrickBole

atethehighlyspecializedparts thataircraftoldandnewneed inordertofly.” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Adam Wyatt, 6thMXSmetalstechnologysection chief

Metalstech Airmencanwork onanythingfromsimplestuck screwsonjets, tomassiveparts, likeaboommaintenancesupportbeam,thatcouldtakeeven themostexperiencedtechniciansmonthstocomplete.

Leadershipwithintheunit playsapivotalroleinnurturingthetalentsandambitions ofitsmembers. Bypromoting a cultureofgrowthandinnovation,Airmenundertakeprojects that notonly challenge them, but alsocontributesignificantlytotheAir Force’scapabilities.

“Wetake18yearoldkidsand teachthemhowtoruncomputernumericalcontrolmachines fromscratch.” said Wyatt.

Thesquadron’simpactextendsbeyondMacDill,influencingAir Forceoperations Their dedicationtoexcellenceandthe abilitytoperformundertight tolerances, ensureMacDillremainsattheforefrontofmaintainingequipmentand assets.

PhotobySeniorAirmanMichaelKillian

U.S.AirForceSeniorAirmanThomasAllard,6thMaintenanceSquadronmetalstechnician,performsmetalwork onMacDillAirForceBaseFeb.21.Metaltechniciansare responsibleforweldingandfabricatingmetalcomponentsforaircrafttoensure theyarefunctioningandmission ready.

BlackHistoryMonth atMacDill

storyandphotosbySeniorAirmanLaurenCobin 6thAirRefuelingWingPublicAffairs

TinkerK-8Schoolstudentsgatheredforanassemblyin celebrationofBlackHistoryMonthhere, Feb. 22.

TheeventemphasizedthecontributionsofAfrican Americansthroughout U.S. history, butalsoservedasaplatformforfosteringasenseofcommunityandunderstanding amongthediversestudentbodyofTinkerK-8School.

Inattendancewerestudents, parent s, teachersandmilitarypersonnelfromtheMacDillAFBcommunity, all ofwhom expressedgratitudefortheinclusiveandeducationalevent.

Theassemblyincludedinformativespeechesbyservice membersandstudent-ledpresentations. Tinker ’s jazzand chorusgroupshowcasedtheirtalentswitharangeofmusicalanddanceperformancesthatreflectedtherich cultureof Blackcommunities.

“Itisimportanttohonoreveryonethathasdonesomething forourcountryandhasmadeadifferencetogettowherewe aretoday,” saidSaylorMullins, a5thgradestudentand chorusmember. “Performingtodayshowspeople, especiallythe youngerkids, todowhatyouloveandlovewhatyoudo, and tonotletanyoneelse changetheirminds.”

Kenton Tallant, an8thgradestudentand jazzbandmember, addedhisgratitudefortheopportunitytoperform.

“ThisisimportanttomebecauseIgettoexperiencedifferentculturesthroughmusic,” hesaid.“Iamthankfultogetto experienceeventslikethisatthebase.”

TwoAfricanAmericanmembersofthe6thAirRefueling Wingcollaboratedinamusicalperformanceforthestudents.

Laron Wa shington,6thAirRefueling Wi ngequalopportunitydirector, playedpianoandsang, whileSeniorAirman QubanHall,6thLogisticsReadinessSquadronairterminal representative, playedsaxophone. Thisdispl ay highlighted thespiritofunityandcamaraderiethatBlackHistoryMonth seekstopromote.

Col.EdwardSzczepanik,6thARWdeputycommander, encouragedstudentstorecognizethecontributionsofAfrican Americansthroughouthistoryandembracevaluablelessons fromthepast.

AstheobservanceofBlack HistoryMonthcontinues, events liketheseprovideinvaluableopportunitiesforcommunities toengageinmeaningfulconversations, promoteunderstandingandcelebratetheachievementsofAfricanAmericanswho havepositivelyimpactedthenationandarmedforces.

Month.

(Above)TinkerK-8SchoolstudentsparticipateinanassemblyatMacDillAirForce Base,Florida,Feb.22,2024.Theassembly includedstudentperformancesandpresentationsincelebrationofBlackHistory

(Farleft)TinkerK-8SchoolstudentsperformduringanassemblyatMacDillAir ForceBaseFeb.22.Theassemblywas heldincelebrationofBlackHistoryMonth, whichhonorsthehistory,cultureandcontributionsofBlackcommunities.

(Left)TinkerK-8Schoolstudentsperform duringanassemblyatMacDillAirForce BaseFeb.22.Theassemblywasheldin celebrationofBlackHistoryMonth,which honorsthehistory,cultureandcontributionsofBlackcommunities.

Duringthetwo-daytrip, AIMmembers visited twoschoolsandheld a KC-135 Stratotankerstaticdisplayeventforfouradditionalschools atMuñizAirNationalGuard Base, hostingover260 studentsfromthe surroundingcommunities.

“Iamveryappreciative tobeheretoday,” saidSeniorAirman Keegan Salas, 91stAirRefuelingSquadronboomoperator “Forme, it wasrewardingtocomebackandgivebacktothecommunityinwhich my familycamefromandteachthema littlebitaboutwhatIdointheAir

Force.”

CarlosAntonetty Feliciano, aJROTCcadetatAntillesHighSchool inGuanynabo, PuertoRico, explainedthattheexperiencesolidifiedhis goalsofbecomingafighterpilotintheUnited StatesAir Force.

“Idefinitelyenjoythe[KC-135]andIenjoyedseeingtheboom, which hopefullyIgettoseefromanotherpointof viewasafighterpiloteventually,” Felicianosaid.“Today reallysetinstonewhatI wanttodoin thefuture.”

PhotobySeniorAirmanJessicaDo

U.S.AirForceCapt. VickyGil,91stAirRefuelingSquadronpilot,speakswithstudentsatAntillesHighSchoolinGuanynabo,PuertoRico,Feb. 12.

MembersfromMacDillAirForceBase’s AviationInspirationMentorship(AIM)teamtraveledtoPuertoRicotomeetwithlocalschoolsinthecommunitytoenhancetheirunderstandingofaviationcareerswithintheAirForce.

SecAFKendallAFA Warfare

SymposiumQ&A:Reoptimizing forGreatPowerCompetition

SecretaryoftheAirForcePublicAffairs

AURORA,Colo.(AFNS)—SecretaryoftheAir Force Frank KendallsatdownwithretiredLt. Gen. Bruce“Orville”Wright,AFApresidentand chiefexecutiveofficer, for a“FiresideChat”to closeouttheAFA WarfareSymposium Feb. 14onthesamenotethatitstarted, withalookathow theserviceswilloperateinaneraof Great Power Competition.

TheQ&A-stylediscussionaddressedkeytakeaways fromthereoptimizationannouncement, howtheDepartmentoftheAir Forcewilladdressresourcingissuesand breakingthroughbarrierstostreamline change.

Arecapofthediscussioncanbefoundbelow:

AirmenandGuardiansarestillwrappingtheirbrains aroundwhatexactlyallthis change means forthem.What do youthinkarethe changesourAirmenandGuardians willfeelthemost,andwhat changeswillbemostapparent?

Therearealotofthingsthatwillaffect usdownatthe unitlevel.Itwon’thappenovernight, butIthinkit’s going tohappenreasonablyquickly. We aregoing to orientour operationalunitsonbeingreadyforthefightwemight havetobeinatanytime, andtheleadersin chargeof commandingthoseorganizationsaregoingtobetasked withit.Startthinkingnowabout what we needtodoto bemorereadyanddoit.Theconflictcanhappen atany time, andweneedtobeasreadyas we possiblycan. We’re goingtobemakingsome changestohowunitsaresetup andallthethingsthatunitsneedtodeploy. We’realsogoingtolookatourgarrisonsand makesurethey’resetup liketheyneedtobe You’regoingto seeopportunitiesopen upforcareerpathsliketech tracksand warrantofficers forasmallsubsetoftheforce. Ingeneral, you’regoingto seeyourtrainingorientmoreonthingsyouneedtobeeffectiveinaGreat PowerCompetition. We’regoingtominimizepeoplehavingtomove, andwe’regoing to minimize cost, butwe’regoingtomoveoutprettyquickly. So, buckle yourseatbelt,don’tsitstill,andgoaheadandmoveforward. We don’thaveanytimeto waste.

Chinaaimstobeabletotake Taiwanone wayorthe otherby2027.Istherepossiblyariskthatrestructuring couldcostusreadiness in thenearterm?

Idon’tthinkso. We canmaintainourreadinesswhile

SeeGREATPOWER,Page14

herworkethicisasstrong asherpersonality,” Allvin said.“In2023,shetook thereinsandshepherded thedevelopmentoftheAir Force’sdiversity, equity, inclusionandaccessibilitystrategicplan,ensuring thatwehadpurposefulapproachestorecruiting, outreachandretention.”

U.S. Space Force Vice ChiefofSpaceOperations Gen.MichaelGuetleintook thestagetointroducethe Space Force’sannual award winner, Brig. Gen. Jacob Middleton.Middleton, a careermissileofficer, who currentlyservesasthedeputydirectorfor operations attheNationalMilitary CommandCenterin Washington, D.C.

“[Middleton]embodies honor, courageandcommitment,” Guetleinsaid.“He’s highlyregardedintheAir andSpace Force, havingreceivedtheNationalReconnaissanceOfficegoldmedal andtheDefenseMeritoriousServiceMedal…Icould notbemorethrilledthat you’rehonoringthisbattletested warrior.”

TheBEYASTEMconferenceisathree-dayevent heldannuallyformore thanthreedecades, focusingonminoritieswithprofessionalinterestsinSTEM fields. Itoffershighschool andcollegestudents; as wellascorporate, governmentandmilitaryprofessionals; anopportunityto cometogethertoparticipateinnetworking, mentorshipsessions, learning opportunitiesandrecognitionceremonies.

(Above)AirForceChiefofStaff Gen.David Allvinshakeshands withMasterSgt.MeganStanislausatthe2024BlackEngineer ofthe Yeardinnerandawardsceremony,Baltimore,Md.,Feb16. Stanislausacceptedtheawardin honorofanAirmanwhocouldnot attendtheevent.

(Left)SecretaryoftheAirForce FrankKendalladdressestheaudienceashetakespartinthe2024 BlackEngineerofthe Yeardinner andawardsceremony,Baltimore, Md., Feb 16,. The eventhonored topAfricanAmericanmilitary leadersinscience,technology, engineeringandmath.

PhotosbyAndyMorataya

doingthistransition. Idon’tseeanyfundamentalimpactonthefighting force. Thereshouldn’tbe. Thegoalistoasquicklyaspossible, gettoabetterposture.

GeneralSaltzmanisintroducingSpaceFuturesCommand.Howisthat similarordifferentfromArmyFuturesCommand?

Letmecontrastthethree. TheAir Force, theSpace Force, andtheArmy. I’vespent50yearslisteningtoargumentsonwhetherrequirementscome beforetechnologyorviceversa.It’s anirrelevantconversation.Basically, thetwohavetoworktogetherasateam. Iamabigfanofextremeteaming, andI’malsoabigfanofhavingabalancebetweenthedifferentelementstotryandgetbettersolutions. Thetwohavetoworkvery closely together. IthinktheArmytippedtoo closetotheoperationsside. The futurescommandoftheSpace Forceisgoingtobeanintegratedorganizationthathasthatintegratedperspectiveandwillbringtheoperations andtechnologysidesoftheconversationtogetherinoneorganization.On theAir Forceside, we’redoingitalittledifferently. We’regoingtohaveIntegratedCapabilitiesCommandthat’sgoingtobeoperator-commanded.It willbeathree-star. They’regoingtobeworkingtogettothebestpossible solutionsfortheentiredepartment. There’s ahealthytensioninthisif it’s doneright,you’vegottobringthetwotogether. Havinganoperational andatechnologicalleadissomethingwe’regoingtotrytoinstitutionalize throughoutthesystem.

Notsurprisingly, thedecisiontobringback warrantofficersinlimited careerfieldshassparkedalotofinterest.Couldwegetmoreonyourvisionastowhat warrantofficerswillbringtothefight?

Inthelastfewyears, we’vehad100peopleleavetheAir Forcetogo be warrantofficersinanotherservice, incyberandIT, whichiswhywe need warrantofficers. Somebodyelsemadethecommentthatthething warrantofficerscanprovideyouwitharepeoplewhoareverytechnically proficient,andtheystaycurrentallthetime;that’sallthey’regoingtodo. They’rethetrainersandthementorsintheirunits, bothforotherofficers andtheenlistedmembers Itgivesustechnicalcontinuity, andyoudon’t getthatunlessyoustayinthatfield. Ithinkthere’s agreatopportunity there. We’regoingtodoitwithcyberandITfirst,theoperationalneed thereisthegreatest.Atsomepoint,we’llthinkaboutifthereareother fieldswhereitmakessense, butfornow, ourfocusisongettingcyberand ITready.

We’veallexperiencedthefrozenmiddle—thegreatandslowbureaucracy. Howareyougoingtobreakthroughthatbarrierwithsomany changesallatonce?

It’shugelyimportant.Lifeatthe Pentagontendstobeateamsport,and oneteam,onefightappliestotheDepartmentoftheAir Forceallworking withothers whoarestakeholders, thejointstaff;you’vegottokeeptheir interestsinmind,andyouhavetocommunicatewiththemeffectivelyto besuccessful.Ilearnedalongtimeagothatyoudon’tget anythingdone onyourownbyforcingthingsthrough. Yougetthingsdonebyinforming people, bringingthemalong, explainingtothemwhatyou’redoingand whyyou’redoingit,andgettingtheirbuy-inandsupport. We werehugely successfulwiththeoperationalimperativeswork Makethecaseforwhat youneedandshowalltheworkyouneedtodotobesuccessful.Building teams, teamwork,andexplainingwhatyouneedtodoworks. Thepeople we’redealingwith wanttodotherightthing, youjustneedtopersuade themthatwhatyou wantto do istherightthing.

IntegratedCapabilitiesCommandhasbeenneededforalongtime. Can youtalkabitmoreaboutyourthoughtsonthat?

Ithinkit’simportantfororganizationstohave clearmissions. Ourforcesthataredesignedtobereadytofightnow;theirleadershipneedsto focusonthat. We needourreadinesscommandstofocusonreadiness We needacapabilitythatworkstogethertoachievetheoverallmission.By puttingthistogether, wecanhaveanorganizationthat’sfocusedonthat. We needtobe awareofthefactthatwe’reinalong-termcompetition. We havetonotonlyhavereadyforcestoday, butweneedpeoplebuilding a pipelinetohavethosecapabilitiesovertime, andweneedtomakesure thatthoseresourcesdevotedtothatarerunefficiently.

Asyou’vetraveledaroundandmetAirmenfromAFCENT, PACAFand USAFE,whatdidyoulearnthatyoudidn’talreadyknow?

IthinkIincreasedmyappreciationofthehighqualityofourforceand thequalityofthepeople, andparticularlyourenlistedpeople. Today’s forceisdramaticallydifferentthantheforceofthepast,andIwouldsay it’soneofourgreatest strengths.

Wasthereabaseoramissionasyoutraveledaroundtheworldthat informedyouinthecontextofmissionfocus?

WhatIseeisalotofpeoplewhohavetheirheadsinthegameand want todobetterseethedeficienciesthatwehaveandaretryingtodobetter. Iseealotofinnovationgoingaround.Idon’tseeitinaparticularpartof theforce Iseeiteverywhere Iseeitinnuclearforces, mobilityforces, and ourfighterforces. IseeitwhereverIgo. We’reahigh-qualityorganization, whereverweareandwhateverwe’redoing. Ithinkwe’vegotalltheraw materialsweneedtomakethe changeswetalkedabouttoprepareourselves. Frankly, it’sallabout deterrence. We don’t wanta war, andifwe’re reallyreadyandtheChineseunderstandthat, we’renotgoingtohaveone.

Forourindustryandnationalsecuritycounterparts, areyoustartingto seeastovepipeinthe spaceandairindustry?

There’sbeenalotofconversationsaboutthat.Igottomeetwithseveral companies duringthisconference Bothfromourtraditionaldefensesuppliersaswellasalotofnewentrantsthathavebeenwithuslesstime, there’senormousintellectualcapitalthere. We wanttheindustryworking withustohelpsolveourproblems. Itgoesbacktoextremeteaming. It hastobedonewiththerecognitionthatindustrydoeshaveanincentive tomakemoney; that’swhatcorporationsdo, butthatdoesn’tmeanthey don’tcareaboutwhatwe’retryingtodo. Theyhavetremendoustechnological talent. We needtobringallthattogethertohelpusmakethebest decisionsandsolutions

Couldyoubringtogetherwhatthemergingofairandspacecapabilities willlooklike?

Ithinktheoperationalimperativesaredesignedtoidentifythatand fleshitoutandmoveustowardthat.Ithinkwe’reinarace;we’vegot to goasquicklyaswecan.Theotherguysaremovingtowardit,too, tryingto adapttechnologymorequickly. Allthethingsweannouncedaredesigned aroundtheunderlyingideasofcompetitivenessandurgency. Oneofthe centralfeaturesofwhatwe’retryingtodoisanincreasedrelianceon space-basedcapabilities TheAir Forceandthewholejointforceisgoing tobecomemorereliantontheSpace Force We’regoingtohaveamixof capabilities andtrytoconfrontouradversarieswithmorethanoneproblem,butspaceisgoingtobeincreasinglycriticalanddecisiveinapeer conflict.

EVENTS

Springcraftmarket

Getreadytocelebratespringat thecraftmarketonMar. 2. Join theArts&CraftsCenterforaday ofcraftivitiesforallages Browse throughavarietyofgrab&go items, shopfromlocalvendors showcasingtheiruniquecreations, andindulgeindeliciousbites fromfoodtrucksparkedonsite. Formoreinformation,visitbit.ly/ SpringCraftMarket24.

2024ClubChampionship

Don’tmissoutontheBay Palms 2024ClubChampionshiponMar. 2and3.Thetournamentisopen toallpatronswithaccesstoMacDillAFB. Strokeplay, amateurs onlyandmusthavecurrentUSGA GHINtocompetefornetscore. Priceincludesgreenfees, cart, and lunch.$110AdvancedGreen Fee Holders/$150ActiveDuty&Retirees/$175Civilians. Fordetails, visitbit.ly/ClubChampionship24.

Boomerscall-indeals

Cravingfreshsalads, mouthwateringwings, ordeliciousshareables?LooknofurtherthanBoomers!Callinyourordersevery Thursdayand Fridaybetween3-7 p.m.andtreatyourselftoadelectablefeast.Dial512-8441toplace yourorderand pick ituptogo, hassle-free! Formoreinformation visitmacdillfss.com/boomers/.

Freegolflessonsforactiveduty Mar. 13&27from12–1 p.m., activedutyandtheirspousescan enjoyfreeinstruction, golfballs and clubsatthedrivingrange. No reservationsrequired, checkinat theProShop10minutespriorto starttime.

The Champ!

U.S.AirForceCol.EdwardSzczepanik,6thAirRefuelingWingdeputycommander,center,andSenior AirmanKhya Lynwood,50thAirRefuelingSquadronnon-commissionedofficerinchargeofSquadron AviationResourceManagement,signaboardduringaChampionofthe Week recognitionatMacDill AirForceBaseFeb.20. Lynwoodwas recognizedforherworkin reviewingover20,000criticalchecklistitemsfor23trainingsortieswhichplayedacritical roleintrainingsixnewboomoperatorsand co-pilots.

CHAPELSCHEDULE

Normal Hours- Monday - Friday - 9 a.m.to 3p.m. After hours chaplain, callthe Command Post at 828-4362/4361.

Monday-Wednesday Mass - 12:10p.m. www.macdill.af.mil/chapel

Catholic Mass - Sunday - 9:30 a.m. (confessionsby appointment)

Protestant services - Sunday - 11 a.m. Contact the Chapel at 828-3621or email at 6ARW.HCADMIN@us.af.mil for inquiries regarding Protestant religious education.

Jewish - Monthly Lunch and Learn: For schedule &tojoin distro,pleasecontactelimelach.estrin@us.af.mil

Islamic Service - Friday 1:30p.m.(space reserved)

OtherFaith Groups - Pleasecontact the Chapelat (813)828-3621orviaemail at 6ARW.HCADMIN@us.af.mil

For more details and information, visitthe Chapel Facebook page at http://www.facebook/6amwhc/ or MacDill’s Chapel website is: https://www.macdill.af.mil/chapel

PhotobySeniorAirmanMichaelKillian

6th ForceSupportSquadron

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Deputy ................................................2823

OpsOfficer.........................................2703

Mortuary Affairs..............................6597

Unit Readiness...............................2252

Senior Enlisted Leader.....................3969

HonorGuard....................................5190

First Sergeant.....................................4153

Marketing&Publicity.......................3055

Military& Family ReadinessFlight..0134

Military& Family ReadinessCtr......0145

Child& YouthServicesFlight.......5097

ChildDevelopmentCtr1..................3332

ChildDevelopmentCtr2.................2244

ChildDevelopmentCtr3..................0195

FamilyChildCare..............................7760

SchoolAgeCare.................................5971

YouthCenter......................................7956

Civilian PersonnelFlight................4286

Civilian Personnel.............................6090

Human ResourceOffice(NAF).........2911

CommunityServicesFlight............2921

Arts&CraftsCenter..........................4413

AutoHobby Shop...................373-6545

WoodHobby Shop.........................2093

Bay PalmsGolfComplex................0046

8IronGrill.........................................1507

Information, Tickets& Travel...............2478

MacDillBowlingLanes.....................4005

Hangar6Grill...................................7735

OutdoorRecreation/Equip Rental/ FamCamp................................840-6919

Pool............................................769-9901

Marina.......................................840-1513

Skeet Range...............................488-1244

ForceDevelopmentFlight.............7320

Airman LeadershipSchool..............2299

Base Theater......................................3607

Education.............................................3115

Library.................................................3607

ProfessionalDevelopment...............1229

Training...............................................4004

Manpower/OrgFlight .....................9977

Manpower............................................3711

MilitaryPersonnelFlight

6fss.fsmps.deersidcards@us.af.mil

ResourceMgmtFlight

PrivateOrganizations.......................6962

SustainmentServicesFlight

Diner’s

FitnessCenter...................................4496