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.
Vol.52,No.9 Thursday,February29,2024
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.
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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
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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.
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PhotobySeniorAirmanJoshuaHastings
PhotobyAirman1stClassDerrickBole
PhotobySeniorAirmanZacharyFoster
Metal TechsRefineSuccess
bySeniorAirmanMichaelKillian 6thAirRefuelingWingPublicAffairs
WithintheheartofMacDillAir ForceBase, the6thAircraftMaintenanceSquadronmetalstechnologyflightworkinanenvironment whereprecisionand fabrication meet challenges with creativity. This uniqueflightiscriticaltobaseoperations, andbyextension, theentire Air Force.
“Wearethelastlineofdefenseofmaintenance”saidAirman1stClass
NEWS/FEATURES
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.
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FromPage3 Besuretovisittheofficial6thAirRefuelingWingwebsiteatwww.macdill.af.mil
FIREFIGHTERS
(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.
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METAL FromPage5
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.
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TinkerK-8Schoolcommemorates
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.”
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AIM FromPage3
PhotobySeniorAirmanJessicaDo
U.S.AirForceCapt. VickyGil,91stAirRefuelingSquadronpilot,speakswithstudentsatAntillesHighSchoolinGuanynabo,PuertoRico,Feb. 12.
Besuretovisittheofficial6thAirRefuelingWingwebsiteatwww.macdill.af.mil
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
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NEWS
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.
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DAF FromPage2
(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
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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.
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GREATPOWER FromPage11
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
MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, February 29, 2024 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 15 COMMUNITY
PhotobySeniorAirmanMichaelKillian
16 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, February 29, 2024 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT
6th ForceSupportSquadron
TelephoneExtensionsPrefix828
Commander.......................................2823
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
CACAppointmentLine...............828-6673
.....................1449
..........0034 2BrewsCatering......................840-2020
Reef Dining Facility...............2412
FlightMeals....................................4998
MacDillInn- Lodging........................4259 Rickenbacker’s..............................7425 SeaScapes Restaurant.............840-1451 BreakawayEventCtr/Boomers..840-2020 6th ForceSupportSquadron’s MonthlyHighlights–aSupplement to theMacDillAFBThunderbolt “Refuelthe Force” MARCH‘24 News macdillfss.com EASTER MARCH2310AM–12PM 2024 Fitness Center South Field EGG HUNTS Face Painting | Arts & Crafts | DJ | Food Trucks | Kona Ice Snow Cone Truck GAMES & PRIZESEASTER BUNNY EGGHUNTTIMES EFMP: 10:15AM Ages1–4: 10:30AM Ages5–8: 10:45AM Ages9–12: 11AM Ages 13+: 11:15AM Adults: 11:30AM www.macdillfss.com/youth For More Info Call: (813)828-7438 @MacDillFSS TA MP A BAY AIRFEST REHEARSAL THURSDAY, MARCH 28 OPEN TO ID CARD HOLDER WITH BASE ACCESS ONLY PERMITTED GATES OPEN: 10:30AM PRACTICE BEGINS: 12PM THUNDERBIRDS PRACTICE: 3PM Food trucks & drinks available. Ramp will close promptly after the Thunderbirds perform. Download the App! Search for Tampa Bay Airfest 2024
2 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, February 29, 2024 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT 2 6FSS NEWS March‘24 AR TS & CR AF T CE NT ER • (8 13)828-4413 Awards | Laser Engraving | Trophies | Framing | Plaques | Plates | Custom Wood ItemsShadowboxes | Flag Boxes | Coin Racks | Challenge Coins | Art Classes | Graphic Design AND MUCH MORE! Golf Tune Up Tuesdays BA Y PA LM S GO LF CO UR SE FREE ACTIVE DUTY CLINIC 12-1pm Select Wednedays (Mar 13th & 27th) at the golf course driving range. Open to service members and their immediate families. Every Tuesday Four Sessions Available: 11AM-12PM, 12PM-1PM, 5PM-6PM, 6PM-7PM $40 perperson 8 personlimit per session (813)828-0046 Come onout and keep your game dialed in a group environment. Begin with 30 minutes on the range followedby 30 minutes on the short game areas. Regardless of your skill level, thisis a great opportunityto sharpen your golf skills From beginners to experiencedplayers, you’ll benefit from having another set of eyes to help improve your game Space is limited. Sign-up at the Pro Shop for a timeconvenient for you! CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP 2-3 March FIRSTTIME BOAT RENTER DEAL 50% OFF Boat Rental Any Weekday. (Mon, Wed-Thu) *Must completethe boatus.org boater safety course beforerenting BOATER REFER A FRIEND PROGRAM $25 OFF Boat Rental, Any Weekday. (Mon, Wed-Thu) Refer a friend and you will receive $25 off your boat rental Friend must be named andbe in the RecTrac System forrenting at least one boat rental. FREQUENT BOATER RENTAL CARDS Half-Day & Full-Day Cards Available GetOutontheWater! Ifyoucan dreamit, wecancreateit!
MACDILL THUNDERBOLT u Thursday, February 29, 2024 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u 3 March‘24 6FSSNEWS 3 BounceBack Menu Featuring... Salads, Wings, Nachos & MORE! OPEN THU & FRI 3-8PM Food | Full Bar | Pool Tables TVs | Thursday Billiards & BBQ | Friday Stampede insideBreakaway EventCenter B LET US COOK DINNER! Call in Order To-Go Food Served 3-7PM ESM Welcome! MENU FEATURING... Nachos, Salads, Beach Time Favorites, Baskets, Sandwiches & MORE! TUE-THU 11AM-9PM • FRI 11AM-10PM • SAT 3PM-10PM FOOD SERVED: TUE-FRI 11AM-8PM • SAT 3PM-8PM BAR: OPENS AT 3PM For Inquiries Regarding Special Events at SeaScapes Phone: (813) 840-2020 6FSS.2.brewscatering@us.af.mil CHECK OUTTHE MENU! TRIVIA EVERY TUESDAY! 7PM DJ & KARAOKE EVERY FRIDAY! OPEN FOR LUNCH& DINNER! STARTING MARCH11! BENTO BOXES GRAB & GO! POWER EATS SHORT FITNESS CENTER
4 u WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM u Thursday, February 29, 2024 u MACDILL THUNDERBOLT 4 6FSS NEWS March‘24 macdillfss.com @macdillfss INFORMATION,TICKETS &TRAVEL Ticket Counter:(813)828-2478 LeisureTravelOffice:(813) 828-1860 https://macdillfss.com/information-tickets-travel/ The Time to Book Your Spring Break Vacation Is Right Now- Military Discount. “L ET SGE T WI LD” $15/HR All Positions Starting At or Higher macdillfss.com/open-jobs/ Benefits include: Access to on base facilities, bowling, fitness center, golf and tax free shopping. PLUS MUCH MORE! HOSPITALITY ADMINISTRATIVE RECREATION CHILD & YOUTH UNIVERSAL MARDI GRAS: INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS OF CARNAVAL New Food, Floats& Fun at Universal Mardi Gras It’s a Grooveable Feast at UniversalMardi Gras Join the party at Universal Mardi Gras, Feb. 3 - Apr. 7, for nonstop fun with global eats* , music beats and floats parading down the streets. Universa elements and all related indicia TM & © 2024 Universal Studios. Al rights reserved. Event occursrain or shine. No rain checks returns or refunds. Prices times, dates, entertainment, event and/or experience details are subject tochanges and/or cancellation withoutnotice Additional restrictions may apply. EXTENDED TO APRIL 28!