Thunderbolt 03/17/2022

Vol. 50, No. 11

Thursday, March 17, 2022

News/Features: page 2 AF leaders discuss change

News/Features: page 3 Warefare symposium

Week in photos: page 4 Images from the week

International Womens Day - page 8 U.S. Air Force graphic

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

Did you know the Air Force leads the other service branches in the highest percentage of active duty females at 21.3 percent? We thank all of the women who have served and who continue to serve.

NEWS/FEATURES

Kendall, Brown, Raymond outline changes need to defend nation

by Charles Pope Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs WASHINGTON (AFNS)—Speaking separately at an influential gathering two blocks from the White House March 9, the Department of the Air Force’s highest-ranking civilian and military leaders offered emphatic variations on a similar theme – the need to modernize faster, think faster, and nurture the cultures needed to confront potential threats and adversaries.

“I am focused on modernization,” Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall said during a keynote address closing the 13th Annual Defense Programs Conference staged by McAleese and Associates.

With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine entering its third week and China’s continued military expansion and modernization, no one has to look far to understand why, he said.

“It’s still China, China, China for me,” Kendall said in outlining the challenges he’s focused on. “Russia … is a significant power to be concerned with. We’ve had a wake-up call; we’ve had an emotional event that says, ‘Yes, war at scale among great powers, among modern powers can actually happen.’ It can also happen in the Pacific.”

China, he said, “Has vastly more resources than Russia does and has been investing for almost 30 years to field forces that can keep the United States out of that region, (and) defeat us if we try to interfere in something they might do. So, the threats are increasing over time.”

Those realities, as well as others, including North Korea, are the catalyst for Kendall’s “Seven Operational Imperatives,” his blueprint for reshaping the Air and Space Forces to meet challenges now and in the future.

Those themes – the need for urgent change to reshape the Air and

Photo by Eric Dietrich

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall speaks during the McAleese FY2023 Defense Program Conference in Washington, D.C., March 9, 2022. Kendall spoke about the challenges and priorities for the Department of the Air Force.

Space Forces amid China’s rise and Russia’s ambition – as well as hardening operations in space were the focus in remarks earlier in the day from Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., and Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond.

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.

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

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

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

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See CHANGE, Page 6

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

Reserve, Guard senior leaders discuss capabilities

by Jaimi Chafin Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFNS)—Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard senior leaders came together to discuss capabilities and challenges during the Air Force Association’s Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Florida, March 4.

Maj. Gen. John P. Healy, deputy to the chief of the Air Force Reserve, Lt. Gen. Michael A. Loh, director of the Air National Guard, and Maj. Gen. Daryl Bohac, Nebraska National Guard adjutant general, participated in a roundtable discussion led by Heather Penny, senior resident fellow at the AFA’s Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies.

Healy highlighted the Reserve’s support of Operations Allies Refuge and Allies Welcome to demonstrate how Reserve Airmen are always ready and willing to answer their nation’s call.

“We had 13 volunteer crews ready to go in 24 hours,” Healy said.

“And, in 72 hours – the benchmark for making sure we get out the door – we had 80 crews and 36 tails (supporting Operation Allies Refuge).

By the end of August, we ended up executing 37 missions where we brought Afghans in need out of the country.”

Healy said the Reserve then deployed more than 500 Airmen to support Operation Allies Welcome to ensure Afghans in need had the See SYMPOSIUM, Page 13

U.S. Air Force photo

Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard senior members discuss capabilities, challenges at the recent AFA Warfare Symposium in Orlando March 4.

Global Household Goods contract transition period begins

by Andre Kok U.S. Transportation Command Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (March 04, 2022) – The Government Accountability Office’s recent denial of protests made against the award of the Global Household Goods Contract (GHC) allows for U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) and HomeSafe Alliance LLC to begin contract performance and a planned nine-month transition period.

The contract, awarded on Nov. 4, 2021, provides complete door-to-door global household goods relocation transportation and warehouse services for Department of Defense (DOD) personnel, U.S. Coast Guard members, and other federal employees.

The transition period will include HomeSafe Alliance LLC developing and testing interfaces with the government’s information technology (IT) system, establishing customer service support capabilities, and providing necessary training on the contractor’s IT system. The current schedule calls for the transition period to run to December 2022.

“We’re excited to begin implementing the contract to improve the household goods shipment process for service members, civilians and See HOUSEHOLD GOODS, Page 10 MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

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WEEK IN PHOTOS

Photo by Airman 1st Class Hiram Martinez

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jake Baker, 6th Security Forces Squadron marine patrolman, scans the waters surrounding MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, March 7. From 2020 through 2021, MacDill’s marine patrol unit responded to three times as many incidents within the coastal restricted area.

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Photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Hastings

Photo by Senior Airman David D. McLoney

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Ricky King, 6th Communications Squadron Radio Frequency Transmission Systems technician, poses for a photo at MacDill Air Force Base March 7. Air Mobility Command selected King as a nominee for the Noncommissioned Officers Association Vanguard Award, which honors service members of every branch for their acts of heroism. King was nominated for his timely response in aiding victims of a vehicle collision.

U.S. Air Force Col. Charity A. Banks, 6th Maintenance Group (MXG) commander, and Brig. Gen. Darren R. Cole, Air Mobility Commander director of logistics, engineering and force protection, sing the Air Force song during the 2022 6th/927th Maintenance Group “Knucklebuster” at MacDill Air Force Base March 4. The term “knucklebuster” stems from the facts that maintainers would often go home at the end of the day with busted or bruised knuckles.

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NEWS/FEATURES

‘Project Arcwater’ reigns as 2022 Spark Tank winner

by Tech. Sgt. Armando A. Schwier-Morales Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs ORLANDO, Fla. (AFNS)—Senior Master Sgt. Brent Kenney, 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, received the 2022 Spark Tank trophy at the Air Force Association’s Warfare Symposium, March 4.

Kenney’s idea, “Project Arcwater,” is a simple, green, expedited way to save energy and provide drinking water by using solar fabric and environmental water harvesting in an agile combat employment. This will cut the operational energy and logistics associated with operations all around the Department of the Air Force.

It was a close competition as the six semi-finalist teams pitched their ideas to Air and Space Force senior leaders and industry experts during the symposium. As judges deliberated between the pitches, audience members online and in person cast their votes and selected Arcwater as a fan favorite. Shortly after, Arcwater was awarded as the 2022 Spark See SPARK TANK, Page 7

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Armando A. Schwier-Morales

Senior Master Sgt. Brent Kenney, 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, pitches his idea to judges at the Air Force Association’s Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Fla., March 4. Kenney was named the Spark Tank 2022 champion with “Project Arcwater,” a simple, green, expedited way to save energy and provide drinking water by using solar fabric and environmental water harvesting in an agile combat employment.

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CHANGE From Page 2

Kendall agreed that space is a key component. He praised Raymond for how he’s developed the Space Force but, like Raymond, said more must be done.

“We have a lot of work to do in terms of the Space Force and transitioning from a force which was designed for a period when we could operate with impunity in space. … We are starting down the path that takes us in the direction of having more resilient capabilities in space,” Kendall said.

That we have arrived at an “inflection point” in history is something Raymond and Brown in their remarks later in the day, highlighted.

“We live in a very complex, strategic security environment. Probably the most complex strategic environment that we’ve had in over three generations,” Raymond said in a morning session.

“We have some problems that we’re facing that are becoming more complex, more complicated with increasing uncertainty and will all take leadership to solve,” Brown said only hours after Raymond spoke.

The remarks from all three officials were, in large measure, echoes of comments each delivered last week at the Air Force Association’s Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Florida. But they also provided more detail about the plans and priorities of each service and the consequences if those goals aren’t realized.

“Space plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges because it underpins every instrument of national power: diplomatic, informational, military, and economic,” Raymond said. “… A few years ago, we could assume unfettered access to space and freedom to maneuver in space.

You can’t assume that anymore.”

Like Kendall, Raymond said there cannot be delay and he described how the Space Force, in its third year, is being built for speed and to ensure sustained superiority in that critical domain.

“We have to get this right, and we don’t have time to waste,” said Raymond, who has led the Space Force since it was born in December 2019.

“Our challengers are moving fast and ultimately seek to surpass the United States as the world’s leading space power. The Space Force must deliver faster than our competitors and extend our nation’s advantage in space. The competition in space over the next decade will be fierce.

We can’t afford to lose,” he said.

Raymond also said the Space Force is moving aggressively to harden capabilities in space, making them more resilient instead of the vulnerable hardware that came before and was suitable to a domain that was peaceful and “benign.” Those conditions are no longer present.

“Competitors are escalating their coercive and malign activities in all domains and are imposing new transboundary challenges on the joint force,” he said. “China and Russia are demonstrating capability to contest our advantage and build capabilities that enhance their power, putting our forces at risk. Space underwrites the joint force — our joint missions don’t close without space. We can’t fight, communicate, target, precision-strike, or maneuver … without space,” he said.

“To ensure we are able to continue to offer these capabilities today and in the future, the Space Force is embarking on an unprecedented shift in our Space Force architecture,” Raymond said.

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Brown made a similar point, noting that the Air Force must adroitly “balance risk” if it is to succeed in meeting today’s challenges while also shaping itself for the future.

Navigating those challenges, he said, demand the Air Force bring to life his strategic approach to transforming the service called Accelerate Change or Lose, and address what he outlined as four types of risk: “warfighting risk, which pertains to the Air Force’s rate of modernization relative to adversaries;” “foundational risk,” which includes nurturing and sustaining Airmen, ensuring readiness; “execution risk,” which is shorthand for budget and acquisition hurdles; and “industrial base risk,” which refers to the impact of budget instability on current and future companies that feed the service’s manufacturing needs.

Even though Brown spoke on the same day Congress finalized a full budget for the current fiscal year, he emphasized that delaying budgets has a direct and adverse impact on security.

“Any good strategy needs to be actionable, and it needs to be resourced. I know we’re getting close to a budget, but continuing resolutions are devastating to actually allowing us to move forward,” Brown said, using the term for a temporary budget that keeps the government from shutting down in the absence of a completed, final, full-year spending plan.

“Think about it. We’re six months into the fiscal year and we’re just now getting a budget. We’ve passed one budget in the past decade. If you line all those CRs together it’s over three years we worked without a budget. … If you’re trying to accelerate change, you can’t be spotting your adversaries three years.”

Like Brown and Raymond, Kendall noted the dangers of delayed annual budgets, warning that they hamper modernization at a time when adversaries are closing the gap that in the past separated the U.S. and its capabilities from their own.

“We have a narrow window of opportunity to modernize our force and realize the change that is required to defend our homeland. Time truly is of the essence,” he said.

“Continued investment in new capabilities ensures the nation has the cutting edge technology needed to remain competitive and stay ahead of our adversaries,” Kendall said. “While divesting legacy and aging platforms is a necessary first step, this alone will not free the resources (the Department of the Air Force) requires to modernize. Significant additional resources are required to attain the (forces) the nation needs for the future.”

Brown explained what that means in the real world and why the U.S. must increase its pace.

“Since Desert Storm (in 1991), the Air Force is now half the size and the average age of our fleet has tripled,” he said. “By comparison, since the 1990s, (China’s) Air Force has modernized their fighter fleet, increased their flight hours by over 60%. … Our rate of modernization has not kept pace with our adversaries.”

“The future Air Force must be resourced appropriately so we can prevail in a future conflict. We must fund the transition of the Air Force today to the Air Force we’ll need for tomorrow,” he said.

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SPARK TANK From Page 5

Tank winner.

The Arc Water system is a simple, green, and expedited way to save energy, provide drinking water, and support contingencies across the world in a small agile package. The project was submitted as part of the Spark Tank 2022 competition. (United States Air Forces in Europe Air Forces Africa courtesy video) “It was an amazing experience,” Kenney explained. “Being part of this process was amazing, getting to know all these other innovators and seeing how they are just as passionate as you are.”

The Spark Tank initiative allows Airmen from around the force to put forward some of their best innovative ideas and compete to make it reality.

Kenney created Arcwater to provide a system that aims to significantly decrease the logistics of transporting water and energy needs at offthe-grid locations through solar panels, a water harvester, and AC/heating tool, creating gallons of potable water out of thin air.

According to Kenney, now that Arcwater is the 2022 Spark Tank winner and has support from DAF, it can shift to reaching its full potential.

“Without the support of those that I work with in my office, I would not be here,” Kenney said.

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Armando A. Schwier-Morales

Under Secretary of the Air Force Gina Ortiz Jones presents Senior Master Sgt. Brent Kenney, 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, the Spark Tank 2022 trophy at the Air Force Association’s Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Fla., March 4. Kenney’s winning idea, “Project Arcwater,” is a simple, green, expedited way to save energy and provide drinking water by using solar fabric and environmental water harvesting in an agile combat employment.

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

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Photo By: Air Force Senior Airman Lillian Miller

The Air Force 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., marked Women’s History Month in 2020 with an all-women crew.

Photo By: Senior Airman Madeline Herzog

An all-women F-15E Strike Eagle aircrew steps to the flightline in observation of Women’s History Month at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, March 22, 2021.

DoD celebrates International Women’s Day, advances in gender equity and equality U.S. Department of Defense

As the Department of Defense commemorates International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, we are reflecting on progress we have made towards gender equity and equality at home and abroad, and celebrating the invaluable expertise of women throughout DoD. In 2021, the Department saw the first woman leader confirmed by Congress as Deputy Secretary of Defense.

We are making progress in empowering women leaders and a range of initiatives to enhance opportunities for women and minorities across the department—all of which are vital to enhancing U.S. national security.

“Around the world, our Allies, partners and major international organizations are celebrating the advancements gender parity brings to the world,” said Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen H. Hicks. “These advancements support better governance and a more stable and less turbulent world. Our work on women, peace, and security is critical not just for U.S. national security, but equally importantly, for the safety, equality, and opportunity of women and girls around the world. We are proud to join the international community in recognizing the achievements of women around the world.”

Over the last year, the Department: Appointed two women as combatant commanders: Air Force General Jacqueline Van Ovost took command of U.S. Transportation Command and Army General Laura Richardson took command of U.S. Southern Command in October 2021. They join retired Air Force General Lori Robinson, who commanded U.S. Northern

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Command, as Department pioneers.

Released the roadmap for implementation of the Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military (IRC): Secretary Austin established the IRC in early 2021 to counter the scourge of sexual assault and sexual harassment in the military across, with focus across four lines of effort—accountability, prevention, climate and culture, and victim care and support. The Department is now implementing all 82 of the IRC’s recommendations to ensure that all service members are able to serve in environments of dignity and respect.

Expanded Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Programming: DoD WPS programs work to ensure that the DoD exemplifies a diverse organization with women’s meaningful participation across the Joint Force, advance opportunities for women in partner nation security sectors, and protect women and girls during conflict and crisis. Notably, the DoD leveraged its workforce of trained Gender Advisors (GENADs) to support the relocation and resettlement of Afghan evacuees during Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) – the first time that the Department has ever deployed this capability during an operation.

“Alongside our partners, the Department of Defense is working to develop an inclusive, holistic approach towards the security challenges of today and tomorrow. Incorporating diverse gender perspectives is key in this effort, from mitigating the unintended consequences of military action and protecting civilians, to addressing transnational security challenges that impact all of us such as climate change and global pandemics,” said Michelle Strucke, DASD for Global Partnerships in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. “I am excited to recognize the outstanding contributions women have made to the Department, to highlight men See WOMEN, Page 14

Photo By: Senior Airman Madeline Herzog Air Force Lt. Col. Jaina Donberg, 48th Operations Group deputy commander, prepares to taxi an F-15E Strike Eagle at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, March 22, 2021.

HOUSEHOLD GOODS From Page 3

their families,” said Air Force Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, USTRANSCOM commander. “The stability, capacity management, and accountability delivered through GHC will benefit our people and the moving industry.”

The GHC is expected to deliver quality, on-time packing, shipping, and delivery of customers’ household goods, along with modern digital tools to improve communication between the move manager and the customer through new, improved centralized management of the DOD’s approximately 325,000 annual household goods shipments.

“Moving is an adventure but also an inherently stressful process. We expect the GHC to be a major step in DOD’s efforts to improve the relocation experience for our service members and families,” said Air Force Brig.

Gen. Joel Safranek, director of USTRANSCOM’s Defense Personal Property Management Office. “We are focused wholly on delivering an improved relocation experience for DOD employees, service members, and their families.”

6th ARW Chapel Holy Week Schedule

u Monday, April 11: 12:10 Daily Mass u Tuesday, April 12: *No Daily Mass u Wed, April 13: 12:10 Daily Mass and Penance Service from 17:30 - 19:00 u Thursday, April 14: 19:00 Mass of the Last Supper followed by Eucharistic Adoration until 2130 (**No 1210 Daily Mass) u Friday, April 15: 14:15 Stations of the Cross followed by 1500 Good Friday Service u Saturday, April 16: 2000 Easter Vigil Celebration (**No 1730 Mass) u Sunday, April 17: 0930 Easter Sunday Mass & Easter Egg Hunt after Mass

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NEWS/FEATURES

Mil-to-mil couples gain time to make separation decision after childbirth Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs WASHINGTON (AFNS)—Starting March 1, either parent of a Department of the Air Force military-to-military couple may now have up to 12 months to request separation from the service after the birth or adoption of a child.

A military-to-military couple is defined as a DAF active duty member married to another DAF active duty member.

Caregiver separation and childbirth separation give both parents more time to learn how to balance family and career, allowing them to continue to contribute to the DAF mission before making a decision to separate.

“As part of our ongoing diversity and inclusion efforts, this is a positive step we can take to allow new parents more time to decide how to balance their careers with a new child,” said Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly, deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel, and services. “It’s vital that we continue to find creative ways to develop and retain talented and skilled Airmen and Guardians.”

Additionally, new parents are encouraged to use the MyVector online mentoring system to find mentors who can provide support and guidance as they navigate service and family.

“This new family-friendly policy recognizes the work-life balance our Guardians seek and provides greater opportunity for choice,” said Patricia Mulcahy, deputy chief of space operations for human capital.

This initiative is in addition to pregnancy separation, which currently allows for voluntary separation for pregnancy before the birth of a child, and childbirth separation, which currently allows for voluntary separation for up to 12 months after the birth of a child. Other initiatives include new parental leave guidance authorized in the FY22 National Defense Authorization Act, which eliminates primary and secondary caregiver designations and provides for up to 12 weeks of leave for new parents. The Office of the Secretary of Defense and the services will implement that new policy within the coming year.

In an effort to balance mission while taking care of Airmen and Guardians, only one spouse will have the opportunity to separate under either the pregnancy, childbirth, or caregiver provisions. The other spouse may not separate under any of these provisions, but may qualify to voluntarily separate under hardship or any other reasons for voluntary separation under AFI 36-3208, Administrative Separation of Airmen and AFI 36-3207, Separating Commissioned Officers.

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SEPARATION From Page 11

Members may apply for caregiver separation under the “miscellaneous reason” provision already included in both officer and enlisted separation instructions, which apply to both Airmen and Guardians. The requests are evaluated based on individual merit and may be disapproved if it is determined that the separation is not in the best interest of the DAF. Members may apply as early as the day following childbirth or adoption, applications must be submitted no later than 12 months following birth or adoption, and the requested date of separation must not be more than 12 months from the application date. Waivers of active duty service commitments will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

For more information about personnel programs, visit myPers.

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Prizes to Approx Top 30%

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SYMPOSIUM From Page 3

proper supplies and infrastructure to settle and feel welcomed into the United States.

The general went on to highlight the Reserve’s ongoing support of COVID-19 operations, pointing out that Reserve Airmen are currently augmenting hospital staff in both New York and California. Many of these Airmen are on their second deployment since the pandemic started.

In the realm of space, Healy said that the Reserve has 1,500 Airmen working space missions at 11 locations around the world and that Reserve Airmen make up nearly 25% of the current Space Force.

Healy said that Reserve Airmen are a tremendous value for America’s taxpayers, noting that the Reserve accomplishes 25% of the Air Force mission for 3% of the cost. From enlistment or commission through retirement, Reservists cost 28 cents on the dollar compared to the lifecycle cost of active-duty service members, he said.

When asked about challenges currently facing the Reserve, Healy mentioned the command’s aging fleet of aircraft.

“What is constantly on my mind is the relevance of maintaining our fleet,” he said. “The (Air Force) secretary said yesterday the average age of their fleet is 30 years old. Well, ours is a touch more mature at 33 years of age. And, 44% of our aircraft are over their initial life expectancy.”

Healy said “hiccups in the last couple of years” with National Guard and Reserve Equipment funding and ongoing continuing resolutions have made it difficult for the Reserve to update its legacy systems, but he is optimistic about the future.

“We’re looking forward to the future and working hard to maintain mission modernization to the best of our ability and provide realistic training to meet our combatant commander’s needs,” he said.

Loh praised Guard Airmen for their exemplary performance over the past few years.

“When you look at where we’ve been over three decades of continuous mobilizations, but especially the last two years which have brought the longest and largest mobilizations in our history since World War II, it’s pretty impressive,” he said. “On average, more than 14,000 Guard Airmen were on duty over the last two years, supporting combatant com-

manders overseas, defending the homeland and providing support to a broad range of missions, including COVID-19, natural disasters and civil unrest operations.”

Like Healy, Loh pointed to maintaining an aging fleet of aircraft as one of the Guard’s biggest challenges.

“How ready and willing are 60-year-old aircraft?” he asked. “Modernization recapitalization keeps me up at night.”

He went on to talk about shifting defense priorities following a twodecades-long war in Afghanistan.

“We heard Secretary Kendall talk yesterday and last year at this AFA of his top three priorities – China, China and China,” he said. “So, how are we going to modernize the force to get after China? And then, of course, this year, Russia is here also.”

Loh pointed to several examples of how the Guard is preparing to meet the challenges of the future, including fully operational F-35s in Vermont, conversions happening in Alabama, Wisconsin and Florida, bringing the F-15EX online, standing up formal training units, welcoming new C-130Js, and establishing a cyber warfare wing in Ohio.

The general highlighted the Guard’s economic value to today’s Air Force.

“With 20% of the aircraft, we conduct 94% of the homeland defense day-to-day mission, and we perform all mission sets the active duty does with only 7% of the budget,” Loh said. “We are the foundation for national defense, and we need help and advocacy to continue to make us a strong partner in this Total Force.”

The Guard’s “response to the events following January 6 was pretty amazing,” Bohac said. “We put 25,000 boots on the ground in our national capital within a week because the National Guard rallied on a moment’s notice.”

He said relationships are critical for Guard responses like this and countless others.

“It’s the relationships with our employers, our communities and most importantly, the families that enable us to do what we do for our nation and state,” he said. “Whether it’s Air Force Reserve or Air National Guard, without those relationships, without care and nurturing of those, we put the mission at risk.”

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WOMEN From Page 8

who welcome and accelerate these changes, and I look forward to deepening this important work alongside our Allies and partners.”

“One of our primary objectives in the Department is to better enable meaningful participation of women across the ranks of our Joint Force. Our national defense is stronger when we fully leverage the skills and capabilities of all our people to the maximum extent possible. That’s why when women in our Armed Forces can succeed, then our military is more likely to succeed, too,” said Beth Foster, Executive Director of Force Resiliency in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness.

“This past year, we have seen firsthand how applying Women, Peace, and Security principles to efforts such as Operation Allies Welcome enhances our military capabilities and better accounts for the safety and security of an entire affected population,” responded Brigadier General Rebecca Sonkiss, Deputy Director for Counter Threats and International Cooperation in the Joint Staff J5. “Integrating a gender perspective to inform our military strategy, plans, and operations is crucial to building a more resilient Joint Force, capable of identifying and addressing strategic and operational blind spots.”

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Thursday, March 17, 2022

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MACDILL THUNDERBOLT

COMMUNITY

EVENTS

Youth basketball registration open now – Apr. 8, 2022 Sign up at the youth center.

Open to ages 5-15 with current immunization records. Call 8287438 to register your child.

Bay Palms golf complex 2022 club championship, Mar. 19-20 8 a.m. shotgun both days. Open to patrons with access to base and amateurs only. Prizes awarded.

Lunch and drinks provided. Register by Friday, Mar. 18 at the golf course.

Teens night out, Mar. 25 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. calling all teens ages 13-18. Join us at the Youth Center the last Friday of every month for teen night out.

AirFest 2022, Mar. 25-27 10:30 a.m. on Fri. March 25th AirFest will begin as a Military only day. Gates open to the public at 8 a.m. Sat. – Sun. Bring the family and see the free airshow.

FroYo now available at the MacDill Lanes bowling center Grab a lane and a cup of frozen yogurt with your choice of toppings! The bowling center is open Wed. – Fri. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

6FSS is hiring in the following areas: u recreation u food service u hospitality u child and youth For job information, visit: https://macdillfss.com/open-jobs/ Find more events at: macdillfss.com

Go team!

U.S. Air Force photo

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. dropped the puck at Amalie Arena Friday to celebrate the United States Air Force 75th Birthday. We are so grateful for our community partners and the strong relationships we’ve built over the past 75 years.

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

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

Monday-Thursday Mass - 12:10 p.m.

www.macdill.af.mil/chapel

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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Thursday, March 17, 2022

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WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM

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WWW.MACDILLTHUNDERBOLT.COM

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Thursday, March 17, 2022

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MACDILL THUNDERBOLT